SCOPE magazine December 2005

December 2005

Where caring counts. Feel the difference.

TM

Vol. 21

No. 4

SCOPE Publication of Public Hospital District No. 1

Hospital Re-designated Level Four Trauma Facility Again

Healing Arts at MGH

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Some of Mason County’s heroes!

Mason General Hospital recently completed the Washington State Department of Health’s (DOH) re-designation for a Level Four Trauma Facility.

“This was a very intense application that requires many high standards in order to obtain designation,” said Cheryl Ann Graf, ARNP, MSN and MBA, emergency department (ED) director. “This re-designation is very important to the citizens of Mason County as it is another level of quality

Airlift Northwest. care that is offered daily at Mason General Hospital.”

Mason General Hospital’s Level Four designation allows initial resuscitation and stabilization of trauma patients.

This designation means that all emergency department physicians are Continued on back page…

Bond Refinanced to Save Tax Dollars The governing body of Mason General Hospital, Public Hospital District No.1 Board of Commissioners, refinanced the tax-supported construction bond for MGH in September. The original bond was levied in 1990 for $10.5 million to remodel and add more than 29,000 square feet to MGH. The levy will drop from 21 cents to 14 cents per $1,000 of property value. “The refinancing allows us to reduce the taxes supporting the bond by 33 percent,” said Don Wilson, president of the threeperson commission. “This is a huge benefit to the taxpayers of Mason County.”

The MGH Arts Commission presented the hospital with a new piece of medical-themed art sculpture in September. The creator, Ted Hasher, a local artist, developed it specifically for MGH. The caring and compassionate artwork depicts the interaction between a physician and his small patient and her doll. The timeless piece will greet visitors, patients and employees as they progress through the hospital. It is the interest of the Arts Commission to create a healing environment with art. Pictured here with the art is Eric Moll, CFO at MGH; Peg Stock, member of the Arts Commission; and Diane Stillman, R.N., COO at MGH.

What’s Inside: 2 3 4 5 7 8

Before Having Blood Drawn…

Bird Flu Rapid Response Team Fantasy Forest Two Physicians Added at Belfair Treasures’ Auction Gives to Fund

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T W O

SCOPE Hospitals and Physicians Launch Effort to Educate Patients Effort Aimed at Improving Patient Safety & Quality of Care As part of the ongoing efforts to improve patient safety in Washington, the Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) and the Washington State Medical Association (WSMA) created and distributed educational tools for patients about their role in safe medical care. A copy of the brochure is available on MGH’s website at www.masongeneral.com.

“Patients play a critical role in patient safety,” said Bob Appel, CEO of MGH. “The brochure will give patients information they need to be active, informed participants in their health care.”

The brochure, titled “Help Us Help You: Your Role in Safe Care,” gives patients six tips on improving their care. These straightforward tips are designed to empower patients to be active participants in their medical care.

The six straightforward tips are: ■ Ask questions if you have doubts or concerns.

■ Involve your loved ones.

■ Know your medications and supplements.

■ Help prevent the spread of infection.

■ Understand what will happen if you need surgery.

■ Know what to do after you are discharged from the hospital.

Do a Physician Search at www.masongeneral.com

Guild Helps Fund Monitor Sherwood Hospital Guild donated $12,000 towards the purchase of a portable vital statistics monitor for the MGH emergency department. The monies came from four years of the Guild’s “Cooking with Xinh” April fundraiser. Another fundraiser is planned for this April, 2006. Taking a look at the new monitor are (l-r) Peg Stock, Sherwood Guild; Karen Nyara, R.N., emergency nurse; Lin Reber, Sherwood Guild; Terri Gushee, BSN, R.N., trauma coordinator and emergency nurse; and Judy Stark, Sherwood Guild.

Before Having Your Blood Drawn…

Many laboratory test results are affected by recent consumption of food or drink.

Clinical guidelines require that patients fast for lipid testing (Cholesterol, Triglyceride, HDL, LDL) and suggest that patients fast for Glucose tests and most Glucose-tolerance testing. Physicians may also require fasting.

If your physician has requested a fast before testing, you need to go without caloric food or drink for 8-12 hours before having your blood drawn. If you plan to have your blood drawn at 8 a.m., eat something between 8 p.m. and midnight on the day before your test. Many people like to have an evening snack and it is important to have that little snack, as some test results can be affected if you fast for more than 12 hours.

In the morning, you can have water, black coffee or tea, and you can brush your teeth. You should also take your medications, unless your physician tells you not to.

The time of day that lab tests are drawn can also affect some tests, as certain tests have different levels at different times of the day. The following tests are known to have this variation and should be taken in the morning, generally between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m: • • • •

Acid Phosphatase Adrenocorticotropin Aldosterone Catecholamine

• FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) • Gastrin • Growth Hormone • Iron

• LH (Luteinizing Hormone) • Progesterone • Prolactin • Testosterone

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T H R E E

SCOPE Avian (Bird) Flu What You Need To Know

by Diana Yu, M.D., Mason County health officer

Every year, from December to April, we have the influenza season. Flu is spread from person to person by coughing or sneezing. To prevent the flu, everyone is advised to cover their cough, wash their hands and get their flu shot, when available.

When a new influenza virus appears around the world, and it can be spread from person to person—that is when we say there is a pandemic.

Local Ham Radio Operators – Vital Link in Disaster Preparedness

Avian Flu Avian influenza (bird flu or H5N1) usually infects birds but can sometimes infect humans who are in close contact with birds. There is a concern that the virus could change and become contagious from human to human This could start a flu pandemic; however, there is no immediate threat of a flu pandemic in the USA at this time.

Flu Vaccine Flu vaccines have to be made specifically for a particular strain of virus. That is why the vaccine for each flu season is different. Because a “pandemic” strain is a new virus, it will take a year or two to make a vaccine against it.

Anti-viral medication - Tamiflu® Anti-viral medication can be effective in preventing the flu or making it a milder disease. It is prescribed sometimes for persons at high risk of complication from the flu. Public health officials are urging people not to keep personal stockpiles of these drugs. To help ensure that these medications are available and used appropriately, public health workers and health care providers must be in a position to manage available supplies of these drugs. Indiscriminate and inappropriate use of these drugs may promote the development of resistant viruses.

Prevention Make sure you get your annual flu shot. This will not protect you against the Avian flu but it will protect you against the regular flu likely to be around this year. Cover your cough. Make sure you wash your hands frequently. Stay home from work or school and avoid crowded places when you are sick.

Ham radio operators, members of the Mason County ARES/RACES Medical Services Communications Net, volunteer their time and expertise to be available around-the-clock to assist and support communications in the event of a disaster.

Pictured above are (centered with microphones) (l-r) Kevin Jones and Omer Fournier, local ham radio leaders, testing the recently purchased and installed ham radio equipment for MGH, funded by Homeland Security grant funds. Joining them are Sue Barwick, R.N., CDE, and MGH’s local Disaster Committee chairperson, and David Pearch, MGH’s safety officer.

“Our county’s disaster program couldn’t do this without the aid of these local ham operators,” said Mrs. Barwick.

“We applaud their behind-the-scenes weekly testing and preparation work which is done by a team of approximately nineteen volunteers.” The local ham radio operators participate in national, state and local testing as well as in real disasters. In addition, many volunteers carry radios and cell phones to improve their accessibility around-the clock!

“We are so grateful for the service provided by this dedicated group of volunteers,” added Mrs. Barwick.

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SCOPE Hospital Implementing “Rapid Response Team” to Improve Patient Safety The Rapid Response Team intervenes with fragile patients in danger of cardiac or respiratory arrest. The team is made up of a critical care charge nurse and a respiratory therapist who responds to a call from nurses from any area of MGH who are concerned about a patient’s condition. The response of the team allows the nurse to confer with the physician concerning ongoing and emergent care. This is a team strategy to improve patient safety.

The motto is, ‘Call early, call often”, said Tom DiDonna, R.N., chairperson for the CPR Committee at Mason General Hospital.

Rapid Response teams, as they often are called, are springing up in U.S. hospitals as a way to reduce preventable deaths. They are one ingredient in a sixpoint improvement menu that hospitals are adopting voluntarily in response to the landmark “Institute of Medicine” report that said up to 98,000 patients die each year because of medical errors.

The institute is leading a national “100K Lives Campaign” aimed at saving 100,000 patient lives per year. MGH is a part of this program.

“Patients don’t just, all of the sudden, quit breathing,” DiDonna said. “There are warning signs. If we are alerted to and respond to the early warning signs that the patient exhibits, we can prevent unnecessary deaths.”

“A challenge for hospitals is tapping sufficient staff to dedicate to the rapid response teams, 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” DiDonna said. “Mason General Hospital is dedicated to making the rapid response team work for the safety of all the patients in our hospital.”

The Institute for Healthcare Improvement also encourages hospitals to follow some or all of the six recommendations in the campaign to save patients’ lives.

The recommendations also include improved care for patients with heart attacks and steps to reduce medication errors, infections at surgical sites, blood infections and pneumonia from ventilator usage.

Mason General Hospital has implemented strategies to improve heart attack care, eliminate medication errors, surgical site infections, blood infections and ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Exercise Blunts Effects of Aging Most seniors age 70 and over eventually begin to develop problems walking, climbing stairs and handling daily activities, but those who exercise regularly are much less likely to suffer loss of mobility. A study of 3,075 subjects aged 70 to 79 published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, found that "physical activity in old age is as important as taking your medications" in maintaining mobility and independence.

At the beginning of the study, most subjects had no trouble walking a quarter mile or climbing 10 steps. Afler four and a half years, 34 percent of the men and 47 percent of the women were experiencing difficulty, but the most active exercisers were only half as likely as the most sedentary to have mobility problems. [SOURCE: "To Stay Mobile, Keep on the Move," Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter," September, 2005]

Tournament Donates The Alderbrook Men and Women’s Club held a “Men vs. Women Golf Tournament” at Alderbrook Golf and Yacht Club in September.

Proceeds of $2,000 went to the Mason General Hospital Foundation’s Karen Hilburn Breast Cancer Fund. There were 68 men and women who golfed in the tournament. The co-chairs of the tournament were Dave Rosenberg (center) and Cathy Bader (left). Karen Hilburn is on the right.

Number, Please

Cheryl Stanley, central registration, and Maggie Birmingham, volunteer coordinator.

There is a new “take-a-number” system in effect in the registration lobby at MGH. “The new system has helped tremendously in serving patients,” said Cheryl Stanley, lead registration specialist. “When a patient reads the instructions, all questions should be answered.” However, if there is a question or if a patient needs help, they are encouraged to ask someone at the desks. Emergency patients should step right up to the ER registration booth instead of taking a number.

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F I V E

SCOPE 10th Annual

Fantasy Forest 2005 “Diamond Jubilee” Tenth Annual Fantasy Forest 2005 — “Diamond Jubilee” was another successful fundraising event for the MGH Foundation. More than $181,000 was raised during the four days of the event in November. Many thanks to the sponsors, donors and volunteers who helped to make this another “event of the year.” Lynch Creek Floral once again won "Best of Show." Pictured right are two of the four designers from Lynch Creek Floral — Rachel Hartman and Polly Schrieber. Designers not pictured: Nancy Peterson and Colleen Hunter. "Everyone in the shop helped on this project," said Colleen Hunter, owner. "We couldn't have done it without everyone's support."

“I’ll Be Home for Christmas” designed and decorated by Lynch Creek Floral

Second Place: “Home is Where the Hearth Is” designed by Jan Janda; decorated by Jan Janda, Brittany Janda and Nicholas Janda

Designers Choice Award

Peoples Daily Choice

A three-way tie: “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” Lynch Creek Floral “One Magical Moment” Patricia Heaton “Woodland Fantasy” Twigs ‘n Twine

Wednesday: “A Folk Art Christmas” Thursday: “One Magical Moment” Friday: “One Magical Moment” Saturday: “One Magical Moment”

Winners Best of Show Award

Elegance First Place: “Masquerade” designed by Bobbi Goodwin; decorated by Alice Young and Bobbi Goodwin Second Place: “One Magical Moment” designed by Patricia Heaton; decorated by Patricia Heaton and Diane Lemke

Special Interest First Place: “Apple Cup” designed and decorated by MGH Future Generation Guild Second Place: “Christmas Tea Time for Two” designed by Diane Ferrier; decorated by Diane Ferrier, Melody Peterson and Diana Burch from the Mason County Assessor’s Office

Traditional First Place: “A Folk Art Christmas” designed by Beth Gregg; decorated by Beth Gregg, Shirley Schmidt and Nancy Davidson

Underwriters Fashion Show & Luncheon Bill Batstone in memory of Gertrude Batstone Toast to Tree Designers Cocktail Social Dynamic Collectors

Gift Shop Heritage Bank, Shelton

Angela Wake-Olson, Steven’s Fine Dining

Volunteer Room Simpson Community Credit Union, Community Financial Center

Brady’s Nursery Bryan Rubino, Rubino Glass

Two-foot Trees Taylor Shellfish Company

Cameo Boutique

Banners Gastroenterology Associates Children’s Gift Shop Steve & Karen Anderson

Diamond Fantasy Gala & Auction Hiawatha Corporation

Leslee McComb Lisa’s Hair 1st Lois Gold

Capitol Glass

Maple Glen Assisted Living Community

Diane Lemke Don and Carolyn Maddux, Very Ltd. Antiques Doris Auseth

Silver Tree Sponsor

Dort Willour

Peninsula Credit Union South Sound Radiology

Doug Richert, Richert’s Photo Center

Forest Star Sponsors

Ed Stock

Bob and Melanie Appel

Fir Lane Health & Rehabilitation Center

Father/Daughter Night Out Christmas Village Manufactured Home Sales

KMAS 1030AM Olympia Framemakers

Manke Lumber Company

David Miskinis

Sponsors

Kayak Hood Canal

Chuck Wicken, Chuck’s Outdoor Adventures

KMAS 1030AM

Steven H. Bowers, D.D.S., P.S.

Teddy Bear Party John L. Scott Real Estate Shelton

Christmastown Quilters

Memorial Tree

Senior Day Tea Alpine Way Retirement Apartments

Swing Fever Festival Lillian Peste in memory of Fred Peste

Case by Case Jewelry

Karen Sandberg Studio

Mariano’s Fine Jewelry and Design Mariners Nancy Trucksess Old Town Hobby Pam Hanson Pat Swartos Patricia Heaton Peg Stock Peggy A. Hosford

Gene Juarez Salons & Spas

Robin Hood Village

Healthcare Laundry Services

Geri Himlie

Robin Hood Restaurant

Mountain View Women’s Health Center

Gerry Ring Erickson

Sally Faughender

Graham’s Hair Works

Sande LePere

Settle & Johnson, P.L.L.C.

Green Diamond Resources

Sara Watkins

Dr. and Mrs. Mark Corley

Verle’s Sporting Goods L.L.C. Michael Wittenberg, C.P.A., P.S.

Hiawatha Incorporated

Sharyl Rosendahl

Janis Byrd

Shelton Health & Rehabilitation Center

Jayne and Michael Coe

In-Kind Donors

Jim Penney John Cruse

Alderbrook Inn Spa

Karla London

Alpine Way Retirement Apartments

Karen Burger

Stephanie Michaelis at Graham’s Hair Works Tim Crane, Resurrection Art Wes Stock Mrs. William E. Hanson

P A G E

S I X

SCOPE Rural Hospital Executives Go to Washington Seven rural hospitals from Washington state were recently invited to attend “Rural Advocacy Days” and meet with Washington state Congressional delegates in Washington, D.C. “This was a rare time for us to talk with Norm Dicks and others from our Congressional delegation about the issues important to rural hospitals,” said Don Wilson, president of the board of hospital commissioners for Public Hospital District No. 1, the governing body of Mason General Hospital, North Mason Medical Clinic and Oakland Bay Pediatrics. “It was important for us to discuss with our delegates areas of concern for Critical Access Hospitals, which affect Mason General.” The areas addressed by the hospital delegates included laboratory reimbursement, increasing the number of patient beds available for Critical Access Hospitals and allowing Critical Access Hospitals into the federal drugpurchasing group. Bob Appel, CEO of MGH, and Wilson made the trip along with staff from the Washington State Hospital Association, and CEOs and hospital commissioners from other rural Washington hospitals.

Marilyn Blakefield, central registration “I love working here (at MGH) because of the patients and the people I work with. This is such a perfect place to work. I look forward to coming to work every day,” said Marilyn, after being selected Employee of the Month for September. “We are sophisticated enough to be able to provide awesome care, but small enough to really care.”

Trauma Coordinator Appointed Terri L. Gushee, R.N., BSN, has been appointed trauma coordinator for Mason General Hospital (MGH). Mrs. Gushee has twenty years of emergency nursing experience and came to MGH thirteen years ago. Prior to coming to MGH, Terri, a graduate of California State University, Fresno, had extensive training at a level one trauma facility. A level one trauma facility is the highest rating a hospital can qualify. Her many responsibilities there included being a Mobile Intensive Care Nurse (MICN), where she handled the base station radio to direct the paramedics in the field responding to the medical emergency. Terri also has extensive training in orienting nursing students, nurses, paramedics and emergency medical technicians.

News Briefs……………… ...Congratulations to MGH “Employees of the Month”: July – Alvie Munro, diagnostic imaging; August – Laureen Forbis, emergency department; September – Marilyn Blakefield, central registration; October – Donna Scott, R.N., medical/ surgical/pediatrics; and November – Sue Malloy, diagnostic imaging. …Marcia Rohlik, R.N.-C., MSN, is the new labor and delivery manager at MGH. Marcia has extensive experience as director of women’s and children’s services. She has worked for St. Peter Hospital, Olympia; Franciscan Health System, Lakewood; and St. Joseph Hospital, Denver, Colorado. “I love the staff and everything about Mason General HospiMarcia Rohlik, R.N.-C., MSN tal,” said Marcia. “Our patient care is wonderful and warm.” …Treasures Thrift Stores announced the “Volunteer of the Month for November” was Elaina Pulido. Congratulations! …Treasures Thrift Store is still seeking volunteers for: organizing, cashiers, sorters and people that love books! …The American Hospital Association launched www.putitinwriting.org, a web resource for hospitals and consumers that provides easy-to-use information about advance directives. The site includes links to advance directive forms for each state and the American Bar Association’s article, “10 Legal Myths About Advance Directives.” …Shelton High School hosted the second annual Career Expo – Job Fair and Career Exploration event in November. Mason General Hospital was there!

Students heard about how to be a Junior Volunteer, and job shadowing opportunities within Public Hospital District No. 1 – Mason General Hospital, Oakland Bay Pediatrics and North Mason Medical Clinic – and were encouraged to explore healthcare careers. … A tree lighting ceremony will be held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, December 13, 2005, in Mason General Hospital’s south lobby for the annual Providence SoundHomeCare and Hospice “Light Up A Life” fund-raising campaign to support programs that provide compassionate care to terminally ill individuals and their loved ones. Every donation will illuminate a light on a special tree that will be on display in the south lobby of Mason General Hospital in December. Donors can choose to honor a departed loved one or someone living. Names of the individuals being honored will be inscribed in a book displayed next to the tree.

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S E V E N

SCOPE Two Physicians Added at Belfair The North Mason Medical Clinic (NMMC), a part of Public Hospital District No. 1, recently hired Pen Hou, M.D., a board-certified family practice specialist, and Jose Jeffrey T. Reasol, M.D., a board-certified internal medicine specialist. They join Terry Mallory, ARNP; and Robin Garcia, PA-C. “It was a long process to get two highly qualified, board-certified physicians at the North Mason Medical Clinic with Dr. Hou’s and Dr. Reasol’s experience and background,” said Bob Appel, CEO of Mason General Hospital and superintendent of PHD No. 1. “The long effort has paid off. We now have a family medicine physician to provide continuity of care for the whole family and an internist who specializes in more complex chronic care.”

Dr. Hou received his medical degree from the Beijing Medical University, Beijing, China. He completed his internship at the University of Louisville Hospital, Louisville, Kentucky, and did his residency in family practice at Flower Hospital, Sylvania, Ohio. He and his family plan to live in Mason County and become involved in the Pen Hou, M.D. community.

Dr. Reasol received his medical degree from Cebu Institute of Medicine, Philippines, and completed his internship and residency at Harlem HosJose Jeffrey T. pital Center, New York. His areas of particular interest include infectious Reasol, M.D. diseases, pulmonary medicine, diabetes and preventive medicine.

To make an appointment to see Dr. Hou or Dr. Reasol, call (360) 275-4084 or (360) 426-8405. For more information on NMMC, visit www.masongeneral.com and click on North Mason Medical Clinic.

Start New Year off by Volunteering Volunteering provides meaningful service to our patients, staff and community.

Volunteers receive many benefits as well, including opportunities to: ■ meet new people and make new friends “To the world ■ make a difference in someone’s life you may be one ■ learn and develop new skills person, but to ■ gain work experience and career exploration one person you ■ build self-esteem and confidence may be the ■ be of service to others world.”

— Author Unknown ■ enjoy a heartwarming and fun experience As 2006 approaches, consider joining our wonderful group of volunteers! Please contact Maggie Birmingham at (360) 427-3621 (from Belfair call (360) 275-8614) or go to www.masongeneral.com and click on Volunteers.

Patient Safety at Bedside In-patients are now experiencing a new addition to care. The nursing staff at MGH is now employing “bedside reporting.” According to Kathy Grover, R.N., medical/ surgical/pediatrics manager, the purpose of this addition is to provide patient safety and to encourage the patient to be more involved in their care. “By reporting to the next shift in the patient’s presence, the patient hears what needs to be conveyed to their new nurse. This allows pertinent things to be shared at the bedside, being especially sensitive to the HIPPA (federal laws about privacy) regulations.”

Vegetable Alternatives for 0mega-3 Omega-3 fatty acids are a heart-healthy nutrient known to dramatically reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. Though fish is the richest known source of omega-3 fats, a recent study found that persons eating foods rich in a plant omega-3, alphalineolic acid (ALA), slashed early measures of atherosclerosis by 75 percent.

Food sources of ALA include flax seed, canola and walnut oil, as well as ground flax seed, walnuts, cooked soybeans and tofu.

[Source: Gloria McVeigh, “Smart Alternatives to Fish," Prevention, April, 2005]

Did You Know?

In Mason County, healthcare accounts for $82 million in payroll and about 1,900 well-paying jobs with benefits. MGH’s component employs 452 people with an annual payroll of nearly $22 million. Each of these healthcare jobs, in turn, supports another 1,600 local jobs, generating an additional $49 million in payroll, for a total economic impact of $131 million.

2nd Hand Smoke, Ist Hand Hazard The smoke that harms you need not be your own. A unique study recently confirmed the hazards that accompany secondhand smoke.

Helena, Montana, in 2002 passed an ordinance outlawing smoking in all public places – a ban that was repealed six months later. During that six-month smoke-free period, there were only 24 hospital admissions for myocardial infarction (heart attack) compared to an average of 40 admissions for the same six-month period in the other years from 1998 through 2003.

According to the American Heart Association, secondhand smoke causes an estimated 35,000 to 65,000 heart-related deaths each year.

[SOURCE: Suzanne Hughes and Laura L. Hayman, "The 40Year Public Health Battle Against Cigarette Smoking: Are We Winning?” Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, March-April, 2005]

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E I G H T

SCOPE

MGH Re-designated Level Four Trauma Facility

People are talking about us… and we like it.

Continued from page one…

Treasures’ Auction Gives to Fund Karen Hilburn (far right) received a check in September from Treasures Thrift Stores for more than $3,000 to go towards her cause, the Mason General Hospital Foundation’s Karen Hilburn Breast Cancer Fund. Treasures sponsored an auction to raise the money. Those who worked on the auction included (front row, l to r) Yvonne Stedman, Treasures assistant manager; Jeannette LeBresh, volunteer; Darlene Wilson, volunteer; along with Karen Hilburn. Back row (l to r): Tom Martin, volunteer; Teresa Chamberlain, volunteer; and Sandy Jackson, Treasures manager. Not pictured was Gail Johnston, volunteer and organizer of the auction.

residency-trained and board-certified/ prepared in emergency medicine. All MGH’s ED nurses are trauma trained and have ongoing trauma education. Trauma trained surgeons and trauma critical care services are also available.

The ED works closely with emergency medical service (EMS) providers to employ physician-directed protocols that provide on-site care to injured trauma patients. The protocols determine whether to activate the trauma system from the field or at the hospital.

The designated Trauma Service Levels in Washington state range from one to five. Level One facilities provide the highest level of definitive and comprehensive surgical and medical care for trauma patients with multiple and complex injuries requiring the most specialized care.

Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, is the state’s only Level One facility.

“(MGH has) a very caring staff who made me feel at ease and welcome with their care and speedy procedure. We could only wish that all hospitals were like yours. A fine example of how healthcare should be provided.”

“I felt like I was the only one there, but I wasn’t!

Very kind, informative and skilled staff.”

“Given a choice, I would use MGH if I had to use any facility.

I have had several operations done at MGH, and every time I have been amazed at the care and concern of everyone I had contact with.”

K Street

Old Belfair Rd

Our Mission: We take every possible action to protect and promote the health of the people in Mason County while extending respect and compassion as we serve each individual.

Published by: Public Hospital District No. 1 for Mason General Hospital, Oakland Bay Pediatrics and North Mason Medical Clinic.

Mason General Hospital: Visiting Hours are 8 a.m. – 8:30 p.m., daily.

901 Mt. View Drive, Building 1, PO Box 1668, Shelton, WA 98584-5001, (360) 426-1611, from Belfair (360) 275-8614. Serving the medical needs of the entire county since 1968. Accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations. TTY/TTD: (360) 427-9593. Translation Services Provided. Se habla español. Equal Opportunity Provider.

Oakland Bay Pediatrics: 247 Professional Way, Shelton, WA 98584, (360) 426-3102 North Mason Medical Clinic: N.E. 140 S.R. 300, Belfair, WA 98528, (360) 275-4084, (360) 426-8405 Administration: Bob Appel, chief executive officer; Eric Moll, chief financial officer; Diane Stillman, chief operating officer; Joseph R. Hoffman, M.D., chief of staff; Don Wilson, commissioner/president; Nancy Trucksess and Bill McComb, commissioners.

Scope: Published four times per year. Editor: McCarty & Associates, “A Marketing Firm”

Northcliff

Mountain View

Clifton Lane

Gateway Center

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Mason General Hospital

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Mason General Hospital POB 1668 Shelton, WA 98584

Professional Way

A Business Office, C D Development B McDonalds C El Sarape Restaurant D State Office Bldg.

MGH

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Shelton, WA Permit No. 56

ECRWSS Postal Customer