— from Orcas Medical Foundation Board —

As most islanders know by now, Orcas Medical Center (OMC) will be losing a valued physician. Dr. Camille Fleming has resigned her OMC/Island Hospital position as of January 21 and accepted an offer from a larger mainland facility. We, as members of the Orcas Medical Foundation (OMF) board, which maintains the OMC facility and supports OMC operations, share the disappointment expressed by many of her patients that Dr. Fleming is leaving.

Why is Dr. Fleming leaving?

Island Hospital operates OMC under contract with OMF; OMC staff and physicians are Island Hospital employees. Island Hospital, in consultation with OMF, worked hard to retain Dr. Fleming. All parties understood both the challenges faced by small healthcare organizations and individual needs for a good quality of life. The discussions were comprehensive, but a mutually beneficial agreement could not be reached.

What does this mean for OMC patients?

The mission of OMC, OMF, and Island Hospital is to provide high-quality medical care and information to Orcas residents and visitors. OMF is in regular communication with Island Hospital, whose administration is working diligently to recruit a highly qualified physician for OMC. In the interim, a temporary physician will be available to see patients while a permanent physician is recruited. Patients can expect that they will have access to high-quality care in the interim.

What’s next for OMC and OMF?

OMC and OMF are committed to addressing the unique challenges of providing comprehensive healthcare in our rural setting. We intend to do so in partnership with other community stakeholders and Island Hospital. Together we will work toward ensuring that the staff and facilities at OMC are the highest quality possible.

In 2016, OMC and OMF will celebrate their 60th year of providing medical services on Orcas Island. As we begin our seventh decade of service to our community, we intend to continue to be responsive to the evolving medical needs on the island. We look forward to open dialogue with all stakeholders in meeting those needs.

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