Submitted by the League of Women Voters, Observer Corps.

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization encourages informed participation in government. The Observer Corps attends and takes notes at government meetings to expand public understanding of public policy and decisions. The notes do not necessarily reflect the views of the League or its members.

Public Hospital District #1 regular meeting Feb. 22

Called to order at 5:35 p.m. This was the first in-person meeting of the Commissioners in three years, held at the PHD office at 849 Spring Street, # B5; a hybrid option for remote attendance was available.

Semi-annual report from Peace Island Medical Center: Dan Philpott and Theresa Loya, Peace Health representatives, presented the report for the July 1 – Dec. 31 period. This report is pursuant to the subsidy contract between Peace Health and PHD #1. Loya reported that mammography services have increased so there are now two days a week available. Philpott noted that clinic visit numbers dropped due to a change in calculations based on billing, only counting visits in which evaluations were performed, and not counting visits for lab tests, for example. Prior counts were of clinic arrivals only. ER visits were higher for this period, following usual patterns that include summer months. Inpatient levels were also up this period. Imaging services picked up during this period because of increase in MRI availability. Patient origin: 87% in the PHD district, seven % in San Juan County, six % outside county. Total PH services resulted in a 3.62% cash flow with PHD subsidy. Quality report: meeting all target measures. Quality Management system monitor patient experience, need to provide adequate access to care. The phone system has been a challenge, with wait times and difficulties navigating the system, and Peace Health is working on it. Commissioner Loring noted that this is a significant problem. COVID: throughout the entire pandemic period, there have been no hospital-acquired COVID infections. The staff has been particularly diligent with protective gear. There was some uptick in reported COVID and respiratory illnesses in December, consistent with other hospital/medical facilities.

Recently, PIMC healthcare workers had a safety forum with local law enforcement, with reviews of restricted access, procedures for active shooter drills, and lighting in the parking lot. There is now a security officer on-site Thursday through Monday, 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., when activity and staffing is lower. Loya noted that there are high satisfaction rates for outpatient surgery services. PIMC celebrated its Ten year Anniversary Nov. 17. Loya reported that PIMC received a national award from Press Ganey for excellence in service, the sixth year in a row.

Commissioner Trish Lehman noted to Loya and Philpott that there is a big need for urgent care.

Evan Perrollaz, Administrator of Village at the Harbor report: [Note: due to failure of remote access signal some of Perrollaz’s report is missing] There has been some misunderstanding as to what is the scope of assisted living available at the Village. Some transport is available, but not 24-hour service. It continues to be a frustrating process to get a Medicaid license for additional beds in the Village, including but not limited to, delays in processing paperwork and adding mailboxes so that residents have a specific address.

EMS report from PHD Supervisor Nathan Butler:

EMS going well.

Chief Bishop is continuing an excellent series of training classes, including the treatment of pediatric patients. Supervisor Butler attended ambulance services training in Kansas City KS. The new radio system works well, resulting in superior communication.

He noted the ongoing problem of not enough room in the station bays for two full-size ambulances. Morale is high. Tight budget until levy funds come in April, which are part of normal budget process. In house medics system is going well with the added amenities to the residential area.

Code of Ethics update: Commissioners Anna Lisa Lindstrum and Kyle Loring are working on updating COA, and adding changes to terminology.