Skagit Regional Health and Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics joined together on June 1 as one connected health care system to serve the needs of patients in Skagit, Island and north Snohomish counties. Now, Skagit Regional Health, which includes Skagit Valley Hospital and Skagit Regional Clinics, is leasing and operating Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics.
The integration brings expanded care for patients in the largely rural area, allowing patients to get the care that they need closer to home. For example, the comprehensive Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center recently made a $3.3 million investment in new radiation therapy equipment at the Mount Vernon location and also operates an oncology clinic at Smokey Point. Skagit Regional Health rotates a variety of specialists through the Smokey Point location, including cardiologists and urologists.
Skagit Valley Hospital is home to the only cardiac catheterization labs in Skagit Count, and Hospice of the Northwest provides expert end-of-life care to patients and families in Skagit, Island, Snohomish and San Juan counties.
The entire system will benefit from a new electronic health records system. This $72 million investment is in the planning phase with the launch of this vital tool for staff and patients anticipated in July 2017. (Tim Pfarr)
