Volume 11, Issue 3 January 30, 2004
In This Corner by Jon D. Smiley, C.E.O.
The current session of the Washington State Legislature is, as always, faced with some tough issues. One that is of great interest to all of in healthcare is the cost of liability insurance in this state.
Earlier this week I had an opportunity to present some of the facts before a state government liability insurance forum. The high costs we are seeing in providing malpractice liability coverage are effecting the ability of Washington's doctors and hospitals to continue to provide health care.
The medical industry has been after the State of Washington to pass reforms to our liability laws for nearly a decade. Known as "torte reform" the changes that are proposed are something long over due in Washington State. Even though other woes have plagued the State of California, the healthcare business is improving there because of the passage of liability reform.
What the legislature needs to do.
1. Place a $250,000 limit on the amount of non-economic damages can be awarded in a liability suit. Some juries around the country have been known to award millions in non-economic damages for "pain and suffering".
2. Change the state joint and several liability law so the monetary amount a defendant in a malpractice action is responsible for matches the actual portion of fault of that defendant. (Often those perceived to have the "deepest pockets" are expected to pay more, regardless of their involvement.)
3. Hospitals want collateral payments made to plaintiffs - such as health or other insurance settlements - disclosed to a jury during a trial.
4. Hospitals propose periodic payments after a malpractice verdict rather than a lump sum payment.
5. The hospitals also support clarification of state law to ensure hospitals are not held liable for the negligence of physicians or other independent contractors now employed by the hospital.
Please join me in keeping an eye on Olympia and supporting this much needed reform. It will improve our ability to recruit new doctors to this state. It will also improve the availability of every doctor and hospital to do business successfully.
*Nursing Notes
Congratulations to Bethelle Wong-Abringe
on her passing of NCLEX and becoming a Registered Nurse. Bethelle began training for ICU/CCU on January 26th.
She stated she was very happy and thanked all who participated in helping
her achieve her goal of coming to the USA and becoming an RN.
Special thanks to all of the staff and Managers who
participated in the preparation and actual survey process for Licensing and
Critical Access Hospital. The
corrections are into the state and accepted on the
The Maintenance and Environmental Services deserve
special thanks for the
In ICU Agnes Ampil, Vivian Geangan have both completed their ICU Residency and are now Primary ICU RN's. Also Tina Glockner and Bethelle Abringe are the newest ICU trainee's. Tina will be training on nights with Joanne Young and Bethelle on days with Ruth Barry.
*Contributed by Linda Garner, DNS, and others.
CPR Schedule for February and March
If you have a spring birthday plan now ahead and get your CPR update early this year. To avoid overcrowding please attend a class during your birthday month or the month prior to your annual evaluation. Also, it is important to note your CPR achievement on your continuing education record. If you have questions contact your department manager or Gabriella Barker, Education Coordinator.
February 11 Health Care Provider Class 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
February 25 Heart Savers Class 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
March 10 Health Care Provider Class 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
March 31 Heart Savers Class 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m
Big Plans for
Valentine's Day 
Food Services will be holding a banana split/sundae event in honor of Valentine's Day on Friday, February 13th. (Talk about a lucky day!) This will be open to all employees & volunteers from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Those folks working night shift will find sundae fixings waiting for them in the Nursing Lounge.
The Auxiliary Gift Shop is also ready to go for Valentine's Day shoppers. Lots of new items are on hand, and they want to remind you that proceeds from sales in the Gift Shop are used to fund the annual healthcare scholarships awarded by the Auxiliary.
New Employee Orientation - February
New Employee Orientation will be held next week. These employees are scheduled to be part of the orientation. Please make them feel welcome. (Photo will in the next edition.)
Elizabeth Messersmith, RN, Emergency Dept., Victoria Caballero, Registration Clerk, Julieanne Massey, Social Worker, Tonya Baldwin, Registered Nurse, Family Birth Center, Clara Bucio, NAC, Family Birth Center, Bethelle Abringe, RN, ICU - Day two only.
We also welcome Dr. Sandra Wilson. Dr. Wilson is working in Internal Medicine for the next few weeks at the hospital and at Valley Internal Medicine with Dr. Coke Smith.
Auxiliary Art Sale Successful
Fundraising for healthcare scholarships and other needs of the hospital is a year around job for the SCH Auxiliary. Recently the Auxiliary hosted an art sale. As the pictures below will illustrate. There was lots to choose from, and many many shoppers.
The Auxiliary thanks you for being part of their efforts to improve healthcare in the Lower Valley. (Remember: click on image for larger version of the photo.)
Standards of Performance
Our hospital staff members are asked to sign a commitment to a standards of performance. If you don't remember that - click here and revisit what it means.
Visitor Policy Updated
The hospital has updated the visitor policy. Whether staff member or hospital visitor you can follow these links to view the policy in English and in Spanish.