|||  FROM TOM EVERSOLE for ORCAS HEALTH CARE DISTRICT |||


At its July 26 Board meeting, OI Health Care District Commissioners received an update on clinical services from Island Health (IH) administrative staff. Slides from the PowerPoint presentation are posted on the District’s website HERE

The update presentation addressed questions board members have been asking in its joint operations committee with Island Health. Since May 2022, there has been a marked increase in the percentage of phone calls answered within 30 seconds. Fifteen (15) same-day appointment are now available for patients with urgent needs or referrals from EMS. From January to June 2022, 4700 patient visits were completed.

The number of after-hours visits has decreased likely due to the increased availability of acute care services during business hours and EMS follow up appointments. Many improvements have been made in the Island Health patient portal, and starting in August, patients will be able to make appointments online.

Documents from the Board meeting are online under “Board Packets” at Meeting Documents – Orcas Island Health Care District (orcashealth.org). To receive email notices of OIHCD Board meetings, District news and updates, go here. You can unsubscribe from the OIHCD e-mail list at any time.