As Whidbey General Hospital officials find a replacement for one commissioner, they have to fill another vacancy that cropped up on the five-member board.

Kristy Miller announced her resignation effective Friday, Oct. 10. She was halfway through her third term as commissioner. She cited health issues as the reason for her resignation.

“My health has to be a priority,” Miller said in a Tuesday morning interview.

She was originally appointed to fill out a three-year term; then she was elected to a six-year term and she is currently three years into second six-year term.

Miller said she enjoyed helping bring good hospital services to the community and trying to keep top-notch doctors on the island.

She hopes the hospital will be able to build a new wing that will provide a modern facility offering single rooms for patients. She also encourages the hospital to continue its efforts to retain doctors and its “Patients First” approach.

“The hospital has fabulous employees that really cares for people,” Miller said.

Her resignation means officials will have to find a suitable replacement that lives in Miller’s district, which is basically north of Crescent Harbor Road and parts of Swantown.

Hospital Board President Roger Case said he hopes to have Miller’s position filled by the middle of November. People interested in the position should send a letter of interest and a resume to the Board President, Whidbey General Hospital, 101 North Main St., Coupeville, WA, 98239.

Miller’s resignation comes at a time of change at the top of Whidbey General Hospital. Former board member Holly Schoenknecht announced her resignation in August and Hospital CEO Scott Rhine is scheduled to retire in March 2009.

The three remaining hospital board members are holding a special meeting Wednesday, Oct. 15, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Freeland to interview the five candidates vying to fill Schoenknecht’s seat that represents South Whidbey Island. The meeting begins at 7 p.m.

Candidates being interviewed tonight are Hal Seligson, Herbert Weissblum, Grethe Cammermeyer, Michael Noblet and William Lewis.

People appointed to fill the board vacancies will have to run for the seats in November 2009. Paul Zaveruha’s seat will also be up for election.