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Press Release

Welcome to our press release page. Here you will find a list of official press releases distributed by Confluence Health.


2024

Redesigning Primary Care: Bold Efforts at Confluence Health Drive Increased Access, Availability and Care for NCW

In the rapidly changing healthcare industry, many providers and organizations that were previously independent have opted to become part of larger, multi-state systems. To meet the needs of our community while remaining local, independent and relevant, Confluence Health recognized it wasn’t enough to just make a few tweaks here and there. Instead, our organization needed to completely redesign how primary care is delivered to the residents of North Central Washington. To that end, Confluence Health leadership has embarked on a "Primary Care Redesign" initiative that covers several areas, including a transition from walk-in clinics to DirectCare, online appointment scheduling, a forthcoming virtual care option ("KeyCare"), and a new digital option for patients with chronic conditions ("Care Companion").

Click here to read the full press release.


Combating Wildfire Smoke is a Team Effort at Confluence Health

As the number of wildfires and the severity of smoke have increased — both from local fires and others further afield — various departments and teams at Confluence Health have been working to help mitigate the health effects.

Click here to read the full press release.


Applications for Community Partnership Grant

Confluence Health and the Wenatchee Valley Medical Group have announced that their Community Partnership Fund will begin accepting applications on June 1, 2024, to provide grants for local community causes and organizations in Chelan, Douglas, Grant and Okanogan counties. The fund aims to award up to $500,000 each year in grants that focus on health and wellness, education, or arts and culture. In particular, the fund looks to award grants that have a significant benefit to the community or that drive local, positive economic impact.

Click here to read the full press release.


Confluence Health Security Team Saves Man’s Life

In healthcare, having a team that responds quickly, correctly and with compassion makes all the difference in the world. Recently, the Confluence Health security team found themselves in just such a scenario, and their professionalism and diligence saved a man’s life.

Click here to read the full press release.


Confluence Health Pediatrician Receives Leadership Award

Longtime Confluence Health pediatrician Doug Eisert, MD, was recently honored with the 2024 Leah Layne Memorial Health Leadership Award for his efforts to improve the vaccination rates and well-being of children and adolescents in the Wenatchee Valley. Specifically, he was acknowledged for making a significant impact on vaccine coverage, exemplifying prevention and public health, and helping to prevent cancer.

Click here to read the full press release.


Five from Confluence Health Honored with 2024 Champion of Public Health Awards

Three staff members and two providers at Confluence Health were recently honored with the 2024 Champions of Public Health Award presented by the Chelan-Douglas Health District (CDHD). This award is presented to local healthcare professionals in recognition of their profound positive impact on public health in the two counties.

Click here to read the full press release.


Confluence Health Honored with Two Awards for Excellence in Organ Donation Efforts

The Central Campus of Confluence Health Hospital was recently recognized with two achievement awards by LifeCenter Northwest for excellence in organ donation efforts. LifeCenter Northwest is a non-profit organ procurement organization that works collaboratively with more than 200 hospitals in the region to save lives through organ and tissue donation.

Click here to read the full press release.


Confluence Health Recognized by American Heart Association for Building a Culture of Health and Well-Being

Confluence Health was recently nationally recognized by the American Heart Association with gold-level recognition for its commitment to employee health and well-being as measured in the Association’s 2023 "Workforce Well-Being Scorecard." The scorecard brings together the latest research and insights from industry experts to help business leaders build a science-backed, employee-centric culture of health and well-being. The tool allows employers to evaluate how their policies and procedures compare to leading best practices in areas such as mental health support, addressing burnout, financial well-being, health equity considerations, and more. Companies that complete the scorecard receive a recognition level based on their alignment with established guidance, along with actionable strategies to support improvement and a dashboard to benchmark their progress against peer organizations.

Click here to read the full press release.


Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto: Confluence Health Celebrates 2,000th Robotic Surgery

Recent visitors to Confluence Health Hospital's Central Campus were likely a bit surprised to see a different sort of greeter near the entrance: a four-armed, eight-foot-tall surgery robot. In celebration of the 2,000th robotic surgery performed at Confluence Health, the organization partnered with Intuitive (the company that makes the Da Vinci Xi surgical robot) to commemorate the milestone by bringing in a traveling surgical robot, allowing community members, staff and others to try their hand at the machine. While only a traveling demonstration device, the surgical robot on display was identical to the one used by surgeons at Confluence Health and helps to highlight the tool’s capabilities to tackle a wide range of surgical needs.

(Pictured in photo, left to right: Elva Valdez, surgical RN; Socorro Bernal, certified surgical tech; Holland Gjefle, surgical RN; Geneva Wilson, surgical RN; Dawna Fox, surgical services manager; Liz Dittbrender, perioperative service director; Dr. Catherine Straub, general surgeon; and Billie Ritzke, perianesthesia endoscopy supervisor.)

Click here to read the full press release.


2023

Confluence Health Names New Chief Medical Officer

Confluence Health announced today that Dr. James Murray has been selected as its new chief medical officer (CMO) after having been recommended for the role and confirmed by the Confluence Health Board last week. Serving as the interim chief medical officer since late July 2023 after the departure of the previous CMO, Dr. Jason Lake, Dr. Jim Murray will now officially assume the CMO role. This important position within the healthcare system works to ensure that Confluence Health and the Wenatchee Valley Medical Group are delivering safe and effective healthcare according to the organization’s mission to provide “Local care by and for our community” alongside operational and executive leadership and in cooperation with medical staff.

Click here to read the full press release.


Confluence Health Announces New Chief Ambulatory and Clinic Network Officer

Confluence Health announced that they have selected Brian Barry to serve as their new chief ambulatory and clinic network officer. A new position that will serve as a member of the executive leadership team alongside the chief executive officer, chief nursing officer, chief financial officer, and others, this role will focus on outpatient service lines as Confluence Health continues its efforts to redesign primary care and fulfill its mission of “Local care by and for our community.” Barry joins Confluence Health having most recently served as the chief operating officer for MultiCare Medical Associates in Tacoma, a large medical group with more than 600 physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs) working across South Puget Sound. In his previous position, Barry worked as a leader for the region in ensuring standards for access, quality, safety, and operational workflows, all while ensuring a commitment to excellent service and care. Having served for over 22 years in healthcare leadership roles, he brings expansive and diverse experience.

Click here to read the full press release.


Completing the Circle: Confluence Health Partners in New Composting Program

Serving not only patients receiving care but visitors and staff as well, the kitchen at Confluence Health Hospital Central Campus is a busy one. Preparing 1,500 meals every day means that, in addition to providing excellent nutrition to those recovering from surgery or a healthy lunch to a busy nurse, there can be a lot of waste generated. In addition to the standard garbage, kitchens like this also produce a large amount of organic waste – the tops of tomatoes, lettuce leaves that don’t make the cut, the insides of bell peppers, eggshells, and even some paper products – that previously would have just gone into the regular trash collection service.

Click here to read the full press release.


Confluence Health Celebrates Start of Teambirth Program to Improve Maternity Care

Confluence Health staff in the mother-baby unit and guests from Ariadne Labs celebrated the kickoff of a new maternity care program – TeamBirth – with a small gathering to reflect on the efforts to bring this important program to life, and to finally meet face-to-face with those they had long collaborated with on Zoom calls. With the kickoff, Confluence Health Hospital Central Campus becomes one of the first 15 hospitals in Washington State to participate in the TeamBirth maternity program. TeamBirth improves care by ensuring people giving birth, and the clinicians caring for them, have shared input and understanding during the delivery of care. TeamBirth was developed by Ariadne Labs, a joint center for health systems innovation at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Click here to read the full press release.


Confluence Health Celebrates Grand Opening of Moses Lake Radiation Oncology Center

Last weekend Confluence Health held a grand opening ceremony to officially open the doors at the new Moses Lake Radiation Oncology Center. The new facility – which is anticipated to be under its $14.8 million budget at project close – is the fulfillment of many years of advocacy and effort to care for cancer patients in the region and was a top priority that had been in the works for several years. “This new facility will help patients undergoing radiation therapy, who previously would have needed to travel to Wenatchee, Spokane, or other locations for treatment, to get their needed care closer to home and their support network of families and friends,” remarked Dr. Andrew Jones, CEO of Confluence Health. “We are so excited to be able to offer this state-of-the-art care right in the Columbia Basin.”

Click here to read the full press release.


Confluence Health Honored By Ama, Forbes For Promoting Well-Being Of Healthcare Workers

Confluence Health was recently selected for two recognitions for efforts in supporting the well-being of healthcare workers. Confluence Health has earned silver recognition from the American Medical Association (AMA) as a Joy in Medicine™ recognized organization. The prestigious AMA distinction is granted only to organizations that attest to the rigorous criteria of the Joy in Medicine™ Health System Recognition Program and demonstrate a commitment to preserving the well-being of clinical care team members through proven efforts to combat work-related stress and burnout. In addition, Confluence Health was also recently recognized as one of America’s Best Employers By State from Forbes. The fifth annual list is the result of Forbes’ partnership with the market research firm Statista and surveys 70,000 workers across the United States to ask if they would recommend their employer to others and to evaluate their workplace on compensation, growth potential, diversity, company image, working conditions, and more through an anonymous survey.

Click here to read the full press release.


Confluence Health Announces New Vice President of Philanthropy

Confluence Health announced today that Suzanne Carté-Cocroft will soon be joining the organization as the new vice president of philanthropy. While a new title, this new vice president position replaces the role previously held by the foundation executive trustee, a position that works to lead and guide the Confluence Health Foundation.

Click here to read the full press release.


Confluence Health Stroke Program Recognized by Major Organizations with Multiple Awards

Confluence Health’s Central Washington Hospital (now Confluence Health Hospital - Central Campus) was recently recognized by major organizations for their efforts within their stroke program.
In recognition for their commitment to providing high-quality stroke care, Confluence Health was awarded three different recognitions by the American Heart Association (AHA) and American Stroke Association, a division of the AHA. As a part of organizations’ Get with the Guidelines program, Confluence Health was presented with the Stroke Gold Plus Award for consistent adherence to AHA guidelines in dealing with strokes. In addition to this significant award, Confluence Health was further recognized with the Target: Stroke Elite Plus and Target: Type 2 Diabetes honor roll recognitions for efforts in these areas.

Click here to read the full press release.


Confluence Health and Wenatchee Valley Medical Group Sign Agreement

This past Thursday, August 3rd, the Wenatchee Valley Medical Group (WVMG) board of directors signed the Professional Services Agreement and Co-management Agreement (PSA-CMA), with the Confluence Health board of directors also signing the agreement on Tuesday, August 8th. Under negotiation for over a year, this document forms the structure of the working relationship between Confluence Health and the WVMG, the organization made up of and representing most of the physicians working at the various Confluence Health facilities in North Central Washington.

Click here to read the full press release.


Confluence Health Honored with Two Major Heart Care-Related Awards

Confluence Health was recently awarded the 2023 Award of Excellence in Cardiovascular Surgery by the Foundation for Health Care Quality as a part of the Cardiac Care Outcomes Assessment Program (COAP) for the second year in a row.

Click here to read the full press release.


A Heart for Service: Confluence Health Honors Retiring Chaplain Scott Langager for 25 Years of Care and Compassion

For over 25 years, Chaplain Scott Langager has been quietly and steadfastly serving as the bridge between these two realms of care, working alongside physicians, nurses, medical assistants, and others to provide counseling, spiritual guidance, or even just a friendly smile when most needed. “We recruited Chaplain Scott from Fargo, North Dakota in December 1997. He was probably just trying to warm up,” remembered Tracey Kasnic, vice president of special projects at Confluence Health. “His plan was to only stay a few years and then go back to North Dakota, but here we are almost 26 years later. It became a running joke for several of us.”

Click here to read the full press release.


Charting a New Course: Confluence Health Announces Mission & Vision Statements

Shared values and goals are essential to the strong foundation of any organization. This is especially true for a local healthcare provider, which has meaningful, long-lasting outcomes on communities and families now and into the future. That is why Confluence Health, North Central Washington's largest healthcare provider, is so excited to unveil its new mission and vision statements. The new mission of Confluence Health is: "Local care by and for our community." The new vision is: "To serve our community with compassionate care through our dedication to: enabling joy and pride in our work, focusing on local sustainability, ensuring access for all, and committing to excellent care and service."

Click here to read the full press release.


Changes coming to Confluence Health Facility Names

Beginning July 1, Confluence Health will transition its naming conventions for its hospitals and some other locations to increase clarity and allow for smoother services for patients. Ten years after Wenatchee Valley Medical Center (now known as Wenatchee Valley Medical Group) and Confluence Health Hospital | Central Campus affiliated under the name of Confluence Health in 2013, the organization will now transition to a single entity: Confluence Health. This change will result in some of the facilities having new names.

Click here to read the full press release.


Local Healthcare, Education, and Law Enforcement Partner for Community Safety Exercise.

On June 23rd, Confluence Health, Wenatchee School District, Wenatchee Valley College, Wenatchee Valley Fire Department, Wenatchee Police Department, and the Chelan County Sheriff's Office, along with regional fire, police, and EMS agencies, will partner for a safety training exercise to better coordinate efforts to protect the community.

Click here to read the full press release.


The Gift Of Life: Confluence Health Receives Prestigious Award In Ceremony For Role In Organ Donation That Saved Four Lives

Confluence Health was recognized this past Thursday, May 11 for the Excellence in Community Partnership Award in a ceremony put on by LifeCenter Northwest, a non-profit organ procurement organization. This prestigious award is typically given annually to only one hospital across a four-state, 230+ hospital region which has demonstrated unwavering dedication to working to improve the lives of people in the communities they serve.

Click here to read the full press release.


Confluence Health Jointly Recognized for Excellence in Organ Donation Collaboration and Individually Recognized for Three Additional Metric-Based Awards

Confluence Health will be recognized jointly along with Samaritan Healthcare in Moses Lake for the Excellence in Community Partnership Award from LifeCenter Northwest, a non-profit organ procurement organization. This prestigious award is typically given annually to only one hospital across a four-state, 230+ hospital region which has demonstrated unwavering dedication to working to improve the lives of people in the communities they serve.

Click here to read the full press release.


Confluence Health Announces Changes to Masking Policy for Patients and Visitors

Confluence Health today announced updates to its masking policy. Starting Monday, April 3, 2023, masking will now be optional for patients and visitors while in Confluence Health facilities. Patients and visitors will still be recommended to mask to help protect the most vulnerable patients, but this will no longer be a requirement for entry. However, Confluence Health will not be making changes to its masking requirements for staff and providers at this time. Masking will continue to be required in clinical areas and areas generally accessible to the public, including common hallways, for all Confluence Health employees.

Click here to read the full press release.


Confluence Health Announces Update to Employment Vaccination Policy

Starting March 1, 2023, Confluence Health will begin allowing staff who were unable to work onsite due to not having received the initial COVID-19 vaccination series to again work onsite at Confluence Health facilities after meeting certain requirements. “This change in policy reflects our shift in status within the wider pandemic and the needs of our communities,” commented Dr. Jason Lake, chief medical officer of Confluence Health. “While vaccinations continue to be vital in our ability to address the needs of public health, the transition to a post-pandemic world allows us greater flexibility in requirements moving forward.”

Click here to read the full press release.


Confluence Health Announces CNO Transition

Beginning February 20th, 2023, Tracey Kasnic will transition from serving as chief nursing officer (CNO) to a new role as vice president of special projects for Confluence Health. At the same time, Kelly Allen, Confluence Health’s CNO-elect for nearly a year, will step into the CNO role.

In addition, Deb Glenn will assume the director of nursing services role previously held by Kasnic at Confluence Health Hospital | Mares Campus, while also continuing to serve as post anesthesia care manager.

Click here to read the full press release.


Wildly Caring: Confluence Health Partners with Wenatchee Wild to Fight Cancer.

Partnering with the Wenatchee Wild, Confluence Health presented the Hockey Fights Cancer night at this past Saturday’s game against the Prince George Spruce Kings with $3 from every fundraising ticket sold going towards causes that support the fight against cancer. In addition to the game, hockey fans also received rally towels to show their support, had the opportunity to snag a photo with Walt the Wolf, and browsed various booths and activities with information about local cancer support services. An auction for Wenatchee Wild hockey jerseys specially designed for the event was also held, with all proceeds going to support cancer programs. The event saw the largest turnout to a Wenatchee Wild home game since February 1, 2020 with 3,521 community members turning out to do their part to fight cancer.

Click here to read the full press release.


2022

A Show of Light and Love: Local Emergency Services Parade at Confluence Health Hospital | Central Campus.

Christmas Eve was a bit brighter for patients, staff, and providers at Confluence Health as local emergency services came together to spread some holiday cheer to those who needed it most. Organized by Shawn Ballard from Ballard Ambulance, the procession involved EMS, fire, and law enforcement driving with their emergency lights flashing through the Confluence Health Hospital | Central Campus parking lots to send a message of support and encouragement to those looking on from the hospital tower.

Click here to read the full press release.


Confluence Health Emergency Departments Ask Residents to Help Prioritize Patients with Severe Illness – Wednesday, December 1, 2022

Due to high volumes of community members seeking care in emergency departments, patients are experiencing longer than normal wait times. Far from being only a local issue, this is a state and national challenge that all hospital systems are currently experiencing.

Click here to read the full press release.


Saving Time, Saving Lives: Confluence Health Nationally Honored for Supply Chain Innovations Using A.I. Digital Assistant – Wednesday, November 16, 2022

In healthcare, a few minutes can make a massive difference, so having access to supplies as fast as possible is not a matter of convenience, but a matter of life and death.

Click here to read the full press release.


Dedicated To the Mission: Veteran Finds Aligned Values, Security At Confluence Health A Natural Continuation Of Service – Thursday, November 3, 2022

Upon returning home from his tours of duty as a hospital corpsman for the U.S. Navy, James Herron knew that he wanted to continue to help others.

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With State of Emergency End, Confluence Health Announces Covid-19 Policy Changes – Tuesday, November 1, 2022

With the end of Washington State’s COVID-19 state of emergency order yesterday after Governor Inslee’s announcement, Confluence Health will be updating restrictions and guidelines for their facilities.

Click here to read the full press release.

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Confluence Health Will Focus Hiring on Clinical Positions to Ensure Sustainable Patient Services – Monday, October 31, 2022

Confluence Health recently announced that it would focus its hiring on fulfilling clinical positions. Employees to fill clinical positions which directly administer, and support patient care are being actively recruited.

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Confluence Health Consolidates PCUs to Better Ensure Sustainable Patient Services – Tuesday. October 25, 2022

By November 7th, Confluence Health will consolidate their Progressive Care Unit (PCU) services within Confluence Health Hospital | Central Campus. Unlike intensive care units (ICUs), PCUs are intermediate levels of care and work with patients who are more stable or do not require as much demanding care as an ICU patient.

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A Helping Hand: Patient Need Prompts Creative, Cost-Saving Solution at Confluence Health – Wednesday, October 19, 2022

In early 2020, Confluence Health needed to ensure all had information about COVID-19 but recognized a difficulty in outreach.

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Active Shooter Exercise Tests and Strengthens Regional Healthcare and First Responder Preparedness – Wednesday, October 12, 2022

On Saturday, October 8th, Confluence Health partnered with Samaritan Healthcare and regional partners to hold a full-scale active shooter exercise in Moses Lake.

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Not with Wands but with Willpower: ‘Godmothers of Health’ Partner with Confluence Health to Expand Vaccination Access and Healthcare Equity – Tuesday, October 4, 2022

Messaging can be hard, especially for something as novel and unknown as COVID-19 when the entire world struggled to understand the magnitude of the issue in early 2020. In the early days of the pandemic, Confluence Health knew there was a need to ensure all communities had access to information about COVID-19, but also recognized that a difficulty in outreach existed.

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Regional Healthcare Facilities Partner for Safety and Preparedness Exercise – Wednesday, September 28, 2022

On October 8th, Confluence Health will partner with Samaritan Healthcare and regional partners to hold a full-scale active shooter exercise in Moses Lake.

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Open Hearts: A Willingness to Grow Is at The Core of Great Patient Care – Thursday, September 22, 2022

Process improvement work in most jobs can be a dry affair: efforts at small adjustments to aid a bottom line, tweaks to be more efficient, or streamlining some steps deliver a widget to market faster. But when your business is open-heart surgery, process improvements take on a whole new level of importance and seriousness.

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New Confluence Health PACU Designed for Patients, Alongside Staff, With an Eye for The Future – Wednesday, September 7, 2022

Confluence Health recently opened its newly expanded PACU which doubles its available beds to 20 to allow for better care of patients while supporting 12 operating rooms.

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Confluence Health Breaks Ground on New Radiation Treatment Center in Moses Lake – Thursday , September 1, 2022

A top priority that has been in the works for several years, the groundbreaking on the $14.5 million facility represents a triumph for Moses Lake and for cancer patients in the region.

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Confluence Health Announces Changes to Naming of Hospitals and Other Locations – Monday, August 22, 2022

Confluence Health announced this week that it will be transitioning its naming conventions for its hospitals and other locations by summer of 2023 to increase clarity and allow for smoother services for patients. Though the name is changing, Confluence Health’s commitment to care is not.

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Confluence Health Board Approves Construction of New Radiation Treatment Center in Moses Lake – Friday, August 12, 2022

Confluence Health announced this week that their board formally approved the building of a new state-of-the-art radiation treatment center in Moses Lake.

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Confluence Health Invests in The Healthcare Leaders of Tomorrow – Tuesday, August 9, 2022

Confluence Health is proud to bring local teens the CSI Program (Caring Student Interns). The CSI program is for teens between the ages of 14 and 15, with an interest in learning about health careers.

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Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and Confluence Health Partner to Expand Access to Specialty Medications – Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Today, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) and Confluence Health announced the creation of Madrona Health, LLC, a new joint venture to expand specialty pharmacy services across the Pacific Northwest.

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WSNA Nursing Members Vote to Ratify New Contract with Confluence Health – Monday, July 18, 2022

Local members of the Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA) union voted June 30th to ratify a new three-year contract negotiated with Confluence Health. WSNA represents in-patient nurses employed at Confluence Health Hospital | Central Campus.

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