If a trip to the hospital was required last year, chances are the patients were satisfied with the experience.
According to a survey presented to the Whidbey General Hospital’s Board of Director’s Monday, 75 percent of the people surveyed had to go to the hospital last year. Of those, 75 percent went to Whidbey General Hospital.
One of the key findings of the study was that 79 percent of hospital visitors were “very satisfied” with the care they received at Whidbey General, said Alison Peters with the Evergreen Research Group.
“I can compare what I see here with every other agency,” Peters said. “People have very low opinions of public agencies. They’re usually (angry) about something.”
For the survey, which was a follow up to a 1998 survey, the research group contacted 400 Whidbey Island residents by phone to gather information about residents’ awareness of the services offered at the hospital.
Eighty-six percent of people knew the hospital had family practitioner services available, however, only 31 percent knew of the services available from the island’s part-time neurologist. That was less than the 37 percent of people who knew about the plastic and reconstructive surgery options at the hospital.
In general, young people and new residents of Whidbey Island were less likely to be aware of the services offered at Whidbey General. That was reversed, however, when it came to pediatricians, OB/GYNs and plastic surgeons.
The survey also touched on the prospect of an increased tax levy to support the hospital. The survey found that 55 percent of those surveyed would support a local tax measure to support the hospital. The researchers were quick to point out that the people who were surveyed were not necessarily voters and the numbers are not reflective of the potential success of a levy.
Those who were new to the island — 65 percent — people more than 60 years old — 64 percent — and those making more than $80,000 per year — 63 percent — were in support of a tax measure.
The survey did not ask if the respondents owned or rented a house, which is an important factor for tax-related questions, Peters said.
Among the people who would not support the levy, 44 percent cited taxes being to high already as the reason why. Thirty-two percent thought the hospital did not need the money and 12 percent thought the hospital should trim costs.
The survey asked respondents what amount they would support for as potential tax levy. Sixty percent said they would support a measure of $20 per $100,000 of assessed property value.
The support dropped by half to 31 percent when the amount increased to $30 and dropped by half again to 15 percent when the amount was $40.
“When it comes to actually paying for it, support drops off a lot faster,” Peters said.
The researchers recommended that Whidbey General target younger and new residents to increase its market share. According to the study, those are the populations that tend to believe that better care is available at other facilities.
