Started by John Waugh
Oct 22, 2023

I posted recently about the language used by the Lopez Island Hospital District (LIHD) to present it's case for the Levy Lid Lift. I think I made the case, without biasing anyone as to how to vote, that the use of the word "regular" in the levy wording is incorrect and misleading. The word is not applicable to a levy fudge factor used in 2018 to set the initial LIHD dollar amount.

Regardless of the way one might vote, I truly wish the LIHD would not use what I see as scare tactics. The use of the word "regular" was just misleading, but the signs, examples shown here, I call scare tactics. If Proposition 1 doesn't pass, it doesn't mean PT and the clinic will go away. There might have to be restructuring and cost cutting. Perhaps we might have to go back to being a rural clinic, instead of an urban clinic as the UW demands. That would allow receiving quite a lot more dollars in Medicare payments.

There have been thought-out arguments on both sides of this topic, but IMHO the process is not helped by the kind of signage shown here. One of my earliest understandings of myself is that I refuse to live based on fear. My impression is that most Lopezians are similar. Without fear, decisions can be made in the heart. I trust Lopezians, and will respect whatever they decide with this vote...but please, stop with the fear tactics.

Comment by Corey Casper
Oct 25, 2023

I don't think it is incumbent on citizens to come up with alternatives to funding should the levy lift not pass; the hospital district commissioners are responsible for implementing the will of the people who elected them, whatever the results of the levy lift vote are. Cursory research (that unfortunately had to be undertaken by private citizens) has revealed a number of alternative solutions to providing healthcare services on the island in the presence or absence of a levy lift. These suggestions have received a tepid response when shared with the LIHDC, and the onus of proposing alternatives / solutions was placed entirely back on private citizens. Given that these conversations are extremely consequential and at loggerheads, an ombudsperson or facilitator would be welcome. I personally have provided suggestions for experts who could assist us in facilitating productive conversations, but it is unclear to me how this work would be supported or who would own it.

I would also add (in a thread about scare tactics) that it is not helpful to lay blame for a potential levy lift failure and subsequent potential healthcare crises on individual citizens or groups of citizens who raise concerns about healthcare services on Lopez. It is said that success has many parents but failure is an orphan...the circumstances that got us where we find ourselves is complex and is being addressed too late in my opinion, but it is good that the levy lift vote has been a forcing function to make us examine the issue. Failure is not an option for our fragile island with very few options to care for those who are sick or maintain the health of those who live here.

I respect and value the care provided in the UW clinic, our EMTs, our PT and pharmacists, and the private providers on the island who have been filling in gaps (and anyone else I may have omitted, as so many on the island are contributing to our community!). I understand that the hospital district commissioners are well intentioned and dealing with complex issues. My personal take on whether to vote for or against the levy lift is not relevant. I hope we can find a way to constructively work together to finance, oversee and make available at least a minimum set of health services for Lopezians.

Comment by Robert Buchholz
Oct 24, 2023

I think that your idea of an ombudsman is a good one. There is no process that cannot be improved and a neutral observer to hear both sides of an issue could go a long ways to resolve some of the issues heard in the Lopez community. Presently, there is a Stakeholders group consisting of representatives from UW Medicine, LIHD, LCHC, CWMA and YES meeting to di ... Read All

Comment by John Waugh
Oct 23, 2023

Thanks Bob. Your points are well made. I am not trying to impact the vote, but rather to make a point that methods were used that I don't feel are fair or open.

Lately I've heard various complaints about the workings of the clinic. Some of these have been aired on Lopez Rocks. These include ... Read All

Comment by Robert Buchholz
Oct 23, 2023

What is your vision for the Clinic and Physical Therapy after the Reserves are exhausted if there is no Levy Lift?

Comment by Robert Buchholz
Oct 23, 2023

The LIHD is not responsible for any of the signs on Lopez urging passage of Proposition #1.

The YES Committee for Healthcare on Lopez is responsible for creating, funding and placing the signs using pictures of the Clinic and Physical Therapy buildings. The photos shown in the initial LopezRocks pos ... Read All

Comment by Lopez Island Hospital District
Oct 23, 2023

To be clear, these signs were not created, authorized, or posted by Lopez Island Hospital District. Please refer to our latest meeting materials for both a power point presentation and a recorded video of that meeting for further information on Proposition #1 and projected expenses.

https://lopezisl ... Read All

Comment by Dan Post
Oct 22, 2023

At the Hospital District public meeting the board stated that they have a reserve of $600,000. So they can operate at current budgeting for several years. They will not shut down. But unfortunately scare tactics usually work.