Whatcom Deserves a Public Hospital
We are worth it. Whatcom County residents deserve a hospital or a network of clinics that works more closely in tune with the people. It may be a long term project but we can build momentum.
Rome wasn't built in a day. If you plan for Whatcom's future, plan for a public hospital.
Any implementation of a public hospital or network of clinics must be wide open for discussion and analysis. It would be a subject of democratic processes. It would be ours.
We don't have a public hospital?
Except for the Point Roberts Public Hospital District we do not. We primarily have PeaceHealth which is described as a private and religious institution.
Also, some residents in the far east area of the county in voter precint 178 are part of hospital district 304 based out of Skagit County.
What kind of hospital do you mean?
More specifically a Public Hospital District. This could take many forms in practice. To the website author it just makes sense to call the district a hospital for conversation and this website.
There are a few possibilities:
- A hospital, a larger one
- A hospital, a smaller one
- A series of clinics, such as one in the rural county and one in Bellingham
- Any variety of services the county wants
Who else has advocated for a Public Hospital District in Whatcom County?
The Whatcom Democrats 2024/2025 include it as one item in their platform: "Support creation of a Public Hospital District to fund a public hospital and increase healthcare options in Whatcom County, which currently has only one hospital."
Whatcom DSA passed a resolution supporting the creation of a public hospital district Oct 10 2024
Whatcom DSA has also advocated for a public hospital in the past in 2020
Looking towards the future, inspiration from precedent
A Public Hospital District (PHD) is a method available under Washington State Law for the county to own and operate hospitals and other health care facilities or services for the residents of such districts and visitors.
Indeed, the Public Hospital District concept is not totally new in Washington State and comes from 1945. Just one county over in Skagit County are several Public Hospital Districts. Today, nearly one-half of Washington's 90 hospitals are part of public hospital districts1.
References
What are some alternatives?
Kind of a big topic...
More Community Health Centres? Some of which already operate in our area.
Bigger Monopolies? I.e no alternative. Basically the current situation.
What are your plans?
Build strength to support a policy for a Public Hospital District in Whatcom County that could grow and adapt for our County
Accounting for growth, change and need
Growth is another opportunity to shape the future of our county for the better. A Public Hospital District could adapt and augment to meet the needs of the county. Whatcom County is apparently "bracing for 30% population growth over 20 years" -- surely some of the growth can be accomodated for by a Public Hospital District rather than a monopoly.
A pro-active policy accounting for growth could help ensure care for our residents and visitors that is more independent. This would require broad public input and research but it would be worth it.
Better Off Public: Quality of Care
PeaceHealth comes at a cost. PeaceHealth has made cuts to services and made a push for providers to see more patients1.
Additionally, PeaceHealth billed thousands of low-income patients without notifying them that they were likely eligible for financial assistance with their hospital bills2.
A public hospital or network of clinics could be more responsive and would be much more connected to community. As Whatcom grows we should be prepared for a public future: a Hospital or a network of Clinics.
References
1Cascadia Daily News: Frustration with PeaceHealth has become a political issue - October 2, 2023
Better Off Public: Freedom of Religion in Healthcare
Promote freedom of expression and protections for more diversity within healthcare by providing a public hospital or network of clinics as an option. This includes for those of different faiths, denominations and secular people alike than just currently promoted by Saint Josephs Hospital as the only one in the county.
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Learn more background
A post sponsored by PeaceHealth about the history of hospitals in the area.
A video about Public Hospital Districts by the Association of WA Public Hospital Districts.
A video titled #Gov101: Public Hospital Districts by the Washington State Auditor’s Office.
An article "What do you know about Public Hospital Districts?" by the Salish Current
Contact with your thoughts on a Public Hospital in Whatcom County
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Accessibility Statement
Accessibility Statement for Whatcom Public Hospital
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