I’m a long time Renton/Skyway resident writing to let the community know how proud I am of the potential partnership with our very own Valley Medical Center and University of Washington Medicine. It’s at the exploratory stage right now, but the possibilities seem endless and this would be a momentous step for the future of our community and regional healthcare. How fortunate we are to have leaders that plan for the future!
This grass roots hospital has come a long way from its humble beginning. As early as 1942, the Bronson Hospital was having difficulty keeping up with the influx of defense workers. Through a series of federal and local regulations, a group of determined local citizens remained partnered with the Federal Works Administration (FWA) to maintain their hospital. As the war began to wind down, FWA wanted to sell it in spite of the population growth. The independent spirit of Renton was evident even then as they voted to protect their access to quality healthcare. In 1947, a new statute allowed voters to form taxing districts and own and operate hospitals. Thus the Public Hospital District No. 1 of King County came into existence, an obligation bond was passed, the hospital was purchased and the rest is history!
My passion and commitment to superior hands-on health care has grown along with what is now the Valley Medical Center. In 1959, I was a registered nurse at the original Renton Hospital in the old “temporary” World War II building where McLendon Hardware is today. By 1965, this structure needed to be replaced. I was part of the staff that moved to and participated in the development of procedures, protocols and personnel policies for our new updated facility. During my tenure there, I supervised the obstetric, pediatrics and emergency departments. My favorite position was graveyard in the ER (emergency room) working side by side with our state and local emergency responders.
It’s been very disappointing to read the cynical, negative remarks of a commissioner – a local physician. He is critical of the nuances and procedural dynamics within the commission meetings as they debate this critical effort. It’s obvious the writer is not aware of the strong independent sense of community and compassion that drives our Renton area including our non-profit medical facility.
In the eyes of the public, it is not a good versus bad or for profit versus nonprofit hospital. This community continually votes to tax itself to assure first rate health care at their Valley Medical Center. It is consistently rated one of the best as a health care provider and a workplace. This opportunity for Valley Medical is righteously deserved. Partnership with another top nonprofit – University of Washington Medicine – is a common sense next step and should proceed “stat!”
Margarita Prentice
State senator
11th Legislative District
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