By Paul Zaveruha, M.D.

These are difficult times for everyone but especially so for the health care sector throughout the nation. Hospitals everywhere are challenged to do more with less. The hard work of the Whidbey General Hospital people under administrator Scott Rhine will hopefully pay off; such as we are beginning to see with an impressive September and a promising October. Their skills will be needed to keep us afloat during these financially stressful periods.

What are the answers to our challenges? The answers are ultimately within all of us collectively working through the political processes to reform the health care systems. That begins right here in our little corner of the world, Whidbey Island. We have a great asset in Whidbey General Hospital. We are blessed with dedicated people working there with a passion for caring, adding the human touch to the business of health care. The hospital needs leadership and expertise to guide it through the financial struggles that confronts us all.

I have been honored to serve the people of Whidbey Island for the past 21 years as your surgeon and EMS Medical Director. I know the inner workings of this hospital and the community. I have been in the hospital staff leadership for most of my 21 years here in various positions including Chief of Staff, Medical Executive Committee, Director of the Emergency Department, Finance Committee and Planning Committee and many more. I also have a Master’s Degree in Public Health with an emphasis in administration of Health Care Systems. I feel qualified to deal with these issues for you and your hospital. I want a successful hospital that can provide the quality and service that you deserve. I want to ensure the hospital’s future on Whidbey Island for you.

The perceived conflict of interest may seem to some a problem. I have stated in public that I will comply with the law. I would like my side heard and decided by the proper state authorities after balanced consideration of all the facts.

Each of the board members brings their life’s experiences and knowledge to the table. My life experience includes many leadership positions. It is my wish to add those experiences to the board. I believe discourse and open discussion of the tough issues make the difficult decisions manageable and acceptable. I will propose to the board that an advisory committee from the community be formed to include specific managerial and financial skills. The board will set goals and direction for this committee and in turn benefit from their expertise as well as input from the public.

I believe one of the keys to Whidbey General Hospital’s success is accountability and feedback from the public. It is important to work things out in an open dialogue when critical issues and disagreements occur. The combined efforts of the board, with expert community advisors and public input from all of you, will take Whidbey General Hospital to a new high standard. I want to be a part of it.