Editor,

I read with interest your recent article on the potential purchase of Hospice of the Northwest by a for-profit hospice organization. The contrast between for-profit and not-for-profit hospice organizations has been an ongoing discussion for many years. I am not trying to resolve that dispute in this letter.

What concerned me more was the implication that Hospice of the Northwest was the only provider of hospice services on Whidbey Island. Nothing could be further from the truth. While I am certain that the 47 patients they have served on Whidbey Island this year have appreciated their services.

I am also certain that the more than 250 patients/families served by WhidbeyHealth Hospice in 2020 have received excellent care.

Despite the challenges of providing this care in the midst of a pandemic, we continue to be dedicated to patient care.

WhidbeyHealth Hospice is a Medicare-certified hospice established in 2014 that serves all of Whidbey Island and only Whidbey Island.

Our team members live here and are part of the community with a tremendous commitment to serving the end of life needs of their neighbors.

We pride ourselves on our ability to respond quickly to our patients’ needs. We have a full service hospice caring for people in their “home,” whether that is a facility, their home or that of a friend or family member.

The services mentioned in the article such as bereavement counselor, thanatology (music therapy), etc. are all available from WhidbeyHealth Hospice.

I am proud to have participated in creating a Medicare-certified hospice program at WhidbeyHealth and being its medical director.

On behalf of the entire team, we look forward to caring for our Whidbey Island neighbors.

J. Sanders, MD HMDC

Medical Director

WhidbeyHealth Hospice