Minimum six-month pause to address financial concerns
by Dennis Rahm
By a unanimous vote, the board of commissioners for Lake Chelan Community Hospital decided on Tuesday to place a minimum six-month hold on the design and start of construction for a new hospital. The decision was made over concerns about the financial health of the hospital and clinic.
The decision to delay was also favored by hospital Chief Executive Officer George Rohrich and Chief Financial Officer Mike Ellis. Rohrich feels the risk is higher by not delaying, “we are working very hard to get our financial house in order”, said the new CEO.
While the hospital commission dealt with a full agenda of items at their regular board meeting, most of the public attending the session came to hear what decision would be made on the future of the new hospital.
One of those who spoke during the public comment period was former LCCH Chief Medical Officer Ty Witt who now works for Three Rivers Hospital in Brewster.
Witt outlined his belief that the financial trouble at the hospital began in 2018 when then CEO Steve Patonai wanted the hospital to place in the top 10th percentile of financial performance for hospitals in the state of Washington. Witt described a series of decisions that he claims has led to the loss of five wonderful providers in the past year and has consequently put the hospital in a hole.
You can listen to the entirety of Dr. Witt’s comments here.
Comments by Dr. Ty Witt
CEO Rohrich said he was appreciative of comments made by the public, including Dr. Witt.
In an interview with LakeChelanNow following the board meeting, Rohrich discusses plans that are in place to move the hospital forward in a positive direction. He notes the construction delay is in the best interests of the hospital and the public. He also points out that taxpayer monies approved for the new hospital are safely secured in a restricted fund in the county treasury and that those monies are being used as intended.
You can listen to the complete interview with Rohrich here.
Dennis Rahm Interviews Hospital CEO George Rohrich
It was in April of 2017 that voters approved a $20-million bond to help pay the cost of a $44.5-million project to build a new hospital.
In October of 2018 the hospital gained approval of a $22-million low interest USDA loan. The initial plans called for construction of a 77,000 square foot building. The size of the new hospital was later reduced to 54,000 square feet in order to remain within budget. It is unknown at this time if the construction delay will result in another scaling back of the project.
