Commissioner Mike French did reply to an email and clarified that he is required to sit on the board of OlyCap. The requirement comes from a resolution that he signed in January. Essentially, "I'm required to serve on the board because I require myself." See the full exchange in yesterday's comment section."
Here is today's email to the three commissioners and Dr. Berry:
Dear Commissioners and Dr. Berry,
You were sent an email indicating that xylazine (“tranq”) was likely already showing up in Clallam County. Dr. Berry acknowledged that. But the public didn’t hear anything about it for roughly six weeks—and when it finally did come out, it was through the Sheriff’s Office, not Public Health.
Isn’t notifying the public about emerging drug threats like this a core responsibility of Public Health?
Why the delay, and why did it fall to law enforcement to get that information out instead of your department?
With how quickly the drug supply is changing, getting that information out early matters. People are making real-time decisions that affect their safety.
My husband had an emergency medical episode. The triage nurses were great. Before I had his forms filled out they were checking vitals. Good communication with the doctor on duty. By the time we got home, his primary care physician was updated and had test results for follow up. A bit of a wait between check in and seeing doctor, but it is an ER. Other than an updated waiting room (little shabby) we had a very good experience. We did not receive a patient survey to fill out. So good experience and glad we didn’t have to go to Bremerton or elsewhere.
I've had two ER visits to OMC and was shocked on the first visit after cleaning and sutures in my hand the doctor came in to tell me the good news that I could get some oxycodone for the pain!
I had to tell him "no thanks, I'll see how the pain levels are first". 7 years ago when the MAT clinic was looking for patients to start the place right ...
The second time was like a torture chamber and I'll leave it there. Two doctors to do a small nail extraction taking 45 minutes each. Ouch and swollen for 5 weeks.
Thanks for the article Jeff and Doggers. I wish you all a great day...
I've been to their ER once 3 years ago. It was a horrible experience because no one knew where I was. There's no coordination with handoffs nor was I told where to go and wait to be available. While ultimately the people there have that responsibility, I believe that their workload and lack of training must have something to do with this and I blame management squarely for it.
MK, it is absolutely management. My experience was that the nurses didn't really have direction, not that they were incompetent. It was like the left hand didn't know what the right hand was doing. Hours and Hours to decide to transport to Silverdale (this was not for me but a family member) and hours more to arrange a $4,000 ambulance ride to Silverdale...could have been for many reasons, but nobody could tell us why. Once in the Silverdale Hospital, it was an exhale of relief. It was professional. I have no complaints about the staff in Silverdale, it was the "creative" billing system. All the hospitals have padded and creative billing systems. If you don't go over your bills carefully, you get billed for things that weren't even done. If you have insurance, it gets even more creative.
We know a couple of doctors here, who would NEVER go to the local hospitals unless it was a life-or-death immediate decision and they had no choice! I also know of THREE nurses here, recently retired, who have gone on record testifying that at least several doctors at the OMC threatened their jobs if they told any of the patients about the dangerous risks of the COVID vaccines~! These same doctors also admitted to all three of those nurses that they not only didn't take the COVID vaccines, but that they NEVER take ANY vaccines~! I hope that folks really take the time to consider that before they fall victim to the medical malpractice machine~! Everyone needs to do their own research and be their own best friend~! Have a great day and keep up the good work~!
Michael, nurses know a lot. It never stopped me from talking to patients about blood transfusions. Unless it is life or death I would not advise anyone to get one. It will take longer to recover but blood testing does not know or test for all the newly introduced designer drugs, Hepatitis and other blood infections are evolving. My father died from Hepatitis from a blood transfusion he got in Vietnam. They only knew about Hep A and Hep B, he got Hep C before it was discovered. Now you have Hep D, E and subtypes.
It would have never stopped me to warn about the Covid vaccine, but then again I would have been fired because I would refuse the shot. Fortunately I retired before Covid, some fellow nurses were forced to take the shot. Out of 10 nurses, 4 have had some serious side affects.
Yes, absolutely, I have found that a well-trained and solid experienced nurse, is more often than not FAR better at treating the patients than many so-called "doctors"~! I am sorry for what your father went through during and especially after his service in Vietnam, but like many who endured that terrible chapter of US history he was just doing his duty and serving the country~! My wife was one of the best of the best as a vascular ultrasound expert and we were both well aware of what was coming with the COVID mass murder democide because of what we had experienced in the preceding decades. We are both VERY serious scientists in our respective fields, and working hard to stay on the cutting edge of things is what we are all about... Yes, you would have been faced with only three options had you still been a nurse during this STILL ongoing COVID mass murder democide. 1 "doing your job" and participating in the mass murder, which would definitely expose you to criminal prosecutions that are already in process. 2 taking an early retirement or flat out quitting. 3 staying in the field to try to save as many patients as you possibly could, until you were fired~! My wife chose the last option and she was fired, her entire career was attacked & effectively terminated, she was threatened with criminal prosecution, and to date we have lost well over 1 million dollars (and counting every single day). We didn't even know we had 1 million dollars to lose, but in doing the math and figuring in the opportunity cost losses, yup, the number is absolutely devastating and will continue to be for the rest of our lives (especially at our ages). We, like MANY thousands of the good folks who used to be in the medical field, were always working for the best interests of Americans as our top priority and we both took oaths to serve and protect America and Americans that we honored regardless of the ramifications to us personally. The war INSIDE of America has ALWAYS been underway, FAR more bloody, dangerous, and deadly, than any "declared foreign war" but that is just a simple reality 101 for American Constitutionalists... The sheep, as always, remain clueless... Yes, we know that there are still some in the medical field who are trying to work from within, and we hope that they understand that they are not "alone" and that VERY exciting and amazing changes are already coming to usher in the new medical industry (matrix) that will be focused on the patients well-being first and foremost~! The old corrupt medical matrix is either dead or dying at this point, many of the criminals in the medical field are headed for criminal prosecutions even if they currently do not know it, so never give up hope~! The old medical matrix has to be allowed to die publicly for all to see, so that folks will understand how criminally corrupt it was, for them to understand and accept the changes that are already underway ;-) You are not going to believe the astounding medical system that has already been born and is getting close to being "released" to humanity~!!! MANY hidden medical technologies that "The Swamp" has controlled and kept away from folks in need, patents, and truths are going to come out as soon as this oldest of wars against humanity has ended and it is safe to roll out the new system~!
ANDREA, I always wanted to work in a MAGNET hospital. To get a Magnet rating for a hospital is equivalent to a Michelin 3 Star rating for a restaurant. There is only one that I know of in Wa. Providence Holy Family Hospital in Spokane. These types of hospitals are basically led and run by standards set by nurses.
A Magnet-designated hospital is a medical facility considered to be the gold standard for nursing practice and innovation.
Magnet hospitals are certified by the American Nurses’ Credentialing Center (ANCC) as institutions where nurses are empowered to not only take the lead on patient care but to be the drivers of institutional healthcare change and innovation.
I envision OMC to this standard. Everyone works as a unit, at the top is not Administration (who sit at desk) but the people who work at ground zero. It's a pipe dream, but workable if allowed.
seems like at the meeting a few years ago it was revealed that OMC placed nurses who had just graduated from nursing school in the ER. Experienced nurses said this was bad policy, having nurses with experience were a better fit in that job. Maybe things haven't changed?
I too had a couple of bad experiences there also. It is a scary place with some of the crowd that hangs out there. The OMC does not have a heart specialist nor a diabetic Dr that is available and cannot treat heart attacks that need surgery. I want to know how that is a hospital? It is a stop off point to other medical facilities. Silverdale is where I have to go for specialized ailments.I have heard horror stories about their screwups from other people. Taxpayer money not well spent on a second class facility.
jedj, heart attacks take many forms. It is not always the typical chest pain. In older adults it can refer to back pain, arm pain, jaw pain or "I feel so tired, I can't walk across the room without having to sit down" My heart attack (during covid) was treated there with "put on a face mask". oops forgot about oxygen mask, oops forgot about pain meds, oops forgot about aspirin, oops forgot about a large bore IV needle...When my ekg was sent to Silverdale, the Doctor said Transport Now She is Having A Heart Attack. They then started to move faster, before that it was more important to "put on a face mask" and argue with my husband who refused to put on a face mask and to call security. In Silverdale, the Doctor greeted me at the emergency room door and took me immediately for surgery to place stents. I was so glad to be placed in an ambulance to leave OMC, the EMT's started proper treatment. Everything was ready when I arrived in Silverdale and life saving heart surgery within15 minutes. oops, they didn't make me put on a face mask.
When doctors come back to this area because they grew up here hoping to help change things for our community, they have now left because they received road blocks I’m sure because people wouldn’t change their ways.
Just like our county, we need to drain the swamp as people say in DC.
There was a doctor in our area that went back to learn administration so that they could help but they weren’t even looked at by the board.
I’ve had nothing but bad experiences at that hospital, I could write a book on it. Misdiagnosed life killing disease, if it wasn’t for me fighting for my late husband his life would have ended long time ago, but by persistence I got him to Swedish who saved his life and he was able to live another 6 years.
I to have worked in small local hospitals and managed a clinic, this place is a joke. I’ve filled out surveys but not once did anyone contact me about it or were concerned
OMC/OMP could start by tossing its management -- and I don’t mean the CEO or his office. I’m talking about the numlocks who worked in Registration and were suddenly promoted to management roles with no clinical background at all. The entire HR Department has to go so the organization can get serious about hiring the most talented people instead of favoring those with PAHS diplomas. Some of OMC’S best and brightest are bailing, like CPO Dr. Allen Chen, whom many wanted to see as CEO. Pulmonologist Dr. Kevin Chong was treated badly and was moved from one building to the next until he finally bailed and went to Jefferson Healthcare. Now we hear that orthopedic surgeons Dr. Dustin Larson and Dr. Loren Larson -- both PA natives -- have had enough of the zoo and they’re getting out. On the hospital commission, it sounds like former urologist Dr. Carleen Benson is speaking up. Word is that the board is not happy with her so she must be doing the right thing.
I understand from that urologists Dr. Mast and Hewitt are really nice and very competent; there’s a third urologist but her name escapes me. They even resurrected a senior uro-certified nurse with really cold hands from retirement to mentor younger ones.
Well, that wonderful in term CEO that they decided to stick in there was known for killing another hospital in another state so why in the hell would you hire this guy over here? And his salary is obnoxious! But yet they need more money didn’t they just ask for more money for that atrocity of a library? Dr. Barry don’t even get me started on her when you know something that could be this catastrophic to a whole county people need to be informed quickly. I am a retired surgical nurse so this is not the first time I have seen this in my career.
Martin Luther King Jr. Hospital in California was one such hospital. They were able to turn it around, however, but it took time. They actually got in a CEO that turned the place around, but you have to hire the right people for the job.
I have moved over to Jefferson County because my doctor left OMC to go over there and I can’t really do without him. He saved my life. Honestly, I wouldn’t take my dog to OMC
"...why in the hell would you hire this guy over here?" I have NO way to verify this, but I suspect that the purpose IS to kill it. Merge the hospital with the Jefferson system and make it a "critical care hospital" (was that what they called that?) and/or just let it go to let JST take over. We shall see what happens.
OlyCap/Viola Ware is pushing for a critical nursing facilty for homeless with "dememtia". It is believable the homeless population over a certain age is growing faster because that age group is larger anyway, so not necessarily that old folks are more likely to become homeless but are just a larger percent of population in general maybe? The discussions on this so far fail to acknowledge that some of the "dementia" in the older population may actually be brain damage from hard drug use, such as hypoxic brain damage that can occur with OD. Where do you suppose they want to house this facilty? If lowish barrier PBH PSH is 350 k a unit and planned senior low income apts are estimated at 500k for a one bedroom, can you imagine the pricetag to build a new facilty?
Soooo Harm Reduction is actually creating more zombies we will have to support? THAT was something I never thought of, nor has studies on the long term effects of Harm Reduction outcomes. We are making our own future nightmares. Not just housing, feeding and clothing, but we will have to pay for different forms of nursing care. I just grew 10 years older!
Well, this was actually verified so that’s why I spoke of it. I will have to find the information again and I can share it with you. It came out when they were trying to hire this guy.
Yes, I know of that, the guy that they hired and what a "d-bag" he is. He comes in and closes hospitals and clinics. But I don't know WHY here... JST wants to expand? Probably? Turn the hospital into a critical care unit (that may be wrong, I just recently learned about that and it would be because they can get different funding while reducing space for care, 25 beds?).
If you're going to comment, please share facts. MLK Hospital did not execute a successful turnaround. The hospital survives solely because they get funding every year from Kaiser, Cedars Sinai, UCLA, etc.
I am only commenting on what I heard from people that actually worked there. Some of our Nurses worked at both facilities. I worked at St. Frances Medical Center. I had already left St. Francis and became a traveling surgical nurse.
Sorry, I didn’t mean to hit send yet. And I left Saint Francis. They were on the turnaround. After that, I don’t know what happened. Anyway thank you for the info.
The complications and corruption in our healthcare system are so many and so endemic that I have surrendered to only what decisions can I best decide in my behalf, regardless of professional council. It has now been only six years ago when anyone with flu symptoms was subject to being hospital, ( not just OMC ), killed via Remdesivir and other equally lethal practices. Our own best of the best Allison Berry mandated that we inject unsafe and ineffective toxins in order to keep public access, travel, work, etc.. How to destroy a country and/or a civilization without firing a single shot or bomb; addictive illicit drugs. The social consequences of illicit addictive drugs are too many for society to fix, cure or even cope with. Among the many treatments for cancer, physically removing and disposing it remains a long steadfast option. Call it tough love, capital punishment or flat out dispassionate, but physically removing and disposing of any and all involvement in the manufacture, distribution and use of illicit addictive drugs would positively change that entire landscape. Take the recent example of the Venezuelan drug boats being blown up and expand that example from manufacturing to using. It would be both hard and harsh, but the result would ultimately be compassionate. No more wrist slaps or even life in prison. Be complicit in illicit addictive drug manufacturing, trafficking or use and be removed from the gene pool. Economically efficient, compassionate and innumerable lives ultimately saved.
Good call, Garry. I realized about 50 years ago that life choices are a big part of personal health, and well-being, and are the individual's responsibility. I have never been a patient at OMC, though I was born at OMH. My only other hospital experience was at Balboa Naval HospitaI, pre-separation from the US Navy in 1975. I see common sense merit in your assertions, and concur, with your assessments, Garry. Concerning drug manufacturing, distribution, useage/abuse; again, it is the individual's responsibility, with accountability to making prudent life choices, or not. Drugs have been part of our culture for my entire 73+ years, because such an environment supports the adage that "it is functional to be dysfunctional", there is money and control to be had, and so it goes. I guess my message is, be sure to get your ducks in a row for the OMC Duck Derby and keep throwing more earned resources into the bottomless corruption swamp, in the hope that it may miraculousy turn over, exposing somthing tangible. Maybe more naming rights can be sold by OMC to finance additional real estate and expansion projects, however, that tack didn't pan out well for the Thomas Family naming rights at OMC - Sequim. UW Medical Center is in the mix, so it's anyone's guess what the next phase will conjur, financed by Clallam County residents who recieve nothing of value in return.
Garry, you are right on. We need to take back control. It is not the old Dr Matlock days. We have to learn how to be patients and live to tell about it. Honestly! It's not about the tests that are done or the drugs prescribed anymore, it is asking the hard facts. Will the test change anything and will the side effects of medicine be worse than not taking them. It's a medical enigma.
JJW, why not? Knowledge is power. There are innocent people (non addicts) that could be exposed. IMO exposing it will not change those that refuse to be changed.
You mean, like, don't expose it to the public and just let the addicts take themselves out. Sorry, I'm not being objectionable, it just sounds harsh the way that I wrote that. But I think (?) I understand your meaning.
Listening to this podcast I thought, sounds like a good reason to talk about my recent OMC experience. And then you said it at the end! So, yeah, that will be the Friday podcast with me and the Strait Shooter. And it’ll be ‘so good’ just like your theme song!
Regarding the OMC: I have to express that I have had a good experience with OMC, recently. I was not given this survey. However, I don't mind giving an opinion from a person who has been on "both sides if the rail", as I used to be a nurse and I have also been a patient many times.
I have to add: We have some of the BEST care in the world, here in the PNW. Many of these surveyed may have experienced better overall care from a facility in the Seattle area. No surprise. I have experienced care in those facilities. To be honest, they're amazing! We are lucky to be in the PNW. I have also experienced good care, but not above and beyond, in the Czech Republic. Comparatively, though, it's like night and day, because the level of care in Seattle is well above and beyond.
Also to be noted: Many of the patients who come through OMC are elderly, as this is a retirement community. Many may also be people who come in with drug-related issues. Childbirth. Other things. The level of care for a person in distress will be different for people who are in for elective surgeries or care. A person in distress, an elderly patient, or a person in childbirth have different viewpoints. They may not know what questions to ask, what to expect, or know enough about their situation to make a decision about the level of care that they are receiving in the respective facility. Especially in emergencies.
So, I can take this survey with a grain of salt. I have seen complaints that were leggitimate and others that can be "picked apart" to reveal that the person had NO CLUE what was going on when they were being cared for, even interactions with these individuals in forums from people who asked questions of the patient and revealed that the person wasn't happy because of issues that they themselves caused. Patients are grumpy people, mostly.
This Hospital will NOT be open much longer. Their losses are substantial and NO way to all of a sudden get better with the management that is currently there. They are broke and still losing money. Sounds like the feds found a partner. With all the fraud in our county it is surprising they have not found a scheme to survive.Oh they will just tax us more.
Many hospitals that patients have Medicare are being compensated at so much less than when we had Blue Cross through my husbands career, his work.
Since we really aren’t given a choice, forced in to Medicare because it is taken out of your monthly social security. Plus the hospital becomes underfunded. It is embarrassing as a patient to see they think my doc is worth $22 per appointment.
My point is, in larger population areas the patients are spread due to demographics etc. In Sequim they (by law) must take anyone that comes through the door. Good doctors don’t want to start careers at a hospital whose survey numbers are so low the school nurse is better provider when surveys are analyzed And how is it we are still paying 50k a month for a 3/day per week temp. CEO?
It may be a good time to bury this old institution and merge with an other facility.
Worked with UW hospital outreach. If you think they will slide in nicely and make everyone love their job again, sorry, spoiler alert, just a worker beware!
Kudos to the former employer of your husband. That's a GREAT benefit. I have a small business and, for this industry, I have to provide healthcare benefits. It costs me over $850/month for the healthcare premiums per employee, thousands a month. If they aren't moving and staying busy, I LOSE. It's too expensive for healthcare, here. We need something better.
correction you don’t need to say “failure of the commissioners”, because we all know that and it’s not changing and they can’t help but screw this county into a death rattle. Give public land away, keep addicts happy, reduce critical care staff.,Over pay the temp. CEO- who does he answer to? Raise taxes, lower police authority, have hapless morons that can’t do math fixing budgets. One other thing is passing out “welcome to Sequim” heres your harm reduction kit. Enjoy, here’s your boofing kit, syringes, Narcan, space blanket etc. So visitors headed W on 101 that get off at Washington or Sequim Ave. we could have all the entire little league of Women Voters pass out the kits . Just in case someone wants to live here on purpose. Shows how friendly we are.
LWV want to take charge of so much, knock your sweet little self’s out. Be sure to get them registered and no mention of tension between JST and tax payers/volunteers/neighbors.
This maybe one of my best ideas. Stop everyone, they may have other questions, like how safe is the trail for my kids and I?
With our county in tumult my expectations are high for depression in the health industry. Clients don’t expect to much assistance and employees are not given any to give. The same can be said for law enforcement and officers… Clallam county has a very low spark….
Once those same people came to new jobs excited, looking forward to meeting co workers and happy about the beautiful location and outdoor fun. Schools seemed good, civic participation was high at parades, meetings etc. I want that Sequim back, not the one that has been sold, right out under our feet.
Vote for Jake Seegers, he’s the last bright star shining in a sky filled with negative smoke signals.
So an alert from the sheriff's department about deadlier drugs hitting our streets?
Surprise surprise surprise
We still have harm reduction so their zombie constituents can continue to shoot up knowing they have a clean needle then they can go to OMC emergency care for their OD.
As for OMC, I needed cardioversion a while back. My doctor told me to go to the ER. I waited 10 hrs to get the 30 minute procedure. The next time I needed cardioversion, I went to Port Townsend, was taken in after about 3 minutes, mostly answering questions, and treated. In Idaho, same thing-- about 5 minutes of wait. Something sure is squirrely across the board in Clallam County!
The more they look the other way, the more problems arise and are created, the more federal, state, and NGO money flows in to fix the problems, and the more is available to "divert" into other causes or their offshore bank accounts.
Well, maybe I’m blessed but my experiences with OMC in PA have all been very good. I spent an hour in the ER waiting room for a non-life threatening condition, was seen by a nurse, then a doctor who admitted me for overnight treatment and observation. Subsequently I have been using their short term stays on a regular basis and have always been treated with respect and given good care. Knock on wood, maybe, but that’s my take.
About 8 years ago my long-suffering wife had a terrible kidney stone problem one day, so I took her to the Port Angeles hospital. After the long checking-in process, mostly to verify that she had insurance and the hospital would be paid, we waited in the waiting room for a very long time. It was SO long that my wife had to lay down across the seats trying to deal with the excruciating pain. At one point some 15 to 20 minutes later I saw someone casually pushing a cart down the hall outside and into a nearby room, in absolutely no hurry at all, who didn't bother to look into the waiting room or ask if my wife was there for at least another 10 minutes or so. I really thought that maybe this guy was a janitor, but FINALLY he poked his head into the waiting room and asked for my wife by name, because he could not see her from the hallway. We went into the little room he was in so that he could review the case, I think he was a nurse, and he made some obviously ridiculous & contrived excuse for NOT administering any pain medication for my wife. After another 15 minutes or so we were taken into an exam room where my wife was forced to endure her pain for another 30+ minutes to wait for a doctor. FINALLY, this doctor comes casually strolling in and started to ask questions while he prodded my wife, apparently to make sure that she was REALLY suffering. REALLY??? Still, no painkillers at all. This doctor told my wife that he could do surgery to remove the kidney stone, and he went through this long-winded technical explanation of the choices between surgery vs riding out the kidney stone pain, obviously avoiding any administration of pain medication whatsoever, until my wife rejected the surgery option that the doctor was clearly pushing her to have. FINALLY, the doctor gave up pushing for surgery and reluctantly gave my wife a pain killer that within one minute gave my wife some real relief from the terrible pain that I was suffering~!!!! Ha! Oh, I mean that she was suffering :) At that point I sure could have used a pain killer myself, because I could clearly tell that they intentionally delayed giving my wife any pain killer to keep her in pain so she would be more likely to agree to the surgery due to the ongoing agony~! So, shortly following the pain killer the doctor insisted that "for her safety" my wife needed to stay in the hospital overnight under observation. Upon following my wife as she was wheeled into her hospital room a ridiculously obnoxious pushy and domineering nurse appeared to "dictate the rules" as if my wife was being incarcerated for a capital offense like murder~! HA~!!! Well, you NEVER treat an American Constitutionalist like that if you know what is good for you, so I very politely informed this "nurse rachet" that neither my wife or I were her "prisoners" and we would be retaining ALL of our freedoms and rights while she was in that hospital regardless of her/their attitude or "policies"~! Of course, I said it nicely, but so that there would be no misunderstanding just in case~! As my wife had at that point become one of the best in medical diagnostics in the world, with nearly 30 years of a superior proven track record, we know damn well that the Port Angeles hospital was more interested in their profit level, than my wife's pain and medical concerns~! The next morning my wife was sore, but the kidney stone had passed, and I took her home where she was fine a day or so later... The satisfaction score that I/we would give the Port Angeles hospital would be in the "negative range" if that would be possible, because the entire experience was horrific because of their utter lack of compassion regarding the pain and suffering that my wife needlessly endured in their little game of putting the profit before the patient's well-being... Most folks would never know what the Port Angeles hospital was REALLY doing because they are not "frequent flyers" nor are they aware of the difference between good and bad medical help, so the low satisfaction score indicated in the numbers in this article are actually optimistically on the higher side believe it or not~! That is NOT good, all things considered, and yes, there is a VERY dangerous and deadly lack of competent leadership AND so-called medical professionals in the OMC that I am sure has resulted in MANY folks needlessly suffering and even deaths~! Remember, the folks who take these surveys are still suffering and would sign ANYTHING to get the Hell out of the hospital at that point~! Keep up the great work Jeff Tozzer~! We can do a LOT better in our community, but we do need to remove the greedy agenda driven profiteers and sub-standard "professionals" before any real improvements will be made~!
Mike, I honestly can tell you why you got sloppy care. It starts from the sloppy administrators and flows down. When standards are low, you get low standards. Plant a potato and you will get a potato. I loved my job, why? There were standards among the nurses. OMC could be brought around but I don't think anyone really cares at this point. Staff feels helpless and hopeless.
Yes, as an old school Personnel executive I COMPLETELY agree that it is the management level that creates and fosters the "standards" that reflect the quality of the management itself~! Good or bad~! That is THE rule of management ;-) Yes, I am sure that the good folks who are still working in the OMC system are VERY unhappy with the way things have been going and our hearts go out to the good folks there. We know all too well what it feels like to be working hard for the patients, only to discover just how evil & corrupt those in management have been and are. Yes, absolutely, the OMC can be turned around, but only if the management and the criminally corrupt Individuals who keep putting these terrible and corrupt managers in the hospital system are REMOVED~! People have every right to feel betrayed, because we all were, but the situation is FAR from hopeless~! I know great folks who could easily improve the OMC, but not as long as the criminals and intentional malpractice cartel is dictating what they can and cannot do... When the community has suffered enough and the good folks in the medical system FINALLY stand up to do the right thing, there will be positive changes. There is absolutely no reason that "we" have to tolerate such a failed and dangerous medical system, but there are a LOT of VERY bad so-called "medical professionals" in Washington State because rotten potatoes contaminate other potatoes and attract even more rotten potatoes over time... Ha! Ironically, we just planted quite a bit of our new potato crop on our funny farm this year, in the hope that we have a better harvest of potatoes later this year~!!! God willing and with hard work~! ;-) We just got some horrible news that "David Wilcox" has apparently died, and it sounds as if he was "suicided" from the first reports. He has been one of the highest profile and well-known American "truthers" for many decades and those of us who are on the front lines of this massive old war that is ongoing know just how dangerous it is to be a REAL Patriot! So, I need to go for now because I have things to do... Have a mellow evening and keep the faith~!
Sincerely, Mike
P.S. What folks are really experiencing is the crashing and burning of the failed "socialized medicine" system that SO many pushed and voted for right here in the corporate US~! That my friend, is THE root of the biggest problem because socialism ALWAYS fails without exception~!
Commissioner Mike French did reply to an email and clarified that he is required to sit on the board of OlyCap. The requirement comes from a resolution that he signed in January. Essentially, "I'm required to serve on the board because I require myself." See the full exchange in yesterday's comment section."
Here is today's email to the three commissioners and Dr. Berry:
Dear Commissioners and Dr. Berry,
You were sent an email indicating that xylazine (“tranq”) was likely already showing up in Clallam County. Dr. Berry acknowledged that. But the public didn’t hear anything about it for roughly six weeks—and when it finally did come out, it was through the Sheriff’s Office, not Public Health.
Isn’t notifying the public about emerging drug threats like this a core responsibility of Public Health?
Why the delay, and why did it fall to law enforcement to get that information out instead of your department?
With how quickly the drug supply is changing, getting that information out early matters. People are making real-time decisions that affect their safety.
I'm glad that Mike replied and clarified. We get bupkus from the others.
My husband had an emergency medical episode. The triage nurses were great. Before I had his forms filled out they were checking vitals. Good communication with the doctor on duty. By the time we got home, his primary care physician was updated and had test results for follow up. A bit of a wait between check in and seeing doctor, but it is an ER. Other than an updated waiting room (little shabby) we had a very good experience. We did not receive a patient survey to fill out. So good experience and glad we didn’t have to go to Bremerton or elsewhere.
I've had two ER visits to OMC and was shocked on the first visit after cleaning and sutures in my hand the doctor came in to tell me the good news that I could get some oxycodone for the pain!
I had to tell him "no thanks, I'll see how the pain levels are first". 7 years ago when the MAT clinic was looking for patients to start the place right ...
The second time was like a torture chamber and I'll leave it there. Two doctors to do a small nail extraction taking 45 minutes each. Ouch and swollen for 5 weeks.
Thanks for the article Jeff and Doggers. I wish you all a great day...
See, THIS is the type of feedback that we need. Legitimate claims of actual care and how you perceived it. Thanks for sharing it.
I've been to their ER once 3 years ago. It was a horrible experience because no one knew where I was. There's no coordination with handoffs nor was I told where to go and wait to be available. While ultimately the people there have that responsibility, I believe that their workload and lack of training must have something to do with this and I blame management squarely for it.
MK, it is absolutely management. My experience was that the nurses didn't really have direction, not that they were incompetent. It was like the left hand didn't know what the right hand was doing. Hours and Hours to decide to transport to Silverdale (this was not for me but a family member) and hours more to arrange a $4,000 ambulance ride to Silverdale...could have been for many reasons, but nobody could tell us why. Once in the Silverdale Hospital, it was an exhale of relief. It was professional. I have no complaints about the staff in Silverdale, it was the "creative" billing system. All the hospitals have padded and creative billing systems. If you don't go over your bills carefully, you get billed for things that weren't even done. If you have insurance, it gets even more creative.
HA! Great comment Patriot Jennifer~!
We know a couple of doctors here, who would NEVER go to the local hospitals unless it was a life-or-death immediate decision and they had no choice! I also know of THREE nurses here, recently retired, who have gone on record testifying that at least several doctors at the OMC threatened their jobs if they told any of the patients about the dangerous risks of the COVID vaccines~! These same doctors also admitted to all three of those nurses that they not only didn't take the COVID vaccines, but that they NEVER take ANY vaccines~! I hope that folks really take the time to consider that before they fall victim to the medical malpractice machine~! Everyone needs to do their own research and be their own best friend~! Have a great day and keep up the good work~!
Sincerely, Mike
Michael, nurses know a lot. It never stopped me from talking to patients about blood transfusions. Unless it is life or death I would not advise anyone to get one. It will take longer to recover but blood testing does not know or test for all the newly introduced designer drugs, Hepatitis and other blood infections are evolving. My father died from Hepatitis from a blood transfusion he got in Vietnam. They only knew about Hep A and Hep B, he got Hep C before it was discovered. Now you have Hep D, E and subtypes.
It would have never stopped me to warn about the Covid vaccine, but then again I would have been fired because I would refuse the shot. Fortunately I retired before Covid, some fellow nurses were forced to take the shot. Out of 10 nurses, 4 have had some serious side affects.
Good evening, Patriot Jennifer~!
Yes, absolutely, I have found that a well-trained and solid experienced nurse, is more often than not FAR better at treating the patients than many so-called "doctors"~! I am sorry for what your father went through during and especially after his service in Vietnam, but like many who endured that terrible chapter of US history he was just doing his duty and serving the country~! My wife was one of the best of the best as a vascular ultrasound expert and we were both well aware of what was coming with the COVID mass murder democide because of what we had experienced in the preceding decades. We are both VERY serious scientists in our respective fields, and working hard to stay on the cutting edge of things is what we are all about... Yes, you would have been faced with only three options had you still been a nurse during this STILL ongoing COVID mass murder democide. 1 "doing your job" and participating in the mass murder, which would definitely expose you to criminal prosecutions that are already in process. 2 taking an early retirement or flat out quitting. 3 staying in the field to try to save as many patients as you possibly could, until you were fired~! My wife chose the last option and she was fired, her entire career was attacked & effectively terminated, she was threatened with criminal prosecution, and to date we have lost well over 1 million dollars (and counting every single day). We didn't even know we had 1 million dollars to lose, but in doing the math and figuring in the opportunity cost losses, yup, the number is absolutely devastating and will continue to be for the rest of our lives (especially at our ages). We, like MANY thousands of the good folks who used to be in the medical field, were always working for the best interests of Americans as our top priority and we both took oaths to serve and protect America and Americans that we honored regardless of the ramifications to us personally. The war INSIDE of America has ALWAYS been underway, FAR more bloody, dangerous, and deadly, than any "declared foreign war" but that is just a simple reality 101 for American Constitutionalists... The sheep, as always, remain clueless... Yes, we know that there are still some in the medical field who are trying to work from within, and we hope that they understand that they are not "alone" and that VERY exciting and amazing changes are already coming to usher in the new medical industry (matrix) that will be focused on the patients well-being first and foremost~! The old corrupt medical matrix is either dead or dying at this point, many of the criminals in the medical field are headed for criminal prosecutions even if they currently do not know it, so never give up hope~! The old medical matrix has to be allowed to die publicly for all to see, so that folks will understand how criminally corrupt it was, for them to understand and accept the changes that are already underway ;-) You are not going to believe the astounding medical system that has already been born and is getting close to being "released" to humanity~!!! MANY hidden medical technologies that "The Swamp" has controlled and kept away from folks in need, patents, and truths are going to come out as soon as this oldest of wars against humanity has ended and it is safe to roll out the new system~!
Have a great and peaceful evening~!
Sincerely, Mike
That is "David Wilcock" - pardon the previous misspelling ;-)
Keep the faith!
M
That's totally fair. I agree that the ER lacks "finesse".
ANDREA, I always wanted to work in a MAGNET hospital. To get a Magnet rating for a hospital is equivalent to a Michelin 3 Star rating for a restaurant. There is only one that I know of in Wa. Providence Holy Family Hospital in Spokane. These types of hospitals are basically led and run by standards set by nurses.
A Magnet-designated hospital is a medical facility considered to be the gold standard for nursing practice and innovation.
Magnet hospitals are certified by the American Nurses’ Credentialing Center (ANCC) as institutions where nurses are empowered to not only take the lead on patient care but to be the drivers of institutional healthcare change and innovation.
I envision OMC to this standard. Everyone works as a unit, at the top is not Administration (who sit at desk) but the people who work at ground zero. It's a pipe dream, but workable if allowed.
seems like at the meeting a few years ago it was revealed that OMC placed nurses who had just graduated from nursing school in the ER. Experienced nurses said this was bad policy, having nurses with experience were a better fit in that job. Maybe things haven't changed?
I too had a couple of bad experiences there also. It is a scary place with some of the crowd that hangs out there. The OMC does not have a heart specialist nor a diabetic Dr that is available and cannot treat heart attacks that need surgery. I want to know how that is a hospital? It is a stop off point to other medical facilities. Silverdale is where I have to go for specialized ailments.I have heard horror stories about their screwups from other people. Taxpayer money not well spent on a second class facility.
jedj, heart attacks take many forms. It is not always the typical chest pain. In older adults it can refer to back pain, arm pain, jaw pain or "I feel so tired, I can't walk across the room without having to sit down" My heart attack (during covid) was treated there with "put on a face mask". oops forgot about oxygen mask, oops forgot about pain meds, oops forgot about aspirin, oops forgot about a large bore IV needle...When my ekg was sent to Silverdale, the Doctor said Transport Now She is Having A Heart Attack. They then started to move faster, before that it was more important to "put on a face mask" and argue with my husband who refused to put on a face mask and to call security. In Silverdale, the Doctor greeted me at the emergency room door and took me immediately for surgery to place stents. I was so glad to be placed in an ambulance to leave OMC, the EMT's started proper treatment. Everything was ready when I arrived in Silverdale and life saving heart surgery within15 minutes. oops, they didn't make me put on a face mask.
Praise the Lord you are still here!
When doctors come back to this area because they grew up here hoping to help change things for our community, they have now left because they received road blocks I’m sure because people wouldn’t change their ways.
Just like our county, we need to drain the swamp as people say in DC.
There was a doctor in our area that went back to learn administration so that they could help but they weren’t even looked at by the board.
I’ve had nothing but bad experiences at that hospital, I could write a book on it. Misdiagnosed life killing disease, if it wasn’t for me fighting for my late husband his life would have ended long time ago, but by persistence I got him to Swedish who saved his life and he was able to live another 6 years.
I to have worked in small local hospitals and managed a clinic, this place is a joke. I’ve filled out surveys but not once did anyone contact me about it or were concerned
Hi Chris,
When I wrote insurance policies (bluck 😖) …. many families left the area due to a failing school district.
I lost several clients.
Cancer doctors
Dentists
Chiropractors
Gone….
they don’t want to raise their families here.💥
Hence the Hospitals suffer.
They suffer from stupidity and following the dictates of mad men.
First paragraph. Larson, Larson, Larson.
OMC/OMP could start by tossing its management -- and I don’t mean the CEO or his office. I’m talking about the numlocks who worked in Registration and were suddenly promoted to management roles with no clinical background at all. The entire HR Department has to go so the organization can get serious about hiring the most talented people instead of favoring those with PAHS diplomas. Some of OMC’S best and brightest are bailing, like CPO Dr. Allen Chen, whom many wanted to see as CEO. Pulmonologist Dr. Kevin Chong was treated badly and was moved from one building to the next until he finally bailed and went to Jefferson Healthcare. Now we hear that orthopedic surgeons Dr. Dustin Larson and Dr. Loren Larson -- both PA natives -- have had enough of the zoo and they’re getting out. On the hospital commission, it sounds like former urologist Dr. Carleen Benson is speaking up. Word is that the board is not happy with her so she must be doing the right thing.
It's why I never switched back to their urology after I had to find a provider in Silverdale when their previous uro team bailed. What a disgrace.
I understand from that urologists Dr. Mast and Hewitt are really nice and very competent; there’s a third urologist but her name escapes me. They even resurrected a senior uro-certified nurse with really cold hands from retirement to mentor younger ones.
Well, that wonderful in term CEO that they decided to stick in there was known for killing another hospital in another state so why in the hell would you hire this guy over here? And his salary is obnoxious! But yet they need more money didn’t they just ask for more money for that atrocity of a library? Dr. Barry don’t even get me started on her when you know something that could be this catastrophic to a whole county people need to be informed quickly. I am a retired surgical nurse so this is not the first time I have seen this in my career.
Martin Luther King Jr. Hospital in California was one such hospital. They were able to turn it around, however, but it took time. They actually got in a CEO that turned the place around, but you have to hire the right people for the job.
I have moved over to Jefferson County because my doctor left OMC to go over there and I can’t really do without him. He saved my life. Honestly, I wouldn’t take my dog to OMC
"...why in the hell would you hire this guy over here?" I have NO way to verify this, but I suspect that the purpose IS to kill it. Merge the hospital with the Jefferson system and make it a "critical care hospital" (was that what they called that?) and/or just let it go to let JST take over. We shall see what happens.
OlyCap/Viola Ware is pushing for a critical nursing facilty for homeless with "dememtia". It is believable the homeless population over a certain age is growing faster because that age group is larger anyway, so not necessarily that old folks are more likely to become homeless but are just a larger percent of population in general maybe? The discussions on this so far fail to acknowledge that some of the "dementia" in the older population may actually be brain damage from hard drug use, such as hypoxic brain damage that can occur with OD. Where do you suppose they want to house this facilty? If lowish barrier PBH PSH is 350 k a unit and planned senior low income apts are estimated at 500k for a one bedroom, can you imagine the pricetag to build a new facilty?
Susie, you ask the hard questions that need an answer.
Soooo Harm Reduction is actually creating more zombies we will have to support? THAT was something I never thought of, nor has studies on the long term effects of Harm Reduction outcomes. We are making our own future nightmares. Not just housing, feeding and clothing, but we will have to pay for different forms of nursing care. I just grew 10 years older!
Well, this was actually verified so that’s why I spoke of it. I will have to find the information again and I can share it with you. It came out when they were trying to hire this guy.
Yes, I know of that, the guy that they hired and what a "d-bag" he is. He comes in and closes hospitals and clinics. But I don't know WHY here... JST wants to expand? Probably? Turn the hospital into a critical care unit (that may be wrong, I just recently learned about that and it would be because they can get different funding while reducing space for care, 25 beds?).
I think we need some answers from the leaders.
If you're going to comment, please share facts. MLK Hospital did not execute a successful turnaround. The hospital survives solely because they get funding every year from Kaiser, Cedars Sinai, UCLA, etc.
MLK operates at a loss every single year.
I am only commenting on what I heard from people that actually worked there. Some of our Nurses worked at both facilities. I worked at St. Frances Medical Center. I had already left St. Francis and became a traveling surgical nurse.
Sorry, I didn’t mean to hit send yet. And I left Saint Francis. They were on the turnaround. After that, I don’t know what happened. Anyway thank you for the info.
The complications and corruption in our healthcare system are so many and so endemic that I have surrendered to only what decisions can I best decide in my behalf, regardless of professional council. It has now been only six years ago when anyone with flu symptoms was subject to being hospital, ( not just OMC ), killed via Remdesivir and other equally lethal practices. Our own best of the best Allison Berry mandated that we inject unsafe and ineffective toxins in order to keep public access, travel, work, etc.. How to destroy a country and/or a civilization without firing a single shot or bomb; addictive illicit drugs. The social consequences of illicit addictive drugs are too many for society to fix, cure or even cope with. Among the many treatments for cancer, physically removing and disposing it remains a long steadfast option. Call it tough love, capital punishment or flat out dispassionate, but physically removing and disposing of any and all involvement in the manufacture, distribution and use of illicit addictive drugs would positively change that entire landscape. Take the recent example of the Venezuelan drug boats being blown up and expand that example from manufacturing to using. It would be both hard and harsh, but the result would ultimately be compassionate. No more wrist slaps or even life in prison. Be complicit in illicit addictive drug manufacturing, trafficking or use and be removed from the gene pool. Economically efficient, compassionate and innumerable lives ultimately saved.
Good call, Garry. I realized about 50 years ago that life choices are a big part of personal health, and well-being, and are the individual's responsibility. I have never been a patient at OMC, though I was born at OMH. My only other hospital experience was at Balboa Naval HospitaI, pre-separation from the US Navy in 1975. I see common sense merit in your assertions, and concur, with your assessments, Garry. Concerning drug manufacturing, distribution, useage/abuse; again, it is the individual's responsibility, with accountability to making prudent life choices, or not. Drugs have been part of our culture for my entire 73+ years, because such an environment supports the adage that "it is functional to be dysfunctional", there is money and control to be had, and so it goes. I guess my message is, be sure to get your ducks in a row for the OMC Duck Derby and keep throwing more earned resources into the bottomless corruption swamp, in the hope that it may miraculousy turn over, exposing somthing tangible. Maybe more naming rights can be sold by OMC to finance additional real estate and expansion projects, however, that tack didn't pan out well for the Thomas Family naming rights at OMC - Sequim. UW Medical Center is in the mix, so it's anyone's guess what the next phase will conjur, financed by Clallam County residents who recieve nothing of value in return.
Garry, you are right on. We need to take back control. It is not the old Dr Matlock days. We have to learn how to be patients and live to tell about it. Honestly! It's not about the tests that are done or the drugs prescribed anymore, it is asking the hard facts. Will the test change anything and will the side effects of medicine be worse than not taking them. It's a medical enigma.
There may be some among us, who feel that this new drug that has come in should not have been exposed.
JJW, why not? Knowledge is power. There are innocent people (non addicts) that could be exposed. IMO exposing it will not change those that refuse to be changed.
You mean, like, don't expose it to the public and just let the addicts take themselves out. Sorry, I'm not being objectionable, it just sounds harsh the way that I wrote that. But I think (?) I understand your meaning.
Listening to this podcast I thought, sounds like a good reason to talk about my recent OMC experience. And then you said it at the end! So, yeah, that will be the Friday podcast with me and the Strait Shooter. And it’ll be ‘so good’ just like your theme song!
CJ, I can't wait. You are fair minded. I would love to hear your experience.
Regarding the OMC: I have to express that I have had a good experience with OMC, recently. I was not given this survey. However, I don't mind giving an opinion from a person who has been on "both sides if the rail", as I used to be a nurse and I have also been a patient many times.
I have to add: We have some of the BEST care in the world, here in the PNW. Many of these surveyed may have experienced better overall care from a facility in the Seattle area. No surprise. I have experienced care in those facilities. To be honest, they're amazing! We are lucky to be in the PNW. I have also experienced good care, but not above and beyond, in the Czech Republic. Comparatively, though, it's like night and day, because the level of care in Seattle is well above and beyond.
Also to be noted: Many of the patients who come through OMC are elderly, as this is a retirement community. Many may also be people who come in with drug-related issues. Childbirth. Other things. The level of care for a person in distress will be different for people who are in for elective surgeries or care. A person in distress, an elderly patient, or a person in childbirth have different viewpoints. They may not know what questions to ask, what to expect, or know enough about their situation to make a decision about the level of care that they are receiving in the respective facility. Especially in emergencies.
So, I can take this survey with a grain of salt. I have seen complaints that were leggitimate and others that can be "picked apart" to reveal that the person had NO CLUE what was going on when they were being cared for, even interactions with these individuals in forums from people who asked questions of the patient and revealed that the person wasn't happy because of issues that they themselves caused. Patients are grumpy people, mostly.
ANDREA, thank you for perspective. A coin has two sides when tossed.
Sometimes, it seems like it landed on both sides. Lol
You get cranky when you hurt an are sick.
This Hospital will NOT be open much longer. Their losses are substantial and NO way to all of a sudden get better with the management that is currently there. They are broke and still losing money. Sounds like the feds found a partner. With all the fraud in our county it is surprising they have not found a scheme to survive.Oh they will just tax us more.
Many hospitals that patients have Medicare are being compensated at so much less than when we had Blue Cross through my husbands career, his work.
Since we really aren’t given a choice, forced in to Medicare because it is taken out of your monthly social security. Plus the hospital becomes underfunded. It is embarrassing as a patient to see they think my doc is worth $22 per appointment.
My point is, in larger population areas the patients are spread due to demographics etc. In Sequim they (by law) must take anyone that comes through the door. Good doctors don’t want to start careers at a hospital whose survey numbers are so low the school nurse is better provider when surveys are analyzed And how is it we are still paying 50k a month for a 3/day per week temp. CEO?
It may be a good time to bury this old institution and merge with an other facility.
Worked with UW hospital outreach. If you think they will slide in nicely and make everyone love their job again, sorry, spoiler alert, just a worker beware!
Kudos to the former employer of your husband. That's a GREAT benefit. I have a small business and, for this industry, I have to provide healthcare benefits. It costs me over $850/month for the healthcare premiums per employee, thousands a month. If they aren't moving and staying busy, I LOSE. It's too expensive for healthcare, here. We need something better.
It's interesting that an organization that will go to the extent of paying for surveys can't dog itself out of the hole it knows it's in.
What a failure of leadership and the Commissioners.
The light is blinking red, but the foot is still on the gas.
Is this some sort of act of intentional sabotage?
Why are they playing handball with their own shit?
Definitely sabotage.
Just a quick
correction you don’t need to say “failure of the commissioners”, because we all know that and it’s not changing and they can’t help but screw this county into a death rattle. Give public land away, keep addicts happy, reduce critical care staff.,Over pay the temp. CEO- who does he answer to? Raise taxes, lower police authority, have hapless morons that can’t do math fixing budgets. One other thing is passing out “welcome to Sequim” heres your harm reduction kit. Enjoy, here’s your boofing kit, syringes, Narcan, space blanket etc. So visitors headed W on 101 that get off at Washington or Sequim Ave. we could have all the entire little league of Women Voters pass out the kits . Just in case someone wants to live here on purpose. Shows how friendly we are.
LWV want to take charge of so much, knock your sweet little self’s out. Be sure to get them registered and no mention of tension between JST and tax payers/volunteers/neighbors.
This maybe one of my best ideas. Stop everyone, they may have other questions, like how safe is the trail for my kids and I?
(safe as bike riding on 101…have fun)
It may be a planned take down but there are better ways to do it.
With our county in tumult my expectations are high for depression in the health industry. Clients don’t expect to much assistance and employees are not given any to give. The same can be said for law enforcement and officers… Clallam county has a very low spark….
Once those same people came to new jobs excited, looking forward to meeting co workers and happy about the beautiful location and outdoor fun. Schools seemed good, civic participation was high at parades, meetings etc. I want that Sequim back, not the one that has been sold, right out under our feet.
Vote for Jake Seegers, he’s the last bright star shining in a sky filled with negative smoke signals.
So an alert from the sheriff's department about deadlier drugs hitting our streets?
Surprise surprise surprise
We still have harm reduction so their zombie constituents can continue to shoot up knowing they have a clean needle then they can go to OMC emergency care for their OD.
The ongoing vicious circle continues.
As for OMC, I needed cardioversion a while back. My doctor told me to go to the ER. I waited 10 hrs to get the 30 minute procedure. The next time I needed cardioversion, I went to Port Townsend, was taken in after about 3 minutes, mostly answering questions, and treated. In Idaho, same thing-- about 5 minutes of wait. Something sure is squirrely across the board in Clallam County!
Our family rule is that if you can get in the car, we are taking you to Port Townsend.
Sad, isn't it?
The more they look the other way, the more problems arise and are created, the more federal, state, and NGO money flows in to fix the problems, and the more is available to "divert" into other causes or their offshore bank accounts.
This entire one is just scary :(
Well, maybe I’m blessed but my experiences with OMC in PA have all been very good. I spent an hour in the ER waiting room for a non-life threatening condition, was seen by a nurse, then a doctor who admitted me for overnight treatment and observation. Subsequently I have been using their short term stays on a regular basis and have always been treated with respect and given good care. Knock on wood, maybe, but that’s my take.
GM, it makes me hopeful and happy to hear your good experience.
About 8 years ago my long-suffering wife had a terrible kidney stone problem one day, so I took her to the Port Angeles hospital. After the long checking-in process, mostly to verify that she had insurance and the hospital would be paid, we waited in the waiting room for a very long time. It was SO long that my wife had to lay down across the seats trying to deal with the excruciating pain. At one point some 15 to 20 minutes later I saw someone casually pushing a cart down the hall outside and into a nearby room, in absolutely no hurry at all, who didn't bother to look into the waiting room or ask if my wife was there for at least another 10 minutes or so. I really thought that maybe this guy was a janitor, but FINALLY he poked his head into the waiting room and asked for my wife by name, because he could not see her from the hallway. We went into the little room he was in so that he could review the case, I think he was a nurse, and he made some obviously ridiculous & contrived excuse for NOT administering any pain medication for my wife. After another 15 minutes or so we were taken into an exam room where my wife was forced to endure her pain for another 30+ minutes to wait for a doctor. FINALLY, this doctor comes casually strolling in and started to ask questions while he prodded my wife, apparently to make sure that she was REALLY suffering. REALLY??? Still, no painkillers at all. This doctor told my wife that he could do surgery to remove the kidney stone, and he went through this long-winded technical explanation of the choices between surgery vs riding out the kidney stone pain, obviously avoiding any administration of pain medication whatsoever, until my wife rejected the surgery option that the doctor was clearly pushing her to have. FINALLY, the doctor gave up pushing for surgery and reluctantly gave my wife a pain killer that within one minute gave my wife some real relief from the terrible pain that I was suffering~!!!! Ha! Oh, I mean that she was suffering :) At that point I sure could have used a pain killer myself, because I could clearly tell that they intentionally delayed giving my wife any pain killer to keep her in pain so she would be more likely to agree to the surgery due to the ongoing agony~! So, shortly following the pain killer the doctor insisted that "for her safety" my wife needed to stay in the hospital overnight under observation. Upon following my wife as she was wheeled into her hospital room a ridiculously obnoxious pushy and domineering nurse appeared to "dictate the rules" as if my wife was being incarcerated for a capital offense like murder~! HA~!!! Well, you NEVER treat an American Constitutionalist like that if you know what is good for you, so I very politely informed this "nurse rachet" that neither my wife or I were her "prisoners" and we would be retaining ALL of our freedoms and rights while she was in that hospital regardless of her/their attitude or "policies"~! Of course, I said it nicely, but so that there would be no misunderstanding just in case~! As my wife had at that point become one of the best in medical diagnostics in the world, with nearly 30 years of a superior proven track record, we know damn well that the Port Angeles hospital was more interested in their profit level, than my wife's pain and medical concerns~! The next morning my wife was sore, but the kidney stone had passed, and I took her home where she was fine a day or so later... The satisfaction score that I/we would give the Port Angeles hospital would be in the "negative range" if that would be possible, because the entire experience was horrific because of their utter lack of compassion regarding the pain and suffering that my wife needlessly endured in their little game of putting the profit before the patient's well-being... Most folks would never know what the Port Angeles hospital was REALLY doing because they are not "frequent flyers" nor are they aware of the difference between good and bad medical help, so the low satisfaction score indicated in the numbers in this article are actually optimistically on the higher side believe it or not~! That is NOT good, all things considered, and yes, there is a VERY dangerous and deadly lack of competent leadership AND so-called medical professionals in the OMC that I am sure has resulted in MANY folks needlessly suffering and even deaths~! Remember, the folks who take these surveys are still suffering and would sign ANYTHING to get the Hell out of the hospital at that point~! Keep up the great work Jeff Tozzer~! We can do a LOT better in our community, but we do need to remove the greedy agenda driven profiteers and sub-standard "professionals" before any real improvements will be made~!
STAY HEALTHY~!!!
Sincerely, Mike
Mike, I honestly can tell you why you got sloppy care. It starts from the sloppy administrators and flows down. When standards are low, you get low standards. Plant a potato and you will get a potato. I loved my job, why? There were standards among the nurses. OMC could be brought around but I don't think anyone really cares at this point. Staff feels helpless and hopeless.
Yes, as an old school Personnel executive I COMPLETELY agree that it is the management level that creates and fosters the "standards" that reflect the quality of the management itself~! Good or bad~! That is THE rule of management ;-) Yes, I am sure that the good folks who are still working in the OMC system are VERY unhappy with the way things have been going and our hearts go out to the good folks there. We know all too well what it feels like to be working hard for the patients, only to discover just how evil & corrupt those in management have been and are. Yes, absolutely, the OMC can be turned around, but only if the management and the criminally corrupt Individuals who keep putting these terrible and corrupt managers in the hospital system are REMOVED~! People have every right to feel betrayed, because we all were, but the situation is FAR from hopeless~! I know great folks who could easily improve the OMC, but not as long as the criminals and intentional malpractice cartel is dictating what they can and cannot do... When the community has suffered enough and the good folks in the medical system FINALLY stand up to do the right thing, there will be positive changes. There is absolutely no reason that "we" have to tolerate such a failed and dangerous medical system, but there are a LOT of VERY bad so-called "medical professionals" in Washington State because rotten potatoes contaminate other potatoes and attract even more rotten potatoes over time... Ha! Ironically, we just planted quite a bit of our new potato crop on our funny farm this year, in the hope that we have a better harvest of potatoes later this year~!!! God willing and with hard work~! ;-) We just got some horrible news that "David Wilcox" has apparently died, and it sounds as if he was "suicided" from the first reports. He has been one of the highest profile and well-known American "truthers" for many decades and those of us who are on the front lines of this massive old war that is ongoing know just how dangerous it is to be a REAL Patriot! So, I need to go for now because I have things to do... Have a mellow evening and keep the faith~!
Sincerely, Mike
P.S. What folks are really experiencing is the crashing and burning of the failed "socialized medicine" system that SO many pushed and voted for right here in the corporate US~! That my friend, is THE root of the biggest problem because socialism ALWAYS fails without exception~!