Skagway’s Dahl Memorial Clinic loses two more high ranking staff members and there is no official word as to why; A new endowment fund is being launched to finance indigenous-led conservation and economic development; We meet Haines School Board candidate Kevin Shove.
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I am offended by the blatant lack of factual information being disseminated by the author of this article. It is disturbing for someone who purports to be a professional to present inaccurate information to our community in this manner. I am responding to relate the facts as I see them.
FACT: Johanna Huff, FNP is alive and well and seeing patients daily at DMC. She recently rescinded her resignation. Yes, two providers have left; one due to a critical family illness and one who’s reason for leaving I am not at liberty to divulge.
FACT: We are actively searching for two more full time providers of the caliber and experience Skagway deserves. Its an arduous process, especially during this time of COVID. Many other communities have the same challenge finding quality providers for remote locations. In the mean time we have 2 very well qualified locum tenens providers; Bill Weiss, PA-C, who has been here in summers for several years and Kim Bates, PA-C., who though new to this community, fits in splendidly. Both have many years of experience and practice excellent medicine.
FACT: We have had a turnover in medical assistants which happens when people find new things to do with their lives. It’s a brutal job in my opinion. Both of our medical assistants have been enrolled in a certification class to advance their knowledge and help the on the way to climb the nursing ladder, should they desire. We have interviewed for a third medical assistant and are just waiting for his official acceptance.
FACT: We have grown to a place where we realize a second nurse is not a summer luxury, but a position that we definitely need based on the volume of work now required. Again, this COVID pandemic has most nurses who want to work scooped up by hospitals that are full to bursting and offering big bucks to nurses. WE cannot compete, realistically. But, we are actively looking for a nurse who might like to work winters and allow us to have Shauna Thomas back in the summer seasons. She’s a bright and shining presence, as those of you who come in have no doubt seen.
FACT: Melanie Hampton still works for the clinic as a fiscal consultant. Elizabeth Keltner is in training to coding and billing as well.
FACT: we have hired Ikram Chaudhary has joined our staff as admin assistant.
FACT: Brian Jones and his wife Shannon have moved to Whitehorse to be close to Shannon’s family and to give baby the benefit of grandparents. Finding a replacement for him will not be easy. He had been here 12 years and having started as a medical assistant and did what had to be done.
FACT: As interim medical director I have input into staffing, but do not make decisions on my own and I assure you, I have the best interests of this community at heart. And, no, I will not discuss these matters any further out of respect for the people involved.
FACT: We continue to see patients all day every day. We continue to care for those in need at all hours of the day and night for emergencies. Add to this some 40-50 Covid tests on any given day. We will continue to strive for excellence to support our staff and community with their healthcare needs.