Tag: health

MANSON COMMUNITY COUNCIL HOSTS HOSPITAL CEO AND CLINIC MANAGER

by Richard Uhlhorn

Manson Community Council’s guest speakers was Aaron Edwards, CEO of Lake Chelan Health and his Chief of Outpatient & Ancillary Services, Marcus Miller.

Chelan Health CEO Aaron Edwards and Marcus Miller, the hospital’s Chief of Outpatient & Ancillary Services were the guest speakers at the Manson Community Council on Tuesday, May 19.

Edwards, who has guided the hospital for the last five year’s thanked the council for inviting them to speak. Edwards said when he took over as the CEO that up to that point the hospital had under performed. “It was a rural challenge with a lot of opportunity,” said Edwards.

Miller stated that residents of the valley can access the hospital’s primary healthcare clinic located on Johnson Ave. It is staffed with a family physician and is open 12 hours a day from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. to serve people who have to work.

Miller also said the hospital has purchased a trailer which will become a mobile clinic that can serve clients unable to make appointments during the day. It will be staffed with a physician’s assistant.

In addition, Chelan Health has revamped their surgical unit with a general surgeon on-site. “We have also added a dermatologist,” said Edwards. In addition, he added that they have added a cardiologist and are increasing their cardiac imaging capabilities. “All of these services have been added because of demand. “It’s been a very exciting timed. We are conducting more home visits.”

Edwards added that the hospital is 100% committed to its EMS and has zero interest of it going away.

The hospital is adding a new electronic records system to simplify patients and the hospital’s record sharing.

Edwards told the audience that in 2002 the hospital had $31 million in gross revenue which increased to $76 million in 2025 with a projection of reaching $97 million in 2026. “We are already $2 million ahead of that projection,” said Edwards.

Edwards and Miller took time to answer some questions before handing the meeting back to the council.

Councilman Dom Amor asked about the hospital’s situation under the new federal mandates on such services as Medicare and Medicaid. Edwards replied, “I think we are positioned well. We are helping people find insurance, but it is a challenge.” In addition, the state has made some changes in the law with regards to hospitals. “Health care is ridiculously expensive,” Edwards said.

Asked about the new EMS building, Edwards said it has 10 separate bedrooms and a large meeting room downstairs that can accommodate regional or even state wide training sessions.

Edwards said that the hospital has been asked to help administer another health facility.

In other business:
Under old business Chairman Mike Kirk stated that he felt the One Voice Coalition meeting went really well.

Dom Amor said it was his understanding that Chelan County has some updated information on its comprehensive plan for Manson. Gerry Ustanik said he felt they were looking more at Chelan. (Chelan is updating their own comp. plan.)

René Commons reported that there were no Manson to Chelan Trail updates, but added that it needs more community support.

Ustanik reported that the contractor working on the waterline upgrades is behind schedule but as assured them it would be completed by the end of June. “The contractor has been running into some (underground) issues,” Ustanik stated.

Amor reported that the Casino is updating its facilty with new carpeting. “They have already updated their HVAC system and are considering becoming a non-smoking facility.” He also added that there is some movement on a new hotel and that it would likely be separate from the existing casino.

Amor also said that the fire department is looking for a replacement for fire chief Arnold Baker who retires in July. Assistant fire chief Mike Williams is the interim chief. “The Fire Department is looking at purchasing Leffler Field from the Parks Department/School District.”

One big issue throughout the area is the potential for wildfire. With the lack of snowpack and another predicted hot summer, the potential is huge.

Council reports:
Jeff Conwell reported that Community Foundation of NCW is opening for grant funding opportunities on July 1. Ustanik said he would take on that challenge.

Conwell said he was still working on incorporation and is going to have a conversation with the City of Chelan. “We are looking at all the changes.”

Ustanik reported that a lot of people are showing an interest in the Dark Skies Initiative. He also talked with the wineries but said they close at night. A night skies event will be held at Echo Ridge sometime in June.

There will be a Lake Chelan Collaborative Meeting on June 3.

Manson Community Council’s next meeting is on June 16 at the Manson Grange Hall beginning at 6 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend.

LAKE CHELAN HEALTH/EMS BROKE GROUND FOR 2026 EMS STATION

by Richard Uhlhorn

In his opening remarks, Chief Operating Officer Shawn Ottley said, “Our EMS is one of the best Emergency Medical Services in the country.” He honored the department saying their maintaining the highest level of experience is the key to their success.

Chief Operating Officer Shawn Ottley

Lake Chelan EMS is 50 years old and on Monday, September 30, held a groundbreaking ceremony for its long awaited building adjacent to the new Lake Chelan Hospital.

A number of residents and luminaries were in attendance to listen to speakers involved in the project.

Dean Gable – Hill International

Dean Gable – Hill International, will be the acting project manager of the building project. He said he is happy to be working with the talented and creative people assigned to the project. “We are looking forward to a robust new home for EMS,” he said.

Matt Pulick – Graham Construction

Matt Puick – Graham Construction will be the contractor’s senior project manager for the project. “Chelan is a unique community and they have put a lot of trust in EMS. I’m looking forward to bringing this project on-time and on-budget.”

Ellyn Freed – Forte Architects

Architect Ellyn Freed – Forte Architects, is excited to be involved in the growth of the Valley.

Aaron Edwards – LCH CEO

Hospital CEO Aaron Edwards stated that this project was three years in the making. “Ray (Eickmeyer) can remember six different locations spread all over the place. They are now in a two story mobile home.”

Edwards also thanked the city, Erin McCardle and Planning Director John Ajax for shepherding the project through.

Edwards also remarked that Representative Michael Steel secured the vast majority of funding for the project. “This would not have happened if not for Mike Steele.”

Jordanna La Porte – LCH Board Chair

Jordana La Porte, LCH board chair remarked that the new building will be more than a garage. “It will help the hospital be more effective.” She introduced Mike who said there is nothing more special than helping projects at home. Steele is the head of the legislative appropriations committee.

District 12 State Representative Mike Steele

“I’m fortunate enough to have enough influence to make a small difference for people in the community,” said Steele. “I hope this facility will also.”

EMS Director Ray Eickmeyer told those in attendance that he is thankful for all the support the team gets.

The ground is broken. EMS will have a new home in 2026.

The new facility will provide EMS emergency responders with a permanent home that will have shared indoor/outdoor living space, office spaces, sleep rooms and bathrooms for on-shift staff, an ambulance garage and dedicated training areas for staff and community education.

Community education includes CPR, First Aid & AED training, Paramedics program, Paratransit services and Event EMS standby. To inquire about these programs by email at ems@lcch.net or by phone at 509-682-3300.

For those interested, EMS and Lake Chelan Health will be providing construction progress and updates here: http://www.lakechelanhealth.org/ems-building project.