Hospital Board Members
Everett Lutjemeier, Jennifer Dague, Ted Lillie, Ewald Ohlde, Jodi Ouellette
Jim Smart, Chairman of Steering Committee Real Estate Broker|Retired Veterinarian Jim Kier, Business Owner Dr. Hodgson, Medical Doctor Lila Keesecker, Business Owner Jennifer Dague, Teacher and Business Owner |
Darlene Gauby, Hearts and Things Member Lori Huber, KSDS Foundation Member Lisa Voelker, EMT Director -- Linn Mary Oelschlager, Registered Nurse -- Health Department Jodi Ouellette, EMT Trainer |
The current Washington County Hospital was opened in 1952. Recent new requirements, opportunities and changing demographics require that some action must be taken to maintain current levels of care that are available to our local communities. Additionally, state law mandates that in an accident or critical emergency situation, the ambulance must deliver the patient to the nearest critical access hospital. Washington County Hospital is that hospital for most county residents.
A steering committee has been formed to assess the best course of action to meet the needs of the communities of Washington County. The first course of action being researched by the committee is to construct a new hospital building. What follows is the discussion of some aspects that have been addressed by the steering committee.
Proposed Site:
The committee would select a location
that would be advantageous to expanding supporting activities nearby, such as
for an assisted living facility, expanded retirement living, or a wellness
center. It would also provide a safe
landing zone clear of wire, trees and utility poles for emergency air
ambulances.
Cost will depend on the extent of services offered at a new facility. It is hoped that 80% of the cost could be covered by Medicare. Firms that specialize in building these types of facilities may also aid in recognizing cost saving measures. Additionally, some of the equipment in the current building could be transferred to the new building.
Advantages to a New Hospital Building:
The most important goal for a new
building is in long term physician recruitment. Younger/New doctors are learning techniques and use equipment not
currently supported in our existing facility.
Newer up-to-date facilities with supporting equipment and services readily available would help attract physicians, nurses and other health care providers to our area. This is an important local resource for all the communities in Washington County.
Statistically nationwide, hospitals and the activities and industries that are related to them account for around 20% of a local economy. Expanding services and improving our local facilities would be a mechanism for local job creation. Adding specialists in the fields of Hearing, Ophthalmology (for cataract surgery), and Ear-Nose-Throat would add to the variety and quality of employment positions available in Washington County, and at the same time, improve the health and quality of life for our local citizens.
X-rays and Mammograms are currently available at our hospital. MRI and CT scanning are currently available through a mobile unit that visits on a routine basis. A new facility could allow for these services to be located on site, with the opportunity for services such as sonograms to be added as well.
A new facility would recognize cost savings by implementing the use of new energy efficient technologies for heating, cooling, lighting, wiring and insulation and also add to patient comfort, and better working environment for staff.
Required updates by state agencies, such as a sprinkler system, would be built into the new facility.
Outpatient services could be improved and a separate outpatient area designed so that out-patient clients would not have contact with hospital patients and would allow for better management of privacy related concerns.
The new facility would be designed to aid compliance with HIPAA regulations.
A clear landing zone for emergency air ambulance would improve the safety of patients, health care providers and pilots.
Problems with Current Site:
Efficiency is minimal.
The heater was coal fired and has been converted to natural gas. It is not easily turned on and off and so has committed seasonal dates. A cold snap outside the on and off period is not easily addressed adding to discomfort by patients and staff. Some rooms have their own heating and cooling units while some are on the building system. Lighting improvements are needed as well and would contribute to energy efficiency savings.
There have been no recent upgrades to the structure since 1968. The roof is flat and solid; it should have some slope for drainage and weight shift, and as is, costs more in maintenance expense.
The wiring needs renovation. There are not enough outlets to support increasingly required equipment in rooms. Holes have been punched in some walls to allow for installation of phone lines and computer cables. TV reception in patient rooms and communication reception are not consistent within the building.
The state Fire Marshall has given the hospital three years to install a new sprinkler system. In the current building, the sprinkler pipes would be exposed, and would not be easily or cheaply installed.
There is a shortage of storage space for equipment and records. There is not enough work and office space for nurses and staff.
Feasibility and Financing:
There are many possible sources of funds for building a new
hospital. The steering committee will
research all possible avenues of funding to keep the burden to local taxpayers
to a minimum. Some possible sources of
funding might include:
Email comments or opinions on the feasibility of a new hospital to: Everett Lutjemeier, Hospital Administrator. (Everettl@nckcn.com).