Guest editorial - Congress could learn from hospital model

Gordon McLean,

Retired Administrator of Whitman Hospital

In 1987, Whitman Community Hospital was in serious trouble. A strong economic engine and health care system with the Hospital at its hub was in jeopardy. At the brink financially, a lonely parking lot, and curtailment of services, a failed effort to create a public hospital district , and retiring physicians all fed the fuel for “doom and gloom” coffee shop chatter and news headlines. In 1993 and 1994 Whitman was ranked in the “Top 100 Rural Hospitals” in the United States.

The turnaround of Whitman Community Hospital was legend. Often asked to explain it, I point to the extraordinary trust earned by Hospital Board and citizen leadership, collaboration among many engaged groups, a massive “take-it-on-the-road-no-spin” information campaign, and a Plan.

The Plan was simple: 1) stop losing money; 2) find ways to utilize space and talents for new physicians, outpatient clinics, and services; 3) secure a public hospital district to provide a base for needed major equipment and facility needs (not subsidize operations); and 4) keep and enhance our reputation for quality care and compassion.

Right-sizing to operate within incomes was a bitter-sweet experience. A “Financial Crisis” was made public; there was a reduction in force and an 18 month wage and hiring freeze. Red ink turned to black. The Hospital showed a loss of $223,000 in 1986. We celebrated a $5,000 profit in 1989. Beds were moved out to make room for new activities and a birthing room was operational Feb. 14, 1989.

The Plan passed the “Common Sense Test.” First endorsed by the Parvin Grange and then with LaCrosse and St. John leading the way, the vote to create the critical hospital distgrict passed by 91 percent. Many good people, services, and events followed this community commitment to the renewed Colfax Hospital and the fruits of necessary early pruning and sacrifice are evident today.

Many skeptics find our story a bit of a fairy tale, especially knowing the conservative culture in western Whitman County. However, it happened here! Whitman Hospital and Medical Center is in its 118th year of valued service and continues as a flagship for rural hospitals.

Congress could learn from the Colfax Model with a Plan that passes the “Common Sense Test”, extraordinary collaboration, and earning the sense of trust shared by leaders and community in this time of crisis.