I hope this update finds you and your loved ones healthy and enjoying the beautiful summer weather in the Pacific Northwest. We made it through the heatwave, we’re emerging from the pandemic, and we’re looking ahead with hope for a continued return to normalcy this fall.

While we are working toward a 70 percent vaccination rate in our State, I would like to continue encouraging those who have not yet been vaccinated to consider doing so. In the near future, we hope to hear of vaccine distribution for our youngest populations, those six months to 11 years old. The vaccine is safe!  There is no better way to protect ourselves and others from the severe effects of COVID-19 than to get vaccinated.

Spine Robot
Island Hospital has been busy implementing several new services and technologies this spring and summer. In this issue, you will read more about our expanding Sport & Spine program with the Excelsius GPS ® Spine Robot. The Excelsius GPS® combines robotic and intraoperative navigation technology into one system, making it an exciting addition to the Sport & Spine program at Island Hospital. This is the first spinal robot in the region!

The purchase of Excelsius GPS® will augment the already highly successful Sport & Spine program at Island Hospital, which has recently been set apart as the only hospital in the state of Washington to receive the 100 Best Orthopedic Surgery award in 2021. Congrats to Dr. Dawei Lu, Dr. Robert Billow and our entire orthopedic providers and nurses for leading these efforts for our community.

Urology Laser
Through the generosity of one of our Island Hospital Foundation donors, we were also able to acquire the Olympus SOLTIVE™ SuperPulsed Laser System. This enables our urologists to deliver quicker and more efficient kidney stone removal, translating to shorter procedure times and less patient discomfort. In addition, this advanced laser technology expands urology services in the region, allowing for after-hour, acute kidney stone treatment. Dr. Mansel Kevwitch and our new urologist, Dr. David Rice, are delighted to offer our urology patients the latest technology.

Island Gastroenterology Services
Island Hospital has expanded our Gastroenterology services to include an onsite clinic and extended procedure days. We also welcome our newest provider, Dr. Don Wakelin, to the team. Dr. Wakelin is a highly skilled gastroenterologist with more than 14 years of experience. The clinic will be co-located with our General Surgery Clinic where the collaboration between these two specialty services will better serve our patients.

Tele-ICU
Finally, our tele-ICU program will be online beginning mid-August. Island Hospital is launching a new tele-ICU program that provides around-the-clock support for patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). In addition to receiving exceptional bedside care, the tele-ICU program adds an extra layer of expert care for the most vulnerable of patients. The program enables highly skilled intensive care physicians (intensivists) and nurses to provide the highest possible care through remote monitoring using sophisticated software and computer systems. This new technology improves local access to critical care services at no additional charge to patients and reduces the transfer rate out of community hospitals so patients may receive care closer to home.

I appreciate your support to improve healthcare in our region and always encourage your comments, concerns and suggestions. Feel free to contact me directly at (360) 299-1327. Thank you, and stay healthy.

Sincerely,

Charles Hall, MSN, MBA
Island Hospital Chief Executive Officer

Island Hospital Chief Executive Officer Charles T. Hall has nearly a quarter century of progressive operational experience leading healthcare organizations in creating new services, expanding and upgrading existing programs and delivering high-quality, evidence-based care. Hall earned two Master’s degrees in 2008 from Johns Hopkins University in business administration and health systems management. In 2002, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Washington State University, Pullman, WA.