Health Care District communication regarding clinic provider transition

As we mention below, both Island Health and the Health Care District are unable to comment on or disclose any further information on personnel matters. We understand this is challenging for those that are affected by this provider transition, but this is the policy.

We trust that Island Health has built a professional, compassionate care team at Island Primary Care – Orcas. Island Health and Orcas Island Health Care District recently signed a long-term clinical services contract, and we know that Island Health has a strong commitment to our island community.

Below is the information that we have been sharing with those that have reached out directly to the Health Care District. We are also including a patient letter that Island Health has been sharing with patients with an upcoming appointment, and will be shared with any patients who saw Dr. Simpson-Manske.

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Dr. Simpson-Manske is no longer employed with Island Health as of Tuesday, May 26th. Island Health does not comment on or disclose personnel matters any further out of respect for the privacy of employees.

If you were scheduled with Dr. Simpson-Manske, the Island Health team is personally contacting affected patients to assist with transitioning their care to another provider. Community members can call the clinic to discuss scheduling with other providers who are accepting patients at the clinic but calling the clinic will not result in any further information about Dr. Simpson-Manske, due to the personnel nature of the situation.

Both Island Health and the Health Care District have processes to receive feedback from our community. If you would like to share a comment directly to Island Health, you can visit https://islandhealth.org/contact or contact their quality department at 360.299.1370. If you’d like to share any more information with the Health Care District Superintendent or the Board of Commissioners, the Superintendent can make sure that your comment is forwarded to the Board, or read during our next public meeting on June 24th. Community members are also welcome to call the Superintendent or stop by our office, although the Superintendent won’t be able to provide any more information on the matter of Dr. Simpson-Manske’s employment. Superintendent phone contact and our office location information is here – https://www.orcashealth.org/contact-us

We are grateful for the time that Dr. Simpson-Manske was with Island Health and for the care she delivered to our community.