PORT TOWNSEND — Candidates for the Jefferson Healthcare hospital’s board disagreed on the availability of medical care during a debate last week.
At the same time, both incumbent Kathy Hill — a weight coach with Weight Watchers of North America, who has served for 20 years in Position 4 on the Jefferson County Hospital District board — and challenger Mari Dressler — a retired registered nurse — told the 50 people at Thursday night’s forum at the Port Townsend Masonic Lodge that they want to continue to work as advocates for health care.
Hill, 64, of Port Townsend said she looks forward to continuing to lobby for Jefferson County’s “small, rural hospital” on a national level.
“I’m most proud of what I’ve done meeting with congressmen and senators,” Hill said.
“I love my job, and I love the satisfaction I get when representing Jefferson Healthcare.”
Dressler, 63, also of Port Townsend said she hopes to continue her career in health care by becoming an advocate, not just for patients, but for all of Jefferson County.
“I’ve been an advocate for my patients for 26 years,” Dressler said.
“I still have the energy, passion and commitment to continue — but for the entire county.”
Patient access
The two expressed different views on patient access to care.
Dressler said her focus for change at the hospital would be to improve patient access to health care providers and to improve the available cash on hand at the hospital.
“I have heard from many people that it is difficult for them to get in to see their doctor,” she said. “I want to help improve access to quality patient care.”
Hill said that, on the contrary, the district has made great strides in improving practitioner availability in the last few years.
“I disagree there is an issue with access,” she said.
“Our physicians currently see all comers, and all our clinics and doctors are currently accepting patients.
“[During my time on the board] we have extended hours and we have been working on improving access for the past six years.”
Cash on hand
Dressler said that only 35 days worth of cash is on hand at the hospital currently, and she would like to see that increased to 58 days worth.
“It becomes a problem if there are issues with Medicare reimbursement, and I want to see us get on a better footing financially,” she said.
Hill also said that the board has a plan in place to increase cash on hand incrementally each year, until the hospital is up to 58 days worth.
When asked what they wanted to see at the end of their term should they be elected, both painted a picture of improved service and technology.
“I want to see a greater amount of specialists,” Dressler said, “also for residents in Brinnon, Quilcene, Coyle and Gardiner to get more service.
“Currently they see very little for their money.”
Hill said she wants to see more technology and collaboration.
“I want to see them talking about the collaboration in a medical home model,” she said, “a model headed by physicians, nurses and practitioners.
“I want to see more programs like that and the collaborations we have with Swedish [Medical center in Seattle], the clot busting program and the hospitalist program.
“It’s an exciting time to be in healthcare.”
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Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@peninsuladailynews.com.