— by Susan McBain, Orcas Issues reporter —

At this evening’s meeting of the Orcas Island Health Care District, the commissioners voted 5-0 to begin negotiations with Island Hospital (IH) to operate a consolidated medical clinic on Orcas Island. The decision opens the door to continuing discussion of the specific details of how the clinic will operate.

The commissioners noted that there are still many questions to be answered, but they believe that IH will work with them toward good solutions and that IH “really want[s] to serve the community.”

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