Welcome
Nation Hospital Week puts spotlight on people

TONASKET – A hospital is more than a place where people go to heal, it is a part of the community that fosters health and represents hope. From providing treatment and comfort to the sick, to welcoming new life into the world, hospitals are central to a healthy and optimistic community. That’s the message organizers are touting with the 2013 National Hospital Week theme “A Guiding Light for Changing Times.”
The event theme, announced this week, is the centerpiece of a promotional campaign aimed at uniting health care facilities across the country during the May 12–18 celebration.“National Hospital Week, first and foremost, is a celebration of people,” Linda Michel, administrator of North Valley Hospital, said. “We’re extremely proud of each member of our team and we recognize the important role they play in extending a sense of trust to our patients and our communities.” The nation’s largest health care event, National Hospital Week dates back to 1921 when it was suggested by a magazine editor who hoped a community wide celebration would alleviate public fears about hospitals. The celebration, launched in Chicago, succeeded in promoting trust and goodwill among members of the public and eventually spread to facilities across the country.
During Hospital Week, North Valley Hospital offers $5 Lipids & Glucose, Monday Through Friday from 8AM to 12 Noon. No physician orders are needed. For more information about the $5 Lipids & Glucose please call our Laboratory at 486-3142.
NVH receives donation from Sterling Bank

North Valley Hospital received a donation of $5,000 from Sterling Bank in recognition of Board Chair Helen Casey's service to our district and community.
"Sterling is honored to support the Okanogan County Public Hospital District through this donation. At Sterling, we improve lives and strengthen communities. We are a bridge to the possible and a bank that believes in you. In 2012, Sterling employees donated more than 53,000 volunteer hours to national, regional and local communities through our five-state footprint. Sterling is proud to be an active part of the communities we call home. Thank you for making a different in our community."
-Nacalee Smith, VP High Valley Territory Manager
Sterling Bank
Letter from hospital commissioners to the Concerned Citizens of Tonasket Committee

The Board of Commissioners appreciates the time and comments of the public as we enter into a period of change with the closure of the Assist living Facility. We wish to express to the community that this was the most difficult decision we have had to make in recent times. We feel the same sorrow and in some ways the same anger that some of you do. Government reimbursements are inadequate to support this facility as well as the other facilities that have recently been forced to close in Davenport and Goldendale...
*Click here to read full letter.
Medicaid cuts hospital reimbursement
North Valley Hospital District received a notice from Washington State Medicaid on February 15th 2013 that they will be cutting reimbursement to the hospital effective January 1st 2013. Reimbursement for in-patient services has been cut 4.624%, however they are increasing the out-patient services reimbursement by 1.813%.
Click here to view letter from Medicaid
Click here to view WAC cited in Medicaid letter
Hospital District Review
*Click on image to view document
Assisted Living Closures in Washington State
- Goldendale Sentinel, February 8th 2012 "Hospital votes to close Golden View Terrace"
- The Spokesman Review, April 28th 2012 "Lincoln County senior facilities must close"
- The Wenatchee World, May 20th 2010 "Brewster's assisted-living facility to close"
Financial struggles of North Valley Assisted Living exposed prior to 2012
- The Wenatchee World, May 20th 2010 "Struggling Tonasket hospital to see major changes"
- The Chronicle, January 31st 2007 "North Valley officials eye hospital addition"
- Administrator's Report, Warner Bartelson, May 9th 2005
Letter from County Treasurer regarding warrants
Recent public records requests
*Click on image to view document
Get up to $500 off your hospital bill
North Valley Hospital is now offering a tax discount to customers who live within the North Valley Hospital District. You can get up to a $500 discount each calendar year for the amount you pay on property taxes to our hospital district. That credit can be applied to your or your dependants account balances. We developed this program as a way to show our gratitude to the people in our community who help support the hospital district.
Click here for more information.
Wenatchee Valley Medical Center donates funds for new fetal monitor
Dr. Freed from Wenatchee Valley Medical Center presented North Valley Hospital with a check for $10,000 to purchase a brand new Philips Avelon fetal monitor for our Labor and Delivery Department. Thank you WVMC for your generous donation!

Washington Reinstates Quit Line Benefits
I am very happy to let you know the Washington State Quit Line benefits have been reinstated. Anyone who lives in Washington State is eligible for at least one call and many qualify for additional phone based counseling and medication support through the Quit Line. I have attached a Quit Line coverage sheet that outlines these newly updated benefits which now also include Medicare recipients. You will see that in addition to the continuation of benefits for the Medicaid clients, many other levels of benefits have been brought back.
It is important to remember nearly 70% of tobacco users continue to express interest in quitting tobacco long-term, 52% make at least one quit attempt each year, yet only 6% report a successful quit in the past year. By consistently referring your patients to evidence based treatment, you can help more patients achieve a successful quit attempt and improve health outcomes.
You can also find additional information on the Quit Line website: http://www.doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily/IllnessandDisease/TobaccoRelated/QuittingTobacco.aspx
Deb Miller
Outreach Specialist
In The Media

Did you miss us on Healthline on 92.7? Well now you can listen to all of our shows when it's most convenient for you. Just click on the radio to the left and it will take you to our "In The Media" page where we have all of our radio shows available to you.
North Valley Hospital Districtprovides personalized care, prompt service, and always looks to exceed our customers’ expectations. We value each and every one of our customers, and appreciate you choosing North Valley Hospital as your healthcare provider.




















