After a busy summer, the Forks Chamber of Commerce resumed regular meetings last Wednesday, featuring Forks Community Hospital CEO Heidi Anderson as the guest speaker. Anderson provided an in-depth look at the hospital’s recent advancements and the challenges ahead, as well as some news about the future of healthcare services in the district.

Anderson began by highlighting the hospital’s successful adoption of the Epic electronic health record system and MyChart in June. “We were the third critical care hospital in the state to get on MyChart,” Anderson said. The new system allows patients to access a range of services online, including viewing images, refilling prescriptions, pre-check-in for appointments, and paying bills. She encouraged the community to reach out if they encountered any issues with the new system, adding, “If refills, etc., are not working, I want to hear about it.”

Anderson acknowledged that the transition has required some adjustment from staff. “Our providers are adapting to the change,” she said. However, she noted one key limitation: “If the internet is down, we are down. We are working on some sort of backup program to address this.”

Among the most pressing issues at the hospital is the state of its mammography machine, which has been out of service due to it age. The estimated cost to repair the machine is $50,000. “We signed an intent to purchase a new one last year, but the power outages have taken a toll on the equipment,” Anderson explained. The hospital is currently exploring options, including renting a temporary machine while raising funds for a permanent solution. The hospital foundation has been fundraising, and Anderson is pursuing a grant. Citizens interested in helping can make donations via the hospital’s website.

In addition to equipment challenges, Anderson announced that two longtime healthcare providers, Dr. Lyons and family nurse practitioner Donna West, will soon retire. Dr. Lyons is set to retire in December, followed by West in January. The hospital is actively interviewing for a new mid-level provider for Clallam Bay to ensure continuity of care.

Looking ahead, Anderson outlined several goals for the hospital’s clinics, aiming for providers to see 16 patients a day in 20-minute appointments. She also shared plans for launching a pilot program for palliative care, as Assured Hospice is not active on the West End. Additionally, the hospital is working with EMTs to conduct safety checks in homes, particularly looking for potential hazards like tripping risks and ensuring proper bathroom accessibility.

Financially, the hospital is in “holding its own.” Anderson described the situation as “touch and go,” at times …noting that staffing costs are the main challenge. “For years, the hospital did not invest in capital projects, and we are still paying for that,” she said. However, she emphasized the importance of being cost-conscious and ensuring staff are compensated fairly.

One of the key issues identified in a recent financial assessment was the hospital’s long-term care division, which had been losing money and affecting the hospital financially. Anderson also shared that the hospital’s OB department remains closed, a situation that will persist until the hospital stabilizes financially.

Despite the challenges, Anderson expressed optimism about the hospital’s future. “The future is bright, but we have some rough waters to get through,” she said. Plans are underway to expand telehealth services, including adding tele-dermatology and tele-cardiology options, as well as offering in-clinic telehealth appointments for patients.

The healthcare industry nationwide is facing tough times, Anderson pointed out, with 700 hospitals closing across the country—10 of them in Washington State. “It’s a constant battle,” she said, but Forks Community Hospital remains focused on adapting to the evolving needs of its community while staying financially viable.

In a final note, Anderson mentioned a hospital newsletter that has been in the works for a year, with plans to distribute it to residents of the hospital district in mid-November. The newsletter will provide updates on hospital services and important news, ensuring that the community stays informed about the hospital’s efforts and achievements.