During the past six years, the Snoqualmie Valley Hospital District has transformed itself into a 21st century healthcare institution through its early adoption of electronic medical records, its Critical Access designation, regionally acclaimed swing bed program, best-in- class rehab department and upgrade of its urgent care unit to a 24/7 emergency room. Given recent growth in population, changing transportation patterns, new medical technologies and higher expectations for quality healthcare, it has become clear that Valley residents need and deserve the new hospital at I-90.
Driving out-of-Valley is different than say, driving cross town. This is especially true for families with children, older adults living alone and for those relying on public transportation. In an emergency, I can’t imagine any Valley resident preferring a distant ER over a well equipped and superbly staffed ER conveniently located at I-90 and Highway 18.
Most of all, I believe the health of the Snoqualmie Valley ought not be a mere extension of some business plan as implied by recent letters to the editor. Snoqualmie Valley Hospital District No. 4 is all about medical excellence, and it is about community. It helps keep Carnation, Fall City, Preston, the city of Snoqualmie and NorthBend from becoming homogenized into just another Eastside suburb of King County.
The core value of the Hospital District is to safeguard the health of the Valley. Perhaps that’s the best reason of all to explain “why we need a hospital.”
Jim Schaffer, President
Snoqualmie Valley Hospital Foundation
