From Gregg’s desk

As we begin a new year, with the optimism and plans that go along with it, we also look back at the accomplishments of the year just closed.

2009 presented challenges in many arenas for healthcare as the economy faltered; federal and state budgets tightened; the ranks of the unemployed and uninsured grew and the battle over federal healthcare reform waged on. Here at Skagit Valley Hospital, we tightened our belts, made some hard decisions, and found ways to be more efficient to do more, with less.

With the involvement of our staff, physicians and volunteers, the hospital ended 2009 in a strong financial position, poised to continue our trajectory of growth and development of new and existing  programs.

It is that spirit, can-do attitude and pride among the people of Skagit Valley Hospital who made 2009 a success and will make 2010 even better.

Take for example Lee Hanahan, senior buyer in Materials Management, who hand-delivered a rush order package to Orcas Island on a Saturday, his day off, because he knew a hospice patient needed the contents.

Think about Emergency Department nurse Brook Hinckle who lives near Eaglemont Golf Course. She responded on her morning off when she heard a man yell for help, rendered assistance with CPR and ended up receiving a Life Saving Award from the City of Mount Vernon.

We received a very kind letter about Anesthesiologist Shawn Sullivan, MD who checked on a patient daily after surgery, then continuing to follow up with encouragement and phone calls in the days that followed, even while he was traveling out of state.

How about our amazing group of more than 450 volunteers? When asked, these dedicated people immediately took up the task last fall of monitoring incoming visitors for H1N1 flu on a daily basis to protect our patients, staff and visitors.

I could literally fill this magazine with great stories about our people and I know that at this time next year, I will have many more to share with pride. It’s the people of Skagit Valley Hospital who make our commitment to health and healing a reality in our “vision to be the best.”

Gregg Agustin Davidson, FACHE
Chief Executive Officer