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About Us
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Okanogan Douglas Hospital's History
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The Hospital originated as a community action project in 1947-48 with people from Bridgeport, Brewster, and Pateros involved. The initial solicitation of funds was by donation and community fund raising projects. It was hoped that the goal of a 12-bed hospital would be realized. Financial difficulties developed soon after the start of construction and the Board of Directors realized that the formation of a hospital district was the only answer to their dilemma. The District was formed and tax monies then made it possible to complete the 12-bed facility, which opened January 12, 1949.
Before long, there were 26 patients in the 12-bed facility. In 1954 a waiting room and offices were added to the hospital (present Business Office).
It soon became apparent that the number of patients was not going to decrease, especially with a large influx of people coming in for construction of Chief Joseph Dam. The old building was not adequate for this influx and could not be made so by state standards, so plans were put in motion to build an entirely new hospital.
The District boundaries at the time included Duley Lake, Monse, Brewster, Pateros and the lower Methow areas; but the patients were coming from northern Douglas County and the upper Methow as well. It was therefore decided that the first step toward expansion was to enlarge the District. This was done by consolidating District #2 (upper Methow to Mazama) and annexing the Douglas County areas around Bridgeport and Mansfield.
A bond issue was authorized by the voters in 1959 to build a new 35-bed hospital and remodel the old building into a 36-bed nursing home. The new hospital opened on June 13, 1959. The nursing home section was completed after that time.
In 1969 the nursing home section was closed and all patients were moved to a new private nursing home in Brewster. This allowed the utilization of the nursing home section for ancillary departments such as Physical Therapy, Medical Records, plus a Conference Room, and offices for Purchasing and Administration.
In 1973, again due to an extreme bed shortage and the need to enlarge and remodel some areas to meet current standards, the voters authorized expansion of the facility to 50-beds, with extensive remodeling in the 1959 construction. This construction allowed us to have new surgery suites, recovery room, a completely separate coronary care unit, a pediatrics room, an enlarged laboratory space, and larger waiting room.
In 1984 the voters authorized the construction of an 8-bed Intensive Care Unit. This addition, plus some remodeling, left the hospital with a total of 48-beds.
In 1986 the West Wing was converted from patient rooms to ancillary service areas, and in 1987 a Nuclear Medicine Department was added. In 1988, X-Ray and Respiratory were moved and remodeled, thus leaving a 43-bed facility.
Our medical staff has grown from 2 general practitioners to multiple family practitioners and a medical staff with various specialties represented. Specialties include surgery, pediatrics, internal medicine, radiology, and orthopedics.
As the healthcare delivery system changes due to financial restraints, which is bringing in managed care, and as people continue to live longer due to better health care, different types of facilities are coming into existence to cover those needs. Our hospital is meeting one of those needs by building an Assisted Living facility, which opened in 1998, as well as Healthbeat Fitness Center. This is an example again, of how our hospital will continue changing as the needs arise to keep up with new technology and new medicinal practices. We want to be the type of facility that is ever evolving into a better environment for our patients and our employees. We have a successful history of meeting the health care needs of the District, and with continued community and employee support we will have a successful future. |
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Open Admission Policy
It is the policy of Okanogan Douglas Hospital, Brewster, Washington, to admit and treat all persons without regard to race, color, sex, handicap, national origin, or religious creed. Admission requirements and assignments of hospital facilities are the same for all persons. There are no distinctions in eligibility for receiving any patient care services. Hospital facilities are available to all patients and visitors. Individuals and organizations having occasion to refer patients for admission or recommend Okanogan Douglas Hospital are advised to do so within the hospital's policy to provide quality healthcare to all persons. | | |
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Donations Policy
Should you wish to continue this tradition, there are a variety of ways in which you can help your hospital, and at the same time, help yourself. Any contribution that you may wish to make can be in the form of an endowment, a bequest, or a trust.
To donate now, please complete our on-line Foundation Donation form. For more information, contact the Okanogan Douglas Hospital's Foundation Director, Laura Jameson at 509-689-2517. | |
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