Committee Hears from Hospital

In October the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee hosted Mason Health CEO Eric Moll, who shared the biggest challenges our county’s medical system has been facing. Overall, the entire industry has faced a moral difficulty regarding how to prioritize care. The vaccine mandate was a curveball not anticipated, but Mason Health has worked through a complex process that demanded new workflow. COVID restrictions created unforeseen difficulties and delayed progress with combining all its medical specialties under one roof – yet it remains the end goal.

Staffing and morale is a major issue; 85% of the staff was vaccinated prior to the October 18 deadline and another 10% requested exemptions. Fortunately, Mason Health is in a better position than most concerning workforce issues. Although turnover rate is lower than industry average, it is taking longer to fill key roles.

Looking toward the future, a partnership with Shelton School District is moving forward with the intent of funding higher education for a Health/Science academy student who wishes to pursue an RN career. Ultimately, the student will enter practical practice at MGH. Moll envisions this program will become highly competitive and will create a workforce development path year after year for those seeking medical careers.

The hospital maintained free community testing for rapid COVID tests knowing other area providers could not devote such resources. Curative is the onsite provider of a self-administered PCR test that delivers results within 48 hours. Currently, testing is available five days a week in both Shelton and Belfair from 8:00a-2:00p; additional testing kiosks are planned.