Nicholls to develop strategic plan

EPHRATA - Meredith Nicholls wants to give back to the community and bring a unique perspective to Columbia Basin Hospital.

Nicholls is the incumbent for Pos. 2 of the Grant County Hospital District No. 3 Board of Commissioners.

"I hope to improve the district by helping to develop a long-term strategic plan that takes into account the strengths and perceived weaknesses of our hospital," Nicholls said. "Listening to what our citizens of Grant County want and then addressing those issues with consideration of legal and financial constraints is what the job is all about."

Qualifications she has for the position include seven years of experience as a board member and an interest in being part of a progressive, financially healthy hospital.

"Citizens should vote for me because I will listen to input, both positive and negative, and try to deal with concerns with an open and progressive attitude," Nicholls said.

A challenge she faces running for the position is communicating to the public the high quality medical facility and services available in Ephrata.

"I am committed to trying to draw the best possible medical personnel to work in our facility, to budgeting our finances and resources to help provide the best services possible, and to offer strong support both to our hospital staff and to our patients," she said.

The biggest issues facing the hospital are financial viability and patient safety and services, Nicholls said. Because of the economy, and because many people do not have medical insurance, offering affordable services is something to be concerned about.

"We are trying to address these concerns with new and innovative practices and services," Nicholls said.

An after-hours walk-in clinic was added to improve patient service, as well as an MRI service, she said.

To improve facilities, the board of commissioners must create long and short-term strategic plans, she said.

"Our hospital plant is very old," she said. "We are currently updating the north-wing patient rooms. We have a plan set in motion to remodel the entryway to the hospital."