Editor,

I’ve been an avid supporter of Whidbey General Hospital since before it was built. I’m in awe of the foresight and commitment it took to come up with the vision and make it a reality. I have a very strong commitment to its continued success. But as I visit with people around the island during this campaign season, I find there are a number of misconceptions about the Whidbey General health system and, as it impacts my candidacy as hospital commissioner, I’d like to offer a little information.

Many people don’t understand that Whidbey General Hospital is really the hospital plus five primary care clinics and two surgery clinics, the EMTs and emergency department, physical therapy and rehabilitation, chronic care, home care and hospice. All the doctors, nurses and staff within these operations are “hospital” employees. We also have independent doctors and clinics that are affiliated with the hospital. When we think of Whidbey General we need to understand, for all intents and purposes, we are health care on Whidbey Island. And it is my mission to provide the finest care possible.

Health care is a moving target. We are very aggressive about planning for change and, when it comes, we are ready. We just finished a huge computer medical records conversion that was mandated under the federal Affordable Care Act. In other hospital districts, they went out to the voters with tax levies to raise the money to pay for the conversion. Other districts borrowed the money. WGH did neither. We were ready, we had saved up the cash, and we accomplished it without asking taxpayers for more money and without debt. Because WGH carries very little debt, we are in an excellent financial position.

Since I came on the board four years ago, I have worked to reform the presentation of information so that it is timely, accurate, and paints a picture non-accountants can understand. I know what to look for, I know the questions to ask and I have over 30 years professional experience in financial analysis.

I’m here. I’m trained. I’m experienced. I’m making a difference.

GEORGIA GARDNER

Coupeville