07.23.11

Cantwell Applauds Groundbreaking on San Juan County’s First Critical Access Hospital

New Medical Center will create up to 30 jobs; significantly increase on-island access to primary, emergency, inpatient care

FRIDAY HARBOR, WA – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released the following statement applauding the groundbreaking of San Juan County’s new PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center, which will be the county’s first Critical Access Hospital.

“Not only will the new PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center significantly improve healthcare access for the people of San Juan County, it is also a boon to the local economy. The new Medical Center will create up to 30 new jobs and offer expanded access to health care services that islanders previously had to travel to the mainland to receive.

“When patients have to travel to Bellingham or elsewhere for these services, it can consume the entire day or more waiting to catch the ferry. Minimizing off-island travel not only yields peace of mind for patients, it ensures that health care dollars stay local and help strengthen the local economy.

“As the San Juan Islands’ first ‘Critical Access Hospital,’ this new Medical Center will dramatically improve access to primary health care as well as emergency and inpatient care for San Juan County residents.

“Today’s groundbreaking marks the beginning of a bright, new future in health care access for the people of the San Juan Islands. The new Medical Center will ensure the San Juans remain a wonderful place to live and visit for years to come.”

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