Measure G passes
Adventist Health will take over Sierra Kings District Hospital

By Ed Boling
editor@reedleyexponent.com

Published: Wednesday, June 8, 2011 4:01 PM PDT

There was very little in terms of election drama Tuesday night. With only one issue on the June 7, 2011 special election ballot, turnout at polling places was expected to be low.

Absentee ballot results were released at 8 p.m. Promptly at 8 p.m., K.C. Fowler, Chief Experience Officer, announced the absentee count to the crowded room at El Rincon restaurant.

Although all indications were that Measure G would pass, there was still an air of relief and satisfaction as the results were announced: a resounding yes with 2,380 yes votes to 116 no.

Everyone in the room let out a small cheer, including Susan Chapman, a 22-year former employee for Sierra Kings and current 8-year employee of Adventist Health.

Chapman grew up and worked in Reedley until 8 years ago when she went to work for Adventist. She is currently the Interim Acting Chief Nursing Officer for Sierra Kings and Director of ER Services at Selma Community Hospital.

“We are really excited. The hospital staff is very much on board. It’s an opportunity to get resources they’ve wanted and needed for a long time. The hospital will will that much better now,” Chapman said.

The next evolution in healthcare is not just about service, but focusing on the experience of the patients, as well as the workforce, according to K.C. Fowler.

If the workforce isn’t having a good experience doing their job, the patients won’t have a good experience either,” he said.

“This is very good news for us,” said Brenda Wall, Medical Dictation for SKDH. “We are ready for a morale boost. It’s going to be such a better work environment.” Wall has worked at Sierra Kings since 1984.

Measure G authorizes the lease of Sierra Kings District Hospital to Adventist Health. The lease cannot start any sooner than August 31, 2011.

The next big step in the transaction is a definitive agreement, which is in draft form. “We will be collaborating with Adventist Health to finalize the definitive agreement,” said Sandy Haskins SKDH Interim CEO.

The day before the election the Sierra Kings Health Care District Board approved a third party auditor to meet the requirements of Measure G. The audit is expected to be completed no later than October.

The Measure G election results closed several months of work and anticipation.

When the board approved a “Letter of Intent” from Adventis in May, the room was filled with applause. There was a similar reaction when a “memorandum of understanding” was approved in February.

Birthing Center

Radiology Services

Surgical Services

Emergency Services