ARLINGTON When Dr. John Maxwell first arrived at the Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics in the 1970s, radiology services were only offered three hours a week, every Thursday morning. He noted that the medical imaging field has grown significantly since then.
CT, MRI and ultrasound have all become standard in the ER, Maxwell said. The cost of medical care accounts for 15 percent of the gross national product of this country as our population continues to age, and medical imaging is so vital and crucial to what we do.
As the May 15 ballot for the CVHC bond issue approaches, Maxwells recollections made up one part of the Cascade Valley Hospital Foundations monthly Heres to Your Health community dinner, which hosted the Arlington/Smokey Point Chamber of Commerces Business After Hours April 11.
Cascade Valley Hospital Foundation Director Joan Miles opened the program with an online video, available at the CVHC Web site, which included testimonials from patients about the quality of care they received from CVHC. Brandon Klein praised the quick response of paramedics to his car accident, while Laurin Foster appreciated not having to drive to Seattle every day to receive cancer treatments. The video also highlighted the current hospital facilitys inability to keep up with the growing population within its service area, as well as advances in medical care and technology.
Were ultimately accountable to the community we serve, said Snohomish County Public Hospital District 3 Administrator Clark Jones, who pointed out that the hospital voluntarily submits itself for accreditation. He also cited the role of CVHC as an economic engine for the community, since its staff of approximately 450 full and part-time employees makes it the second-largest employer in the community.
Cascade Valley Hospital Foundation President Georgean Maddy remembered how a local hospital in Minnesota had saved her life as a small child. When she was four years old, Maddy fell from a high place and was given a 10 percent chance of living.
They drilled holes in my head and removed blood clots the size of golf balls, but I was fine, Maddy said. I have no memories of any pain. The nurses sang and played piano for me. When I think of the wonderful care I received there, I think of our own hospital here in Arlington. I want my grandchildren to go to this hospital.
Maxwell and CVHC Assistant Administrator Heather Logan escorted attendees through the first floor of the hospital facilities after the dinner. Logan explained that the hospital was the first in Snohomish County in 1909, and admitted that the hospital building from 1957 had since been converted into offices because it was no longer suitable for patient care.
Logan elaborated that the current hospital facilitys emergency room is 2,270-square-feet, but the proposed bond project would increase it to 6,063-square-feet. The current lab space of 996 square feet would be similarly upgraded to 2,301-square-feet, while the imaging department would edge up slightly from its current 6,525-square-feet to 6,715-square-feet.