INSIDE

2006 in Review
PR Hospital District

By Margery Biery

After years of work by many, many in the community, the ultimate goal for the clinic has been reached. The Point Roberts Clinic is now owned and operated by the Point Roberts Public Hospital District using funds from property taxes. The transfer of operations from the community clinic board and fire district #5 was completed on April 30 of this year.

Dick Williams was appointed as the third commissioner to replace a commissioner who resigned. As required by the laws of Washington state for special districts, the part-time position of superintendent was filled by the commissioners after interviewing six very qualified applicants. A very part-time secretary was hired.

A service agreement with Interfaith Community Health Center of Bellingham to provide the services of the clinic was signed and put into operation. The clinic is now open three days per week with increased hours including evening hours on Mondays. The numbers of new patients using the clinic has increased as well as the variety.

A community survey was taken in July in order to determine if the needs of the community are being met. Most people surveyed were satisfied with the services offered. Others wanted to see everything from a pharmacy to a hospital with an emergency room offered. Many residents were unaware of the services that are currently offered.

As a result, a new brochure is currently being printed outlining the services offered; a new ad has been placed in the paper; and increased advertising is available throughout the community. Virginia Lester, the primary caregiver at the clinic is working with other staff at Interfaith to offer dental services once a month. This will be a trial run to see if the need for such service is indeed warranted. The increased availability of behavioral health services is also being explored with Interfaith and Whatcom County Mental Health.

It is also to be noted that this is the first hospital district to be actually operating in Whatcom County. After learning of the success of this one, other areas of the county are currently exploring possibilities for their communities.

For those people responsible for taking the initial idea of offering health services in Point Roberts and sticking with their determination to reach their goal, the commissioners and staff of the hospital district have nothing but respect. That they (the commissioners) were the final working group in this long process is but a minor effort compared to what came from all the other community people.