WhidbeyHealth provides local access to exceptional healthcare, a safety net when emergencies happen, and peace of mind knowing our team is standing by 24/7 to respond to your needs. From birth through every phase of life we’re here for you – with health and wellness services to help you live life to the fullest.
About Us
Your health. Your community. Your hospital.
Our History
Free land was a financial incentive to head West, but to live disease-free was a dream for most emigrants. Many had experienced the heart-wrenching loss of friends and family from disease and injury. In 1850, Isaac Ebey staked his claim on Whidbey Island two weeks after the Donation Land Claim Act was passed. Isaac was one of thirteen children born to Jacob and Sarah Ebey, nine of whom died prior to adulthood. At the advanced ages of 58 and 61, Jacob and Sarah were urged by Isaac to join him on Whidbey Island. They bravely endured the risks of the Oregon Trail in the hope of a healthier life.
The Journey to Health
In the early 1850s, Dr. John Kellogg, the island’s first long termed physician used horse and buggy or a dugout canoe to reach patients in need.
Island Care
Captain James Swift settles at Penn Cove; provides medical and dental care to area settlers and ship crew.
First Female Physician
One of first women physicians in the Washington Territory, Dr. Agnes Harrison, opens a practice in Coupeville.
'Whidby General'
Dr. C. E. Martin opens a “Whidby General Hospital” – then closes it the same year.
Fort Casey Hospital
Dr. Earl Sargent opens the first hospital at Fort Casey, which closes in 1926.
Dr. Carskadden
Dr. Henry Carskadden opens his practice in Coupeville; moves to Oak Harbor in 1922.
First Surgery Office
Dr. Henry Carskadden opens the first minor surgery office, including X-ray capabilities.
Tireless Hospital Advocates
Pauline “Polly” Harpole, the island’s first public health nurse, established ‘Twill-do’ maternity home in 1934 where she delivered over 3,000 babies. She went on to establish multiple clinics, a mobile x-ray unit and a speech workshop as well as her daring 18-minute emergency transports to a waiting ferry. Harpole Maternity Hospital opens in Coupeville two years later.
Oak Harbor Hospital Association
Shortly after WWII, Dr. Henry Carskadden organized the first hospital association working to acquire the Navy hospital during one of its rumored closings. While the Navy hospital didn’t close, a new wing was added. Dr. Carskadden threw his unfaltering support behind the guild’s efforts to build a Whidbey hospital controlled at a local level. The Oak Harbor Hospital Association is formed with Dr. G. R. Heap, DDS, as its first President. The group later changes its name to North Whidbey Hospital Association.
Parent Guild
Parent Guild of North Whidbey Women’s Hospital (later renamed Whidbey Island Women’s Hospital Guild) organizes first Mardi Gras for future Hospital Building fund.
Hospital District Approval
Voters approve a unified Whidbey Island Hospital District encompassing former North Whidbey Hospital District, Coupeville and South Whidbey Hospital Association. Three commissioners are elected: Ed Adamson, Ted Christensen and James Hay.
Land Purchase
Meng Farm is purchased for use as the hospital site, costing $10,000 for seven acres.
Bond Approval
Whidbey Island voters approve $650,000 hospital bond.
Hill-Burton Grant
Whidbey Island Hospital District is granted Hill-Burton funds in the amount of $429,994.
Construction Begins
Construction of the hospital begins and is completed early 1969. A Shared Services Agreement is signed with Island Hospital in Anacortes.
Hospital Guild Funding
The Whidbey Island Women’s Hospital Guild presents the hospital with $53,000 to furnish all patient rooms.
Opening Date
Whidbey General Hospital opens March 10.
WhidbeyHealth Today
WhidbeyHealth Medical Center is a fully licensed and certified Critical Access Hospital, with DNV Accreditation. The WhidbeyHealth system, which includes the medical center, three EMS stations and eight outpatient locations, employs more than 700 staff members. An exceptional nursing team and more than 70 providers support a broad range of inpatient and outpatient services.
A Critical Access Hospital (CAH) is a designation given to certain eligible rural hospitals in the United States. The Critical Access Hospital program is part of the Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility (Flex) Program, which aims to ensure access to healthcare services for residents in rural areas.
Key characteristics of Critical Access Hospitals include:
- Location: They are typically located in rural areas, where the nearest hospital may be far away. The designation is meant to address the challenges of providing healthcare in remote regions.
- Size: Critical Access Hospitals are generally smaller in size compared to urban hospitals. They often have fewer than 25 inpatient beds.
- Services: CAHs are required to provide 24/7 emergency care services. They may also offer a range of outpatient services, including outpatient surgeries and primary care.
- Medicare Reimbursement: Critical Access Hospitals receive enhanced reimbursement under the Medicare program to help them remain financially viable, as they often serve populations with lower patient volumes and face unique challenges.
- Distance and Accessibility: CAHs must be located a certain distance from other hospitals to qualify for the designation, ensuring that they are serving areas where healthcare options may be limited.
The Critical Access Hospital program was established to address the healthcare needs of underserved rural communities and to help these hospitals remain financially stable. It allows for flexibility in service delivery to accommodate the specific needs and challenges of rural healthcare.
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