Kirkland-based EvergreenHealth emergency department to lead team in Monroe

EvergreenHealth Monroe announced on April 14 that EvergreenHealth’s emergency physicians group in Kirkland will lead and staff the community hospital’s emergency department. The two hospitals signed an agreement that will bring board-certified emergency providers to Monroe’s ED staff beginning in July, led by Dr. Kevin Hanson.

April 14, 2015 12:19 pm
EvergreenHealth is located in Kirkland and serves the Northshore area.
EvergreenHealth is located in Kirkland and serves the Northshore area.

EvergreenHealth Monroe announced on April 14 that EvergreenHealth’s emergency physicians group in Kirkland will lead and staff the community hospital’s emergency department. The two hospitals signed an agreement that will bring board-certified emergency providers to Monroe’s ED staff beginning in July, led by Dr. Kevin Hanson.

During the 2013 levy vote, access to high-quality emergency care was a central part of the discussion with supporters of the levy, saying that a ‘yes’ vote would help keep 24/7 emergency services available to Monroe residents, in their own community.

“When voters passed the levy increase, Valley General Hospital was fortunate to work with EmCare to answer the immediate needs of the community, and now this transition to EvergreenHealth leadership will help deliver on the promise of accessible emergency care in a lasting way,” said Eric Jensen, CEO, EvergreenHealth Monroe.

This change in medical leadership within the emergency department ensures that the highest standards in quality care will remain in Monroe’s ED and reflects a commitment to bringing the most satisfying experience to patients and their families. Under the EvergreenHealth emergency physician group’s leadership, patients will benefit from enhanced continuity of care and consistency in the service they expect from the EvergreenHealth system.

“We know that the emergency department is a gateway for many patients entering the EvergreenHealth system,” said Dr. Jim Swenson, medical staff president at EvergreenHealth Monroe. “The addition of our ED group allows EvergreenHealth Monroe to navigate emergency patients to the right level of care within our larger system, providing greater access to high-quality health care for East Snohomish County residents.”

Since the launch of EvergreenHealth Monroe last month, the hospital has moved quickly to integrate services with the Kirkland campus.

“I am very pleased with the process so far,” said Eric Jensen. “The ED integration is an example of how quickly our agreement is delivering health benefits to our community.”