An In-Depth Look into the Healthcare System
A Community Hospital That Defies Expectations
When you walk through the doors at 610 NW 11th Street in Hermiston, you're entering a healthcare facility that challenges every stereotype about rural and community hospitals. Good Shepherd Health Care System is a 49-licensed-bed critical access hospital that combines sophisticated capabilities with a mission-driven approach. This is a progressive system with da Vinci robotics, Mako orthopedic technology, full Epic EMR integration, and national recognition from the Chartis Center for Rural Health for excellence in outcomes.
The 194,197-square-foot campus is purpose-built for modern care, with capital investments that support real clinical excellence. It’s a space that affirms you're practicing serious, high-quality medicine—not just providing rural coverage.
Facility Fundamentals:
- Licensed beds: 49-bed critical access hospital
- Operational capacity: 25 beds typically in use (19 Med/Surg, 6 ICU) plus 8 observation
- Square footage: 194,197 square feet
- Location: 610 NW 11th Street, Hermiston, Oregon
- Ownership: Nonprofit, community-owned
- Accreditation: DNV Healthcare USA (ISO 9001)
- EMR: Epic systemwide
- Founded: March 5, 1954
A Heritage of Community Commitment
Founded in 1954 by local leaders determined to ensure access to quality care, Good Shepherd remains true to its roots as a community-built and governed hospital. Growth over 70 years reflects local investment—not corporate expansion.
Organizational Heritage:
- Founding year: 1954 with 30 beds on West Orchard Avenue
- Mission: Community-focused care close to home
- Initial support: Community fundraising, Hill-Burton Act, Lutheran Welfare Association
- Governance: 12-member volunteer Board of Trustees
- Independence: Remains community-owned after decades of consolidation
- Mission continuity: Still focused on accessible, quality care for northeastern Oregon
Surgical Excellence and Advanced Technology
With 10 ORs, including two 800-sq-ft robotic suites, 12 recovery beds, and a new sterile processing center, Good Shepherd offers surgical infrastructure that rivals many urban centers. It was the first da Vinci robotic site in northeastern Oregon (2011), now using da Vinci Xi, DB5, HYDROS for Aquablation, and Mako for orthopedic precision.
Surgical Capabilities:
- Operating rooms: 10 total, including 2 robotic suites
- Anesthesia: 9 CRNAs, 24/7 coverage
- Recovery: 12 dedicated PACU beds
- Robotic systems: da Vinci Xi, da Vinci DB5, HYDROS, Mako
- Specialties: General, Orthopedic, OB/GYN, Urology, GI, ENT, Podiatry
- Sterile processing: Modern facility supporting surgical excellence
- Regional distinction: First robotic program in northeastern Oregon
Diagnostic and Imaging Excellence
Imaging includes Canon Orion MRI, CT, digital X-ray, and advanced breast imaging, all fully integrated with Epic. Fast turnaround and high-quality images support quick and accurate diagnoses, even for emergent conditions.
Imaging and Diagnostics:
- MRI: Canon Orion
- CT: Full capabilities including CTA
- X-ray: Digital systems facility-wide
- Specialty imaging: Cardiac and breast diagnostics
- Integration: Results flow into Epic in real-time
- Nuclear medicine: Available onsite
- Ultrasound: Including echocardiography
Emergency and Trauma Services
Good Shepherd is a Level III Trauma Center seeing 70 ED patients daily. 65% are managed through Fast Track, and emergency care is covered by two physicians and two APPs per shift. Additional support from Urgent Care across the street adds flexibility and access.
TeleNeurology, STEMI, stroke, and PE protocols are in place. The system provides seamless hospitalist admissions and collaborative care for critically ill patients. The EM shift model prioritizes work-life balance with 10–12 shifts/month and no back-to-back 12s.
Emergency and Trauma Capabilities:
- Trauma level: Level III with surgical capability
- ED visits: ~24,909 annually
- Fast Track: 65% of patients, open 9 a.m. – 1 a.m., 2 APPs
- True emergencies: 35% of daily volume
- Physician coverage: 2 ED doctors per 12-hour shifts
- APP support: 2 covering alternate shifts
- Shift model: 10–12 shifts/month in 4–5 day blocks, no double 12s
- Urgent Care: Adjacent clinic for non-emergent cases
- Procedures: C-lines occasionally, no A-lines; intubations by ER or anesthesia
- TeleNeurology: 24/7 access for stroke evaluation
- Critical care protocols: STEMI, stroke, PE
- Transfers: Coordinated for Level I/II trauma
- Charity care: ~$8M annually
- Physician leadership: Opportunities for EM involvement in system development
Quality Recognition and Performance
Good Shepherd was awarded the Chartis Performance Leadership Award for Excellence in Patient Outcomes. HCAHPS ratings, patient recommendation scores, and employee-driven awards confirm a culture of excellence recognized inside and out.
Quality and Recognition:
- Chartis Award: For patient outcomes
- HCAHPS: 3-star rating, 69% patient recommendation
- Employer accolades: Best-in-Class and Top Workplaces (2018–2019)
- Accreditation: DNV with ISO 9001 standards
- Care coordination: ConneXions program reduced ED use by 8%
- Improvement focus: Evidence-based and continuously evaluated protocols
Integrated Health System
Good Shepherd includes primary care, specialty care, home health, hospice, pharmacy, and DME under one umbrella—coordinated through Epic. This ensures seamless transitions and reduces fragmentation after discharge.
System Integration:
- Providers: 138 across 33 specialties
- Primary care: Good Shepherd Medical Group
- Home care: TLC Home Health
- Hospice: Vange John Memorial Hospice
- Pharmacy: Clinic locations
- Equipment: Home Medical Equipment available
- Epic integration: Across all services
- Care programs: ConneXions with community health worker support
Financial Strength and Community Mission
With $185.9M in net revenue and $340.3M in total assets (including $300M with zero debt), Good Shepherd is a fiscally sound, mission-driven nonprofit. It provides $8M+ in charity care annually while anchoring the region's economy with 691 employees.
Financial and Organizational Profile:
- Revenue: $185.9M annually
- Total assets: $340.3M ($300M with zero debt)
- Charity care: $8M annually
- Staffing: 691 employees
- Leadership: 73 combined years among six execs
- CEO: New as of 2023
- Governance: Volunteer Board of Trustees ensures accountability
Service Area and Community Impact
Serving 22 communities across northeastern Oregon, Good Shepherd is the only hospital in Umatilla County. Your work directly impacts the health infrastructure of the region—providing local care that prevents families from traveling hours for basic services.
The organization’s community outreach includes scholarships, wellness classes, and expansion projects that show real commitment to regional growth and access.
Community Reach and Mission:
- Service area: 22 communities across NE Oregon
- ED visits: 24,909 annually, never turns patients away
- Charity care: Nearly $8M/year
- Community Health Foundation: Funds local health projects
- ConneXions: High-risk patient outreach with community workers
- Wellness: Free classes, screenings, and resources
- Growth: 61-acre acquisition in Boardman, urgent care expansion
A Culture of Excellence in Service of Mission
Good Shepherd’s culture puts clinical excellence, community service, and physician respect at the forefront. This isn’t corporate healthcare—it’s a mission-driven system where you’ll be heard, supported, and empowered to deliver exceptional care.
As a hospitalist, you’ll have the tools, trust, and team to thrive in your role while serving a community that genuinely values your contribution. This is community medicine done right.