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TJ's avatar

I hope people will start to realize this is not 1950, 1980, or even 2000 anymore.

Schools do not exist for children.

Hospitals do not exist for patients.

Governments do not exist for citizens.

They are all entities for politicians to funnel as much tax money as possible to workers so the politicians can secure a voting block. They exist solely for high paying, fully benefited, full retirement jobs of people beholden to the system.

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Chris Clark's avatar

Well said

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Jennifer's avatar

Chris, I second, third and fourth that.

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Geoff Fox's avatar

I genuinely felt at the August 6th OMC meeting, that the "in the trenches staff" (DRs RNS and just plain everyone EXCEPTING the top 5 compensated PEOPLE), really want to tend to us with health issues. And the Board ignores the community!

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Steve O.'s avatar

I agree 200% with your statement TJ and would add another corrupt government agency to the list. That is law enforcement in certain cities. It will not protect private property and citizens when left wing rioters go on a rampage and begin burning property. Regarding the schools I remember when I worked in South LA the purpose of public schools was not to provide education but to allow the senior citizens to conduct business safely during the day because once the final school bell was rung and the future felons were released the streets became dangerous. The schools in violent neighborhoods are government day care IMO.

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Mark Swanson's avatar

And that ball is outta here, a longball hit to far center field and it is going, going, goooooonnnnnnnneeeee! A home run for Jeff Tozzer!

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Mark Swanson's avatar

With kudos to the late Harry Kalas, an announcer/broadcaster for the Philadelphia Phillies.

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Steve O.'s avatar

That is a wonderful metaphor.

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Denise Lapio's avatar

Ugh! Why does the OMC debacle keep getting worse? Too many problems that could have been addressed earlier were left to accumulate until they were unsalvageable. What kind of leadership allows this to happen? Unqualified. Who are the recipients of the fallout? The populace of a rural and struggling county. Thanks, for keeping us apprised, Jeff. Enjoy the fair and have fun meeting the great people of Clallam County. I'm sure you'll be busy, busy!

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Mark Swanson's avatar

Because OMC is and was anything but transparent. My bet is that the worst is yet to come before it gets better. The solution is an overlord takeover by whatever healthcare organization will take OMC. Goodbye to independent, incompetent management by OMC and OMP and hello to objective thinking that puts patients first. No more local hiring and firing and a refocus on patient care instead of being the employment agency for Clallam County.

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Eric Fehrmann's avatar

Did the Olympic Medical Center (OMC) / Jefferson Healthcare (JFC) partnership dissolve because OMC did not want to cede certain control to JFC? Are the recent resignations being triggered by possible exposure of malfeasance if another entity peers into pandora’s box?

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Mick Fearson's avatar

Eric it's likely you hit the nail on the head! Unfortunately all these issues that were never disclosed definitely does not bode well for the future of OMC.

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Mark Swanson's avatar

I don’t think there was anything to dissolve.

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No One Important's avatar

Ah, another cynic!

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No One Important's avatar

Let me put on my cynic hat for a moment: I have to wonder if this incompetency was intended to allow the Tribe to take over the operation. The Tribe has medical offices and a psychiatric hospital, but no real hospital. This could be a great profit operation for them, but maybe it was beyond their means to buy. So, lose 340B certification, lose staff, make the community desperate, and voila-- the hospital is sold to them for pennies on the dollar.

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AFB's avatar

And all those properties the OMC own, too!

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TJ's avatar

I like your optimism. But I fear the control won't be ceded without much pain, and many of the current employees will be rehired by whomever takes the reigns. Hopefully not the leadership, but who knows. Tough to get competent leaders to move to PA.

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Mark Swanson's avatar

Top management needs to be at UW in Seattle and not answerable to local interests and politicians in Clallam County or PA. They would have to make it clear to area/department/clinic managers that they are in charge and that they will make hiring/firing decisions.

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Geoff Fox's avatar

Hard to think of why? or what? entity wants to take them over? Unless the thought arises, hm! maybe some LLC, looking to make a quick dime, decides there is valuable property that we can sell off and we can finish gutting the fattened lamb.

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Mark Swanson's avatar

UW

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No One Important's avatar

The tribe?

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Geoff Fox's avatar

Back in Pennsylvania if I remember correctly it was an LLC and the hospital was in Philly. All the equipment in the hospital fetched some money.

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Mark Swanson's avatar

Crozer Chester Medical Center in Chester, PA. South of Philly.

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Steve O.'s avatar

That is another great metaphor "Employment agency for Clallam County".

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Steve O.'s avatar

"Ugh!" is the correct term. I was recently released from Nextdoor Neighbor jail so I am allowed to post there again and today the comments indicated several contradictory messages. First OMC is not experiencing financial problems. Second OMC is experiencing financial trouble but the fault lies with the large population of indigents flowing into the County which raises another question, why are poor people moving here? A large area like King County has more resources to accommodate that population.

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Lawrence Martin's avatar

I think before one should be considered to head up a non profit they should of successfully completed running a for profit. Then executive compensation should be tied to customer satisfaction and bottom line fiscal results.

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Jennifer's avatar

This is a little hard for me to follow but from what I understand the DSH (Disproportionate Share Hospital) program is regulated by HRSA (Health Resources and Service Administration)

It was the Washington State Department of Health that cited the hospital 3 times.

My question, is OMC under threat of losing both the 340B Drug Pricing Program plus eligibility for Medicaid reimbursement? Or is this all under the citations by the Washington State Dept of Health? Had OMC been transparent, I wouldn’t be confused.

In any event, both are CATASTROPHIC for any community. Not only should the hospital administrators been on top of this in a hot minute, but so should the leaders we elected. HOW DID WE NOT KNOW? This was not a decision on pizza parties or dog washing tubs, the health and livelihood of the citizens is jeopardized.

...“HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration) programs provide health care to people who are geographically isolated and economically or medically vulnerable. This includes programs that deliver health services to people with HIV, pregnant women, mothers and their families, those with low incomes, residents of rural areas, American Indians and Alaska Natives, and those otherwise unable to access high-quality health care. HRSA programs also support health infrastructure, including through training of health professionals and distributing them to areas where they are needed most, providing financial support to health care providers, and advancing telehealth. In addition, HRSA oversees programs for providing discounts on prescription drugs to safety net providers, facilitating organ, bone marrow, and cord blood transplantation, compensating individuals injured by vaccination, and maintaining data on health care malpractice payments.”...

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Jennifer's avatar

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) goes through hospitals too. It was always a huge deal when we knew they were coming because if the hospital doesn’t pass inspection, they can also be denied Medicaid reimbursements.

When was OMC’s last OSHA inspection? The last time I was in the OMC emergency room, I saw a few standards that would not have passed. Will that be coming down the line too? Has it already? Will we know?

...”OSHA helps hospitals assess workplace safety needs, implement safety and health management systems, and enhance their safe patient handling programs. Preventing worker injuries not only helps workers—it also helps patients and will save resources for hospitals.

The General Duty Clause of the OSH Act (the law that created OSHA) requires employers to provide workers with a safe workplace that does not have any known hazards that cause or are likely to cause death or serious injury”...

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TJ's avatar

From your link : "Increased costs: Like many hospitals, OMC has seen rising costs, particularly in payroll expenditures."

Because hospitals are now for the workers only. They are a business to provide compensation for workers. They are not about health care.

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AFB's avatar

Link too long !!

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Jennifer's avatar

AFB, thank you. I liked it so much I'm going to cut and paste it.

Is Olympic Medical Hospital struggling financially?

Yes, Olympic Medical Center (OMC) is facing financial challenges

Here's a summary of their situation:

Operating Losses: OMC experienced significant operating losses in recent years, including a $28 million loss in 2023. They lost a combined $45.7 million in 2022 and 2023. While their losses were reduced in 2024 (down to a preliminary $10.3 million loss), they were still operating at a deficit.

Funding Challenges: OMC serves a community with a large elderly and lower-income population, resulting in a high reliance on government payers like Medicare and Medicaid. Reimbursements from these programs often don't cover the full cost of care, leading to financial strain. They are also facing potential cuts to Medicaid funding, which would further exacerbate their financial difficulties.

Declining Cash Reserves: OMC's cash reserves have been in a steady decline, dropping to a low of 28 days of cash on hand in the third quarter of 2024, down from 88 days in late 2022. They even received a waiver from a creditor to avoid defaulting on a bond agreement that required a 60-day cash-on-hand threshold.

Efforts to Address Challenges: OMC has been implementing cost-cutting and revenue generation initiatives, including reducing daily expenses and asking for community support through a tax levy. They are also exploring a potential partnership with another healthcare organization, like UW Medicine, to help ensure long-term financial stability.

Importance of SNAP Funding: The Safety Net Assessment Program (SNAP), providing additional Medicaid reimbursement funds, is a crucial lifeline for OMC, helping them maintain services and programs. Losing access to this funding would put healthcare access in the area at risk.

In short, while OMC has made some progress in reducing losses, it continues to face significant financial hurdles, driven by insufficient government reimbursements and declining reserves. They are actively exploring various options to improve their financial standing and ensure they can continue to provide essential healthcare services to the community they serve.

AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more

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Geoff Fox's avatar

thank you for your leg work and summations!

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AFB's avatar

oh, you are too good! Thank you!

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Eric Fehrmann's avatar

I just read all the links. I certainly appreciate your effort to enlighten us. The biggest challenge appears to be OMC ceding of control to U W Medicine.

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Jennifer's avatar

AFB Thank You! Very informative for not only me, but a nice roundup for readers of what we should have been told.

..."Efforts to Address Challenges: OMC has been implementing cost-cutting and revenue generation initiatives, including reducing daily expenses and asking for COMMUNITY SUPPORT THROUGH A TAX LEVY."...

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No One Important's avatar

I just clicked on it-- length is inconsequential.

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TJ's avatar

I had an interaction with an OMC employee this morning before I even read this article. He volunteered that "OMC is going down in flames, it's terrible there". Interesting. I think there's a lot of people looking to abandon ship.

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Judy Crawley's avatar

So sad... the whole organization has been disintegrating for many years. "Leadership" is clueless and the Commissioners, in denial. Worked there for 13 years in IT, so worked with many department. While there are some good clinicians, no leadership. AND... the HR Department unexperienced and never took action on "problems". I worked for a Manger with little to no experience, but a "nice guy". "Team, I'll be in late and leaving early", his favorite saying. No dedication, leaving "the Team" to ""figure it out". Darryl promoted this behavior and never got out of his office to hear how staff is doing and what he could do to help. Not just me. Heard over and over by many! Now, they pick this "Interim CEO" that has "22 Titles". Really, how many successful results for hospitals with <100 beds? No transparency on how this Mark guy is going to save the sinking ship!!! Sad with so many relying on OMC for employment!!!

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Ed A. Hackie's avatar

The haughty board of commisioners meets in the basement says it all

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Geoff Fox's avatar

It's cooler in the basement so that's where the morgue is.

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Jennifer's avatar

TJ, the last time I was there (about 5 months ago) I asked the nurse if there was an internal Medicine Doctor. She said, "Sometimes" .... it was time to transfer to Silverdale!

Actually the staff was good enough, but seemed beaten down, or rather at a loss to be able to answer questions. See looked embarrassed.

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MK's avatar

It's horrible that staff has to endure the ineptitude. Being at their last meeting felt like there's a disconnect. They're all sitting up there not listening. They do a good job acting like it though.

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Eric Fehrmann's avatar

"a fish stinks from the head down"

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No One Important's avatar

But people stink from the bottom, up...

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Jennifer's avatar

MK, there is a award to hospitals called Magnet Recognition Program

Magnet Hospitals getting the awards are like getting a 3 star Michelin rating.

These hospitals work as a group from top to bottom. If a CEO sees trash in the hallway, it is picked up by them. Nurses answer all patient call lights. All employees are responsible for all floors.

Most importantly, the ones who are in the trenches are asked about how to improve things in a hospital. The CEO's don't stay in their offices, they interact with the staff daily and are willing to help when things get crazy.

It is day and night difference from a Magnet Hospital to a regular, "that's not my job" hospital. I truly feel OMC could achieve the status if they listened to the nursing and staff.

The Magnet Recognition Program designates organizations worldwide where nursing leaders successfully align their nursing strategic goals to improve the organization’s patient outcomes. The Magnet Recognition Program provides a rroadmap to nursing excellence, which benefits the whole of an organization. To nurses, Magnet Recognition means education and development through every career stage, which leads to greater autonomy at the bedside. To patients, it means the very best care, delivered by nurses who are supported to be the very best that they can be.

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MK's avatar

I don't know if you made it to the last meeting but it's apparent the workers want a change. The program you mentioned is sorely needed, but likely more common in the for-profit hospitals?

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Jennifer's avatar

MK for-profit hospitals are in there, but non-profits can include the Magnet Program with little or no money. It is a change of mindset to thinking that a hospital runs as a unit not individual departments (one hand doesn't know what the other is doing)

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John Worthington's avatar

Biden says doxing is part of the process to get followed into the restroom or hang outside the house of a judge...

When you tell a liberal to shut up when its your turn to talk they call the cops.

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MK's avatar

Queue up the best reason for the water steward position if their main goal is to find out what's in the water out here that drives the rampant insanity.

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Timothy Weller's avatar

Hydroflourosalicic, a/k/a hexaflourosalicic acid and sodium hypochlorite have been doing the job in local public water systems for generations. Timing of the fairly-recently-observed "behavior health" issues is uncanny, is it not. Long-term research on the affects of residuals have not been accomplished regarding the various chemicals that are ingested, daily, by especially younger people, with developing minds and bodies'. Chlorinated, "flouridated" water mixed with Red Bull and various other energy drinks, alcoholic beverages, vaping, with numerous pharmaceutical and/or illicit drugs, self-prescribed, or by medical professionals are the norm. The daily cocktails ingested by the general public are quite impressive. Protect your private well or surface water system as though your life depends on it - it does. Whatever other toxins one ingests is a personal choice and responsibility, followed by accountability... and now, back to our regularly-scheduled programming.

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AFB's avatar

Prosac, Wellbutrin, zoloft. all SSRI's, will alter your mind forever. Especially when used with marijuana.

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Becky's avatar

If the hospital goes up in flames, what happens to our property tax money that goes towards the hospital? Please don’t tell me the Clallam County Commissioners get to decide what to do with the money!

What if OMC signs a deal to be bought out by a new medical organization, do we still have to pay the portion of the hospital tax levy ? And it would go to the new owners?

Seems to me that is not what was told to us voters who passed the levy.

Just curious…..

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Susan's avatar

Excellent question! If OMC becomes part of a private corp, why would we pay any taxes towards the hospital? I wouldn't!

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No One Important's avatar

My hunch is that JKT will take it over.

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Garry Blankenship's avatar

When it comes to operating a hospital I am clueless. These reprimands from both our State DOH and the Feds are clearly preventable. Accordingly, a deep dive into who manages the areas of reprimand and why OMC failed while other hospitals did not is needed. Could it be that we C/C citizens are asking for too much with too little investment or is it that or management is inadequate. I'm confident that only a specialist from outside our State, ( impartial ), would be the best investment we could make. If the biggest problem is free care for the indigent, it must be pigeon holed and a decision made; be it more money or no care for the uninsured. Identify the problem and roll up the sleeves.

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Kristin's avatar

will derail plans for a new in-house pharmacy and slash savings used for patient care <-- Guess that means they can sell the old Wells Fargo building.

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Concerning Citizens's avatar

Just gotta say I am *loving* your podcast, it is so fun hearing you share your news - your enthusiasm is infectious. Also the invitation to "see a gay bigot up close" at the county fair had me belly laughing 🤣

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Jeff Tozzer's avatar

I started that podcast with busy parents in mind so they could listen to local issues while they tended to their families. Do you know any of those busy parents? I never know what's going to fly out of my mouth and that offhand comment just popped out into the recording and there you have it. Lots of folks have come to see one up close today at the fair.

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Concerning Citizens's avatar

Hmm maybe one or two 😜

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Dr. Sarah's avatar

Here’s an official link to ask questions or submit comments to omc: https://www.olympicmedical.org/about-us/exploration/

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Denise Lapio's avatar

Thank you.

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Geoff Fox's avatar

The news just gets better and better out of OMC. PT isn't going to want Clallam County residents at their hospital. And OMC completely disregarded the will of the speakers at the August 6th meeting who supported in-house employee, Dr. Alan Chen to succeed what's his name. And August 15th is tomorrow - the drop dead date to rectify in-house problems! Will the last employee leaving OMC please turn out the lights.

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No One Important's avatar

They're too busy feeding pizza and boofing kits to addicts.

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AFB's avatar

Too busy virtue signaling on next door...

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Denise Lapio's avatar

For the next 4 days, they're at the fair.

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No One Important's avatar

Feeding pizza and boofing kits to addicts? (LOL)

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AFB's avatar

oh great. more virtue signaling...

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Randy Walterson's avatar

How's the clamming and oysters on beach behind the Hospital ? might be able to supplement their income by selling them to China ?

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