Notes on last night's Evergreen Hospital Public Commission meeting.

OPINION:  Last night, I attended and spoke at the Regular Public Meeting of Evergreen  Hospital.   Many citizens don't know that Evergreen is a King County Public Hospital and district residents pay taxes to Evergreen Hospital. 

The most exciting news from the meeting came at the very end when our elected commissioners formally approved and announced their new CEO, Bob Malte.  (see my press release story).  Mr. Malte is replacing the popular Evergreen CEO Steve Brown.  Malte will start permanently May 10, though he will be attending the black-tie Evergreen Gala fundraiser on May 1.  According to the Evergreen website, the Gala is sold out. 

My favorite part of the meeting was Dr. Wechin's update on Resolution 1000 the "Death with Dignity Act."   Evergreen campus hosts a Hospice Center with family support services.  I attended their support classes when my mother passed from a prolonged battle with three cancers and congestive heart failure.  The support classes are taught by experienced volunteers.  It's advisable to seek professional help if your sadness turns to depression, which was my case. 

Dr. Wechin said 70% of  patients choosing to die under the Act are cancer victims.  20% have ALS, and 10% have heart failure.  The common reasons for their choice are:  1) loss of autonomy, 2) lost of dignity, and 3) loss of ability to participate and enjoy life.   My mother died in Florida.  I'm not sure about the Florida law at that time, but she died a tortuous, tramatic death, almost impossible for our family to endure.  After prayer and without hesitation, I voted for the Act in Washington.  

Less than 1% of Evergreen's hospice patients (10) were dispensed phenobarbital medication last year and 10 died.  So far this year, 6 patients were dispensed medication and 4 died.  Prescriptions cannot be ingested on hospital property.  Most choose to die in their homes.

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In my public talk,  I introduced myself as a citizen-journalist and hospital district taxpayer of 32 years.  I explained my public service mission of  "Open Government", bringing government closer to the People.  In light of health care reform (driving higher numbers of insured to hospitals), I questioned the hospital's need for taxes.  A brief chat with a commissioner and staffer afterwards was a helpful start for dialogue.     

We the People (and taxpayers!) are invited to speak to the commissioners at Evergreen Hospital on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. The board of five elected-commissioners are receptive and friendly, though their experience with the Public and government reporters appears quite limited, so be patient.  (Disclaimer:  Use of recording devices for accurate reporting by the public and media are not allowed; this policy is under study .)

By Bob Yoder