EvergreenHealth "Hospitalist" Honored With a King County Award

Kirkland, Wash. – EvergreenHealth hospitalist Rajneet S. Lamba, MD, was recently honored with the 2022 King County Medical Society Emerging Leader Award, which recognizes a King County physician who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in their community and tireless dedication to their patients.  

As a hospitalist physician at EvergreenHealth, Dr. Lamba provides:  a full spectrum of hospital-based internal medicine, emphasizing patient-focused care, communication and shared decision-making. He instructs medical students visiting the EvergreenHealth campus from the University of Washington and has served on several committees at the health system, including Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.   Dr. Lamba is the immediate past president of KCMS and has led several unique projects for the society in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.   

 

“It’s gratifying and humbling to receive this recognition from my peers and community,” said Dr. Lamba. “I’m so proud of the care we provide at EvergreenHealth, and I share this recognition with the countless physicians and providers who work tirelessly to provide high-quality care and service each and every day.” 

-- abridged and edited EvergreenHealth press release

 

EvergreenHealth - "Then and Now"

 

 EvergreenHealth is a publicly funded hospital.  I've heard a bond measure is being considered. 9/30/22,

Mental Health Is In the Forefront At EvergreenHealth

 

EvergreenHealth "Silver Tower" funded by the community

Mental health is in the forefront these days

In 1998, Chair DeYoung of EvergreenHealth wrote a letter to the community stating EvergreenHealth's Vision was to "be an inclusive health care system and the most trusted source for community health care solutions." I'm truly appreciative of their inclusion of mental health -- as they are now seriously evaluating a much needed Behavioral Health Urgent Care clinic, and other mental health care services.

Quality psychiatric care, fewer visits to their ER's, lower patient costs, and countering stigma, are major benefits of behavioral health urgent care.

Last week I attended a suicide prevention workshop at Redmond High School and ran into several EvergreenHealth social workers who assess students for suicide and other mental health issues. Erin, your social worker for RHS said she's done 80 assessments in her two years. Suicide is at crisis levels in high schools! 8th graders struggle very much too.

In a big way, the suicide crisis sparked the "Mental Health First Aid program" for adults assisting young people. I took the class to prepare for LWSD's Lunch Buddy mentoring program; it's very helpful. EvergreenHealth taught 4 classes last year with more to come. One of the LW Schools Foundation themes for this year is "mental wellness." I hope some of EvergreenHealth commissioners and some staff will attend their annual spring luncheon....and you!

I'm thankful for EvergreenHealth's "In-Home Mental Health Program." It's a great program for adult, seriously impaired medicaid patients that lack mobility, and it doesn't cost the hospital a dime. Evergreen is starting to do some really good things for mental health in our community. I hope they keep moving forward.

-- Bob Yoder, 6/2020

King County Councilmember Perry Visits EvergreenHealth , Wants "Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinics"

 

King County Eastside Councilmember Sarah Perry

Hi Bob, Thank you so much for reaching out to Councilmember Perry’s office to share this information and feedback. Councilmember Perry has been actively engaged in the behavioral health conversations happening at the County in conjunction with the budget conversations beginning now. While I don’t have more details to share at this time, I know that having a 23 hour behavioral health facility in the district is a top priority for Councilmember Perry. Additionally, we are currently in the process of scheduling a visit to Providence in Everett to see their behavioral health facility with State and County legislators, DCHS and other stakeholders to help inform these ongoing conversations, especially as the Executive gets ready to transmit his budget proposal to the Council later this Fall. We are also in the process of setting up a meeting with each of the hospitals in our district and surrounding areas, including Overlake, EvergreenHealth, and others, to make sure we are including them in this ongoing conversation. I will be sure to pass this along to Councilmember Perry as she prepares to have these conversations with the health facilities. In the meantime, we really appreciate you passing this feedback along. Please let us know if you have anything else you would like to share with us as the Councilmember continues to work on this critical issue.

 

Sincerely,

 

Robby Paige

Legislative Aide

Councilmember Sarah Perry

King County Council, District 3

206-445-9246

Video of Providence/Everett's "Behavioral Health Urgent Care" with

psychiatrist and social worker narrating.

Posted by Bob Yoder, updated, 2/23/2023

EvergreenHealth Opens Redmond Town Center Primary Care

Yeah! KUDOS EveregreenHealth! Now let's get "Behavioral Health Urgent Care" in our community to keep patients out of the emergency room and in safe hands.

EvergreenHealth Primary Care, Redmond Town Center opened its doors on Monday, but today we made it official with a ribbon-cutting featuring Dr. Jeremiah Pamer, Dr. Jordan Collier, and Dr. Eliana Vasquez.

Many thanks to Redmond mayor Angela Birney, EvergreenHealth Commissioners Virgil Snyder and Dr. Chuck Pilcher, CEO Dr. Jeff Tomlin, COO Chris Bredeson and more for joining the celebration! (EvergreenHealth Facebook page.)

EvergreenHealth Primary Care - RTC
7345 164th Ave NE, Suite 1-105
Redmond, WA.  98052
425-522-8312

How to find us:  Our entrance is on the ground level right off of NE 74th Street between 163rd Place NE and 164th Avenue NE. 

Get care from the experts at our clinic in the comfort of your home when you select a virtual visit when scheduling your appointment. Hours 8-5 Monday through Friday.  Closed Saturday and Sunday. If you need a same-day appointment, we ask that you call the office. 

We're located in the southwest corner of the Redmond Town Center directly across NE 74th Street from the Seattle Marriott Redmond.Free parking is available behind the building off of 163rd Place NE.

 Website, 8/29/2022, excerpted

Posted by Bob Yoder, 8/29/2022

OPINION: Community Comments On EvergreenHealth's Behavioral Health Practices

EvergreenHealth Public Hospital should initiate a bare bones plan to medically treat community members struggling with behavioral health conditions. This video (140 seconds) explains the value of "Behavioral Health Urgent Care."  Below, are five people making exceptional social media comments gleaned from the article:  King County needs "Behavioral Health Urgent Care."  

 Molly Schroeder

"I am a mental health therapist and have seen first-hand how frightening a mental health emergency can be when there are no resources readily available! And how many clients have I treated over the years for the trauma they endured by resorting to a local ER?! If the ER is all that is available, I support that route, but Urgent Care for behavioral health would be an amazing option!"

Jennifer Z D Baldwin

"In my experience, including multiple mental health trips to Seattle Children’s ER, is that our current mental health system, at least in King County, is solely crisis focused. Meaning we do have systems in place for someone who’s immediate safety is in danger. But there is very little, adequate, on-going, accessible and meaningful/effective treatment for actually helping people heal. 

Imagine what it would be like if we treated mental health like we do physical health. Imagine if our minds were part of our bodies and that anything that impacted one impacted the other. Imagine if we dropped the shame around mental illness and had annuals, well visits, sick appointments, and talked openly with friends about what we were struggling with, trying, working on, and freely shared provider recommendations. That when we knew a family was struggling with mental health we organized meal trains, picked up groceries, or offered to take the kids. Like we do with physical health. Imagine if we had enough providers and treatment options and that they took insurance because dealing with insurance wasn’t a nightmare for everyone.

My rant is done (for now.) I know this is bigger than just King County. But the solutions to these problems start with awareness, social investment, public conversation, and specific needs assessments which can lead to increased funding and infrastructure. Thank you Bob Yoder for sharing this and providing a public space for (what I hope is thoughtful and civil) conversation."

Maggie Quintus

As someone with a person with mental health issues in my family I can assure you that having more resources for mental health would be invaluable. There is nothing worse than being sent home with someone in crisis and no help available

Matthew Dekker

This is timely. I brought a family member having a psychiatric emergency to Evergreen ER recently, and she was treated abhorrently. I kept saying to my wife throughout the process that there has to be another option

Ansley Heinsohn

My husband is a Program Director for a Mental Health Group & they are at capacity w/100’s more needing service & no where to get it. It is desperately needed.

###

Attn:  School Boards

Seattle Children's Hospital Behavioral Health Crisis Clinic . To avoid the ER.  Six Psychology PhD's.  One mental health nurse.  

Pediatric Behavioral Health Urgent Care, an innovative model of care for children and adolescents.

Opinion: King County Needs "Behavioral Health Urgent Care"

Providence-Everett Behavioral Health Urgent Care waiting room

A letter to the EvergreenHealth CEO Tomlin and the Commissioners:

Thank you Executive Secretary Candace for your and Commissioners/CEO Tomlin's interpretation of the "Seattle Times" April 11th article on behavioral health. 

The article flatly states: "The county has no walk-in urgent care center for people experiencing a mental health crisis, youths and adults wait hours or days in emergency departments before landing an inpatient bed."  Seattle Times, 8/11/2022. 

EvergreenHealth's two emergency departments are not the only option for community members requiring "same day intervention."  Providence/Everett has proven that.  CEO Tomlin can do more than advocating for greater resources.  He can provide medical treatment.  Your rooms given for NAMI Eastside forums and other "soft" resources are appreciated but by no means enough. 

Thank you CEO Tomlin for as you say, "evaluating and evolving your services to remain in close contact with the county and other community organizations" however, the Eastside population is exploding and Overlake can't carry your burden.  You must be willing to give a little to get a lot. (goodwill, bond passage assurance, positive media exposure, county support and resources, grants,) The commissioners owe it to their "constituents" and community members to provide medical treatment rather than whitewash a remedy with advocacy. 

Of note:  "The Providence Medical Group Behavioral Health Urgent Care provides timely access to behavioral health services for adults 18 and over presenting in a mental health crisis. The program is designed as an alternative treatment setting for those who need urgent (same day) intervention, but do not necessarily require the services of the Emergency Room."  -- Providence BHUC website

Before the pandemic, Kay Taylor, the Director of Nursing, et all were days away from a site visit to Providence Medical Group Behavioral Health Urgent Care.  At that time it was a pilot program for Providence.  They passed the test under severe Covid conditions with flying colors and operate today.  The community was running to their door.  CEO Tomlin, when you have staff resources, I encourage you to visit Providence/Everett, listen, learn and act. Thank you. 

My regards to commissioner Pilcher.

Best, 

Bob Yoder

Redmond, WA.

425-802-2523

redmondblog.org 

file

EvergreenHealth CEO Planning Bond Measure

 

CEO Jeff Tomlin, EvergreenHealth

EvergreenHealth CEO Speaks on the State of the Pandemic, Contemplates Bond Measure.  

At a Woodinville Chamber of Commerce event, CEO Jeff Tomlin explained a "need for greater public funding for hospitals, perhaps through a new unlimited tax bond"

“We did in 2000, and it’s about 20 years where the taxpayers pay an extra five cents on that thousand dollars in excess property value,” Tomlin said. “It’s about to expire, so the timing is good for us to start thinking about what the community can do to support us.” 

-- Woodinville Weekly, 6/22/2022 Chamber of Commerce  (Excerpt) 

Comment:  EvergreenHealth is long overdue in allocating bond dollars to a Behavioral Health Clinic; especially in light of the COVID-induced mental health crises.  

Posted by Bob Yoder, 7/28/2022

More news and stories

###

During the EvergreenHealth Public Hearing of November 15th, 2019 the seven commissioners voted unanimously to approve a 2020 Regular Tax Levy of $19,311,562 (Resolution No. 907-19.) 

An Excess Proper Tax Levy authorized for 2019 for repayment of UTGO bonds is $8,292,000 for calendar year 2020 was approved (Resolution No. 907-19.)  These bonds are the residual of a bond measure passed by 60% years ago to pay for the Silver Tower and new Emergency Department. 

You are welcome, says the Redmond taxpayer.  

History Of EvergreenHealth Hospital CEOs

yours truly

Check this out.  During a hospital tour in the mid-80's the Communications manager inadvertently showed me the commissioner's concealed public chambers. She was immediately fired.  Suspicious, I began reporting on their meetings (photography and videotaping is forbidden.)  A few Public Record Requests were filed.

One Public Record Request shockingly revealed an executive/pediatrician's salary of $600,000 and other misfeasance (1988.) It's unknown how long the commissioners paid him to participate in hospital governance.  CEO Brown, a likeable fellow abruptly resigned, saying goodbye to all employees by email and flew off to Pennsylvania.  

With that, the commissioners then hired Bob Malte from Colorado Springs as CEO. Bob is genuine and a real pro.  Mr. Malte reshuffled personnel and re-branded Evergreen to "EvergreenHealth."  The hospital began winning regional and national awards under Malte's helm. 

It's well known, one in five Americans have a mental health condition in a given year; and only half are treated.  Under the Malte Administration, EvergreenHealth developed a new mental health service (I think required by law.) but the bursting EvergreenHealth community still doesn't have an out-patient psychiatric clinic, employ a full-time psychiatrist or provide an behavioral health urgent care.

With Malte's departure, Jeff Tomlin, MD took over as CEO. He practiced anesthesia for years at EvergreenHealth and was a military officer.  CEO Tomlin took a national leadership role when the pandemic struck in 2020. He steered EvergreenHealth through some pretty tough waters; we are ever so grateful.  

Sadly, the thrust for an "Outpatient Urgent Care Behavioral Health Clinic" lost momentum. Dr. Tomlin took Mental Health off the 10-year facilities plan, despite the explosive incidence of mental health conditions uncovered by COVID. -- Bob Yoder, 7/26/2022

UPDATED 4/25/2024: EvergreenHealth Commissioners Hold Open Public Meetings

EvergreenHealth Public Hospital District No. 2

Open Government

"By enabling the public to observe the workings of government, Open Government helps them hold the government accountable. In addition, enhanced public participation can result in more informed and better government policies, practices and decisions, and in more responsive, innovative and effective governance and services."

EvergreenHealth's Board of Commissioners meet publicly two times each month in Tan 250 (Community Meeting Room Chambers) of the "Physicians and Surgeons Building." 

• The third Tuesday of the month at 5:30 pm the commissioners start their Business Meeting. Public comment is taken at 6:30 pm in the Community Meeting Room Chambers. (suggest you call 425-899-1000 to confirm the meeting time; times may change.)
• Educational Sessions are held the first Friday of every month in Tan Room 250, Community Meeting Room Chambers.  When the Agenda has an "Action" item, there's an opportunity for Public comment.  
  
• Budget Hearing:  Budget Hearings are held once a year, the first Friday of  November at 7 a.m. in the Tan 250 Community Meeting Room Chamber   Notice is give in the Seattle Times newspaper 2-weels before the Hearing. 
• The Study Session was eliminated in 2021.  

Chamber Location:  Go down the narrow, winding hallway (hung with awesome history photos) of Tan 250 "Public Meeting" Room located in the  Physicians & Surgeon Building.  

Photography and video-recording are forbidden in Board chambers unless the Board makes an exception.  Several of seven commissioners are appointed, not elected.  

-- Bob Yoder, Updated 4/25/2024

The Status Of Mental Health Care At EvergreenHealth Public Hospital

This "Silver Tower" and second Emergency Department was funded by the taxpayers of
EvergreenHealth Public Hospital No.2 in Redmond, Kirkland, Sammamish,Woodinville,
Kenmore, Bothell, Mill Creek, Duval, Carnation, Shoreline and Sammamish County.

EvergreenHealth serves the community well. 

A gross exception is their failure to provide on-site mental health treatment.

Click title:

The Status Of Mental Health Care At EvergreenHealth 

More News And Stories

-- Bob Yoder, 1/29/2022

EvergreenHealth Allegedly Misused C.A.R.E.S. Money

EvergreenHealth's "Silver Tower" and their second "Emergency Department" were funded
 by the  District taxpayers of Kirkland, Redmond, Sammamish, Woodinville, Bothell,
Kenmore, Duvall, Carnation, Shoreline, and Snohomish County. 

On July 7th, I received an anonymous letter from an alleged EvergreenHealth Public Hospital employee.  The letter was postmarked July 5th and signed:  "Concerned Employee."  The employee asked me to post the letter on my blog. -- Bob Yoder.

The Letter:

"On Tuesday evening, June 21, 2022, the EvergreenHealth Board approved management's proposal to use Federal Covid CARES money in the calculation of their incentive bonus scheme, which they otherwise did not earn. The CFO stated, "The CARES money is fungible and we can use it to calculate our bonuses." The CEO and Board Chair concurred. The proposal passed 4 in favor and 3 opposed. Management can now use that money to pay almost $2m in bonuses to the administrative team. The hospital is struggling to keep nurses and other key staff to serve its patients and those funds could have been used to serve the community and not line the pockets of the administrator."

The employee went on to say: "In a separate presentation, management prepared a 10-year facilities plan which does NOT include any consideration for behavioral health and will be going to the taxpayers for another bond."

I gave testimony to the Commissioners, CEO and CFO at their Tuesday, July 20th public meeting.  The Board Chair Tim McLaughlin and Kayse Dahl, Director of Strategic Public Relations & Marketing gave differing explanations as to "why there was no misuse of funds."  

END

U.S. Congresswoman Suzan Delbene was informed of these actions.  Her  staff recommended contacting King County  Council  Member Sarah Perry's staff to investigate. 

After  Council member Perry's staff completed the investigation she said she had a "bad feeling" about EvergreenHealth. She said she needs to hear from the whistleblower to proceed; this may have changed.  

-- Bob Yoder, 7/20/2022, Updated 2/23/2023    425-802-2523 (mobile)

DelBene's staff member recommended two places to report EvergreenHealth C.A.R.E. fraud.  (Or call Bob Yoder.)  

Office of Inspector General:  

• HHS OIG: https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud/
• OIG Treasury: https://oig.treasury.gov/report-fraud-waste-and-abuseIf

More EvergreenHealth news and opinion

Vote Katie Grainger For "EvergreenHealth" Public Health Hospital Commissioner District No. 4

Katie Grainger lost to Chuck Pilcher

Commissioners are elected to 6-year terms!  The incumbent has been at EvergreenHealth for 47 years.  Is that long enough?  We need a leader with a fresh perspective, who's a good listener and a community neighbor who will reach out to us!  Vote for Katie.

Katie Grainger is endorsed by the LD 48 Democrats and the National Women's Political Caucus of Washington state.

Katie Grainger

Nice to meet you. I'm Katie Grainger. I'm the first in my family to do many things and that now includes running for office. 

I never thought I'd have the courage to do something like this, but then I was diagnosed at 28 with an autoimmune disease. I lost my best friend at 30 to a rare cancer. I developed a rare renal condition at 31. Since then, I've served as a volunteer ambassador for the Sjogren's Foundation, and I've lobbied on behalf of the Sarcoma Foundation of America. 

All of these experiences motivated me to work in healthcare. Having worked in clinical care operations for the third-largest non-profit health system in the United States, I see both the challenges facing healthcare and possibilities for reform. 

I know firsthand the struggles of navigating a system that is not always affordable or accessible. I continue to be an advocate for health by promoting awareness for autoimmune diseases and fundraising for cancer research. I don't need to be the medical expert in the room to provide governance that positively impacts my community. 

I intend to help make healthcare better for all Americans and that starts with impacting decisions made at the local level as Public Hospital (EvergreenHealth) Commissioner for District 2. 

Incumbent Chuck Pilcher, District #4 retired in 2010 after 36 years of service in the Emergency Department at EvergreenHealth.  We've discussed mental health at Public Meetings several times. He's numb to psychiatric care services. Sadly, there are no full time community psychiatrists or Advanced Nurse Practitioners at Evergreen, this at a time when we need them the most.

UPDATED, 3/2/2021: My Covid Vaccination Experience

I never thought I'd admire this little town so much (photo P. Yoder) 

It's been about a year that we've been living under the cloud of the pandemic. Stress and sadness shows its ugly head. I'm fatigued having to wear a mask and socially distance all the time. One of my pet peeves is seeing noses uncovered. I can't stand it.  (I'm outside and distanced when unmasked.)

Like most, we were overjoyed when the vaccines were released!  At age 70 with underlying conditions, and my wife at 67, we persistently searched for an appointment; an horrific endeavour.  (Though some V.I.P. donors at Overlake Medical Center, Providence-Everett and EvergreenHealth silently moved up the line.)  My wife, Pam set the alarm clock for early morning calls to city, county and state vaccination sites.  

Breaking news! On 2/10, my wife and I won the vaccine lottery with a grand prize trip to Pateros for two Moderna shots! haha. Pateros is a town of 600, four hours east of Redmond, 20 minutes north of Chelan.  We have a rental in Chelan and had to do some business there so transportation wasn't a big problem.

The site was run by three county Fire Departments; they vaccinate about 40/day.  We were quickly vaccinated from our car, and ecstatic when given a card for the second shot!  According to the New York Times (2/20/21), only 13% of the U.S. population have their first shot and 5.4% have both shots. We feel blessed.  

-- Bob Yoder, 2/20/2021

I took the second Moderna shot 25 days later...moderate fatigue a day later.