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If you’ve read or watched local news lately, the headlines tell a story I never imagined possible: “We’re out of beds.” “Canceling all surgeries.” “Nowhere to transfer patients.” I can confirm that these accounts accurately reflect what Asante and our employees are facing daily.
During this pandemic, our employees have shouldered some of the greatest burdens this community has ever faced. I, along with our leadership, will continue to pursue every possible measure to help relieve that burden.
We continue to ask for help from the state, and in the coming week 150 nonclinical personnel from the Oregon National Guard will be arriving to help with staffing needs in our hospitals, the contact center and urgent care locations. Asante has also asked the state for clinical personnel support and is awaiting a decision on that request, and a few others.
Our hospitals and medical clinics, along with others in Oregon and across the country, are at a critical tipping point in the pandemic as we care for an unprecedented number of patients. Through it all, we’ll continue to educate and share information with our community in a transparent, factual manner, and the voices of our employees will help tell our story through their experiences.
It’s not easy hearing comments that go against what we know to be true; however, we won’t be distracted from our Mission and Vision and what we do best, and that is to make a difference in the lives of people we serve by providing excellent patient care.
“Thank you” hardly seems enough to express my gratitude for your compassion, dedication, skill and perseverance. You are respected and appreciated.
If you have a question, please contact the author or relevant department directly.
