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www.WhiDBEYNEWSTIMES.com Wednesday, June 19, 2013 • Whidbey News-Times
Nathan Whalen/Whidbey News-Times
Whidbey General Hospital employees spoke during a recent commissioner meeting about working conditions.
Photo provided
Employees from Whidbey Coffee visit Whidbey General Hospital while announcing a partnership with the hospital foundation to raise money for a breast MRI machine. Whidbey Coffee is matching dollar for dollar any contributions to a Whidbey General Hospital Foundation’s fundraising campaign.
Whidbey Coffee pledges matching funds for new breast MRI machine Whidbey Coffee announced Monday it is partnering with the Whidbey General Hospital Foundation in the fight against breast cancer. Whidbey Coffee said it will match dollar for dollar any contributions to the foundation’s Breast MRI Fundraising Campaign made during July 2013 at any of its Whidbey Island store locations in Clinton, Freeland and Oak Harbor. Hospital medical staff identified breast MRI scan and biopsy equipment as the missing diagnostic tools needed for a comprehensive breast program at Whidbey General. It is well-documented that a woman’s chances of survival are better if the cancer is detected early, before it spreads to other parts of the body. In fact, when breast cancer is found early and confined to the breast, the five-year rela-
tive survival rate today is 99 percent. Early detection is the key, according to health experts. Dan Ollis, president/owner of Whidbey Coffee said he was eager to help in the fight against cancer. “Whidbey Coffee has been a part of cancer fighting causes for years, and to have the opportunity to help my local hometown cuts straight to my heart,” he said. “I believe our customers will want to help us in getting the best tools available for Island women.” Whidbey Coffee will match its customers’ gifts up to $2,500, but reserves the right to raise the maximum matching limit. To learn more about the hospital foundation go to www.whidbeygen.org/wgh-foundation on the Internet.
Whidbey General Hospital staff speaks out on long hours, pay By Nathan Whalen Staff Reporter
A group of Whidbey General Hospital employees attended the June 10 hospital commissioner meeting to express concerns about long hours they work, often days at a time with no days off or no vacation, and their less-than-average wages. Around 40 people, many of whom work in the hospital’s laboratory, attended the monthly meeting to address the commissioners. “They are worthy of an increase in a cost of living and worthy of no reduction in benefits,” said Pat Lamont, who retired 10 days ago after working at Whidbey General Hospital for 38 years. She added that the management team is more concerned about numbers. Sue Landusky, who works
as a phlebotomist, said the lab lost staffing in recent months, and the hospital needs to hire higher qualified staff and retain current staff. Others spoke during the Monday evening hospital commissioner meeting claimed the average wages are $4 to $5 dollars less per hour than at other hospitals. They said employees are working an extended number of days without a time off or a vacation. The hospital’s laboratory is short staffed, they said. The lab has 31 employee currently working, which is seven employees short of a full staff. Whidbey General’s Chief Operating Officer Hank Hanigan said temporary workers are filling vacancies. Hospital CEO Tom Tomasino said he met with current staff to discuss
the situation and hospital’s recruiting efforts. Three new lab employees were hired and four more need to be found. Others attending advocated maintaining the continuing education reimbursement because of the high cost involved. Some employees must complete 40 hours of continuing education in order to maintain their license. One employee noted that a sixhour class cost $625. Hospital administrators re negotiating a new contract with the union that represents technicians and support staff — UFCW 21. Audience members were rankled by the more than 40-minute executive session hospital commissioners scheduled in the middle of the meeting to discuss potential litigation.
ObituarIES
Emily Anne Round
Emily Anne Round
Emily Anne Round born November 24, 1979 in Carson City, Nev. to Peggy Dodd of
Gardnerville, Nev. and Joe Round of Gardnerville, Nev. was taken at the young age of 33 to a tragic motorcycle accident on June 6, 2013. Emily who was living on Whidbey Island, Wash. after serving in the U.S. Navy as an Electronic Warfare Operator on the P3 Orion with Squadron 40, was currently attending college to become a radiology technician. While living on Whidbey she developed a family all her own and touched lives beyond words. Emily had a nurturing, loving and compassionate soul that gave so many others the guidance and love she knew they needed.
Emily had a talent for all things adventurous, from taking long rides with the Sportsbike Riders Club Northwest she was a member of, to kayaking, parachute jumping, basketball, hiking and skiing just to name a few. Emily had the determination to try anything and accomplish it with grace as well as taught others along the way. She knew life was too short and because of that she lived it to the fullest. Emily left behind parents Peggy and Mike Dodd and Joe and Donna Round, all of Gardnerville Nev., sisters Heather Redlark of Carson City, Nev., Tracy Round of Reno Nev., Lisa Round of
Anderson Calif. and Luanne Darr of Visalia, Calif. Brother James Redlark of Carson City, Nev. and step sisters, Michelle and Krissy Dodd of Seattle, Wash. and Michael Dodd Jr of Gardnerville, Nev. Emily also had nieces and nephews which were one of her many reasons for living, Jimmy and Derek Redlark of Carson City, Nev., Brittany Smallwood, Melissa and Vanessa Puentes all of Reno Nev., Anthony Round of Anderson, Calif. and Gabe and Grace Cunningham of Visalia, Calif. A celebration of life is being planned and will be announced soon. The family asks that instead of flowers or gifts in
memory of Emily live your life to the fullest and touch others hearts around you just as she did. Never let a day go by where you don’t tell someone you love them as you may never get the chance to do it again.
Miles Durkee Miles Durkee, age 91, died on June 7, 2013. Miles was a retired U.S. Navy Air Traffic Controller. He is survived by his wife Mary and three sons: Steven, Mark and Michael. Arrangements are entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home & Cremation, LLC of Oak Harbor.
Richard Thiesfeld
Richard Thiesfeld, long time Coupeville resident, died suddenly on Sunday, June 16. Funeral services are pending. Arrangements are pending with Wallin Funeral Home & Cremation, LLC.
Need to place an obituary? n E-mail to obits@ whidbeynewsgroup.com or call 360-675-6611 for information about placing obituaries.