Healthcare System Overview

An In-Depth Look into the Healthcare System

Jefferson Healthcare is a premier healthcare provider serving East Jefferson County and the Olympic Peninsula, delivering high-quality, patient-centered care to a population of over 33,000 residents. As a nonprofit critical access hospital, Jefferson Healthcare operates with a mission to provide exceptional health services while maintaining a strong community connection.

Key Facilities and Infrastructure
Jefferson Healthcare’s main campus is situated in Port Townsend, WA, and spans an impressive 103,977 square feet. Despite its small size as a critical access hospital, it is equipped with 42 licensed beds, including 25 staffed beds, and boasts an average facility age of just 12.44 years. This modern infrastructure ensures a comfortable and efficient care environment, complemented by cutting-edge technology and continual facility upgrades, including an ongoing expansion of the dermatology clinic and other service lines scheduled for completion by mid-2025.

Clinical Capabilities and Metrics
The healthcare system’s clinical excellence is reflected in its impressive performance metrics: 

  • Average Length of Stay: 3 days, underscoring efficient patient care.
  • Bed Utilization Rate: 48.08%, with room for growth as service lines expand.
  • Case Mix Index: 1.31, indicative of the complexity and variety of care provided.
  • Discharges: 1,509 annually.
  • ER Visits (Estimated): 16,628 per year, highlighting its role as a vital emergency care provider.
  • Total Acute Days: 4,523, showcasing its capacity to manage a broad spectrum of acute care needs.

Team and Community Focus
With a dedicated workforce of 593 employees, Jefferson Healthcare fosters a collaborative environment where staff and providers work closely to deliver high-quality care. Its integration of Epic EMR technology streamlines operations and enhances patient experiences, ensuring seamless communication across care teams.

The healthcare system also prioritizes community engagement, offering wellness programs, education initiatives, and outreach services to improve public health and support local residents. Jefferson Healthcare’s reputation as an employer of choice and a trusted care provider reflects its deep commitment to the community it serves.

Commitment to Growth and Excellence
Jefferson Healthcare is poised for future growth, with strategic plans to expand services and enhance its capabilities. These developments align with its vision of delivering top-tier care while supporting the professional and personal growth of its staff.

This blend of clinical excellence, modern facilities, and a strong community focus positions Jefferson Healthcare as a leader in rural healthcare and a vital resource for the Olympic Peninsula.

Dermatology Department Overview
Jefferson Healthcare’s Dermatology Department is a cornerstone of its specialty care services, dedicated to providing comprehensive dermatologic care to the residents of Port Townsend and surrounding communities. Known for its patient-centered approach, the department offers a broad spectrum of services designed to address common and complex skin conditions with precision and compassion.

The department operates as part of Jefferson Healthcare’s commitment to innovation and clinical excellence, housed within a modern facility and supported by a highly skilled team of providers. The current team includes two dermatologists—one specializing in Mohs surgery and one part-time general dermatologist—along with two advanced practice providers who collaborate closely to deliver exceptional care. The clinic is further supported by a 1:1 medical assistant-to-provider ratio, RN triage services, and an in-house histotechnician, ensuring a seamless and efficient care experience.

Scope of Services:
The Dermatology Department provides a variety of general and procedural dermatologic services, including: 

  • Comprehensive skin examinations for the detection and prevention of skin cancer.
  • Treatment of chronic skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, and rosacea.
  • Phototherapy, including narrowband UVB therapy and blue light therapy for targeted treatments.
  • In-office procedures such as biopsies, excisions, and treatment of benign and malignant skin lesions.

While the clinic does not currently offer laser treatments, it maintains a robust focus on addressing community dermatologic needs. For patients with skin cancer, the department emphasizes early detection and offers surgical options, including Mohs surgery for precise removal and high cure rates.

Growth and Development:
Jefferson Healthcare’s Dermatology Department is on the cusp of significant growth, with new facilities and service expansions planned for completion by mid-2025. These improvements aim to accommodate increasing patient demand while introducing additional service lines. The organization’s commitment to continual improvement positions the department as a regional leader in dermatology.

With a focus on collaborative care, state-of-the-art facilities, and a dedication to quality outcomes, Jefferson Healthcare’s Dermatology Department exemplifies the healthcare system’s mission to deliver innovative and compassionate care to its community. 

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