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.
San Juan County Public Hospital District #1 regular meeting Dec. 14
Evan Perrollaz, Village at the Harbor Administrator, gave a summary of the year’s progress.
There is a waiting list for residents and the facility is fully staffed. It has been a transition period, with the PHD’s acquisition in February, and he welcomes his new position teaming up with PHD employees and commissioners. Village nurses and other employees have been engaged in training, including nurses’ state training and cross-training for medical technicians and caregivers. Future training will include joint participation with EMS and the Sheriff’s Office in active shooter drills.
Residents’ isolation during COVID was a big concern, and friends and family were finally able to visit this fall. Use of the concierge program is growing, with library visits and a group to the community theatre Fortunately, only two residents had COVID since March 2020.
Perrollaz noted that the respite program has been successful, serving individuals recovering from surgery and others needing a short stay. The remodeling project is on track for the second quarter, perhaps in April pending supply chain limitations.
The long process of Medicaid certification is ongoing, with the goal of receipt early next year.
PHD Supervisor Nathan Butler EMS report
The coming year will see a big operational change with paramedics staying in the station for their shifts. Also, there will be a major PHD reorganization, with PHD employee Hannah Johnson designated as HR specialist, and Steve Wambganss heading up a Finance Department. The sheriff’s boat is back in service, important in winter weather when medivac flights can’t operate. Current finances for the Village/PHD/EMS are stable. Assistant EMS Chief TJ Bishop reported an average of five EMS calls per day. With the year’s recent changes, PHD has developed a new set of integrated policies and procedures to include PHD, Village residents’ rights, and EMS.
After discussion, the Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt. Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a new contract for Supervisor Butler.
The need to update the PHD Code of Ethics was noted and will be addressed next year.
