Last month, I had the privilege of going behind the scenes at Three Rivers Hospital in Brewster. The hospital’s COO, Jamie Boyer, gave me a tour of the facility. She also provided me with answers to questions I had submitted beforehand. They were answered by Boyer, Jennifer Munson, the hospital’s Chief Financial Officer, and Jennifer Best, Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator for the hospital.
Three Rivers Hospital opened with 12 beds on January 12, 1949.…
An comprehensive study which I personally reviewed of the county hospitals was completed about 20+ years ago and the recommendation at that time was to consolidate all three hospitals in a central location which was in the area of Mid Valley Hospital. With all the overhead costs and duplicated services it was determined that the Brewster Hospital be closed. This study was NOT what the administration of the hospital wanted to hear so the study was quietly head in the closet. This recommendation is even more sound today as the costs have only continued to rise. I would encourage the voters to become much more informed on the matter and STOP funding this entity! Thanks to the Methow Valley Examiner for providing the Q&A on the matter..
Paul, Did the study identify what would be the course if Loup Loup was closed due to fire or heavy snow and ice? What would be the impact of the extra time needed to go around the pass? The population in the valley has grown in the past 20 years and I’m wondering what the current recommendation would be.
The study was based solely on the financial aspect as to the hospitals. I feel that the very small percent of time the Loup Loup could be closed does not warrant the additional expenses of duplicate services. Looking back as long term resident of the valley, I have seen the pass closed several times. Passed heavy snow storms, the 2014 fire and the major washout. Usually the pass opened in a day, except with the wash out, which last several weeks. Also when the study was done we didn’t have the med-flights as we do today with both fixed wing and helicopters serving the valley.