Melanie Leiann Sturgeon

Occupation: Phlebotomist

Relevant experience: From 2017 to present, Commissioner-Grays Harbor Hospital District 2 Position 2 (at large). More than a decade of experience working as a phlebotomist. From 2012 to 2019: Medical Assistant, Prior Authorization Coordinator, Office transcriptionist, patient advocate. From 1998 to 2003: Medical Assistant/Receptionist.

1. Moving forward after layoffs is difficult for an organization. What should the board do, specifically, to create a workplace culture that fosters teamwork?

It is important to understand that a hospital commissioner’s role is not to singlehandedly micromanage the day-to-day operations of the floor managers and their staff, but rather to work together collaboratively, so that we may present a unifying voice to the staff and the public that will honorably uphold our hospital’s mission and values statements.

By honoring these standards, it grants each commissioner the opportunity to not only ask questions and to vote their conscience, but to also uphold their fiduciary responsibilities, thus keeping our hospital a viable option for our community for years to come.

I am proud to say that during my two-year tenure I have always voted in favor of our public hospital district. I cannot imagine the negative impact it would have on our community should our hospital disappear. Our community could not attract new businesses, it would negatively impact our property values, our schools and we could lose many of our health care providers.

Therefore, I believe that as a board, speaking as a unified voice and being positive about our decisions moving forward will help foster a culture of teamwork that will positively impact all those associated with the hospital.

2. What are your thoughts about expanding Hospital District services in the Ocean Shores area?

As a board member, I recognize and understand the need for wanting to expand medical services in our outlying areas. I personally wish I could wave a magic wand over Ocean Shores and the surrounding areas and “poof,” everyone could receive a brand-new clinic. Unfortunately, medicine doesn’t follow the “Field of Dreams” motto of, “If you build it, they will come.” There are always external factors that will postpone the opportunities for immediate expansion. Below are two of the biggest hurdles.

1: Physician recruitment: It is TOUGH to get a provider, (mid-levels or above), to commit to staying in this region. Just like us, providers, too, have lives, families and outside commitments. It is not uncommon for a provider to spend two to five years in one area before deciding upon moving their practice elsewhere. There is nothing negative about the reasons why this happens, it is just the way it is. Recognizing this, there is always ongoing efforts at Grays Harbor Hospital to attract and recruit the finest and most talented providers to our region.

2. Funding: As with anything, there is always permitting that must be done and financial obligations that must be considered.

Having improved significantly from last year, our hospital district has really worked hard to turn our financial situation around. With continued support from our community, we can always improve upon our current situation. The more people that use our hospital’s services, the more we can grow together to better serve the needs of our community.

3. What qualifies you to serve on the Hospital Board, and what district-related issues are important to you?

Having served on the Hospital Board for the last two years, I have learned a lot. I am proud to say that these experiences have only deepened my passion for this community and for our hospital. I have received the privilege to see all the fine works that are being done; such as the recent opening of the new cardiac lab, our hospital’s VERY low infection/sepsis rates as compared to the national average and the dedicated, collaborative efforts between our Legislature and senior management to help secure the increase in Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement rates until 2021.

I believe wholeheartedly in what our hospital has to offer. I believe in our people and our ability to adapt and improve upon our current situation. But we can’t do this alone. We need community involvement so we can become even stronger for ‘YOU.” We want to hear your voice. That is why I encourage everyone to attend our public hospital commission meetings. The date and times may be found on the hospital website, www.ghcares.org/about-us/public-hospital-district.

I’ve been in the medical field since 1998 and can say with absolute certainty that our hospital’s staff are some of the finest professionals with whom I’ve ever dealt.

I was very humbled two years ago when the public entrusted me to the position of Grays Harbor Hospital 2 Position 2 Commissioner. I am again asking for your vote this election cycle so that I may help continue to support and vote in favor of OUR hospital district.