2011 News
Two Seek Mark Reed Job
Click here for a pdf newspaper clipping regarding the board of commissioners opening.
MARK REED RECOGNIZED AS HEALTH CARE CHAMPIONS
January 25, 2011- In the 2011 edition of “Health on the Harbors” published by The Daily World, Renée Jensen and the Board of Commissioners were recognized as Health Care Champions in the twin harbors region. The ‘Star Award’ was bestowed upon the group for their dedication to healthcare in east Grays Harbor County; specifically for working hard to maintain a healthcare presence with the new hospital facility. Mark Reed had a very exciting and talked-about 2010 with a small amount of negative and LOTS of very positive feedback surrounding the new construction project. No matter how intense the debate was surrounding the project, the commissioners and administration kept the district’s mission and goals in sight. As a result, Mark Reed will soon have a new state-of-the art healthcare facility to care for our patients in, and we will continue to serve the health needs of our rural community.
For the entire story, click here.
NEW TELESTROKE NETWORK WILL IMPROVE STROKE CARE FOR RESIDENTS OF RURAL COMMUNITIES IN FIVE-COUNTY AREA
February 14, 2011- Thanks to the efforts of Washington’s two U.S. Senators, Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, residents in Grays Harbor County and rural Southwest Washington can look forward to better emergency stroke treatment. The senators were instrumental in helping hospitals in Southwest Washington, including Mark Reed and Grays Harbor Community hospitals, obtain a $309,368 grant through the USDA’s Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program. The grant will fund a “telestroke network” that will allow rural physicians to connect via video to neurologists at Providence St. Peter Hospital, any time of day or night.
Funding will provide broadband equipment and cameras at Providence St. Peter Hospital, as well as six rural hospitals. Mark Reed will be one of the facilities that receives the equipment from this grant. In addition to providing emergency bedside video conferencing, physicians also will be able to confidentially share diagnostic images of the brain. The project will initially focus on treatment for stroke and will provide a foundation for a comprehensive telemedicine network in the future.
“Time lost is brain lost,” according to Dr. James McDowell, Medical Director, Providence St. Peter Hospital’s Certified Stroke Program. “Enhancing our ability to consult quickly and accurately will drastically improve patient outcomes. Rapid treatment of stroke can reduce disabilities and save lives.”
Senator Patty Murray said, “Investing in rural health care is good for local patients, good for local doctors and good for local communities. I was proud to support these local investments in rural telemedicine so families across the state can get the care they deserve, regardless of where they live.”
Partner hospitals in Thurston, Mason, Grays Harbor, Lewis and Pacific counties include: Providence St. Peter Hospital; Grays Harbor Community Hospital; Mark Reed Health Care District; Mason General Hospital; Morton General Hospital; Providence Centralia Hospital and Willapa Harbor Hospital.
Additional questions on the USDA grant or telestroke network may be directed to Renée Jensen, CEO at (360) 495-3244.