Pioneer Memorial Hospital community advisory board named

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bend, Ore. - The lease of Pioneer Memorial Hospital in Prineville to Cascade Healthcare Community went into effect on Jan. 1. Under the lease agreement, CHC is operating the Prineville hospital but PMH’s governing board will continue to function as landlord, making decisions about the hospital’s land, buildings and equipment.

In order to ensure that Prineville community members continue to be informed and involved with hospital operations, on Jan. 28 CHC authorized the formation of a separate PMH advisory board.

The advisory board’s purpose is to serve as the link between the community and CHC. The board will make recommendations on operational decisions to CHC, but will not have final decision-making authority. Through the sharing of information, the advisory board will guide CHC’s efforts to continually improve the access and quality of care in the Prineville community. 

To maintain continuity, the elected members of the current PMH governing board have also been appointed as members of the PMH advisory board. The focus of the PMH advisory board will be on quality and financial outcomes, medical staff development, long-term strategy and community perception of health care services provided at PMH and the region.

The PMH advisory board is a unique element within the CHC system. Because it is CHC’s only community advisory board it will have the opportunity to shape the advisory board process for the entire health care organization.

“We are excited about this development,” said Mark Severson, chairman of the PMH advisory board. “The PMH advisory board will have a significant impact on the future of health care in Crook County. Our members are ready to work closely with CHC to continually improve the level of service in our community.”