Press Releases

• July 18, 2006 - EPHC CEO Contract Does Not Expire In Near Future
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Letters

• July 26, 2006 - Donald Ball, M.D., Orthopedic Surgeon
  Click here for Letter (PDF)
  Click here Doctor Information
   
• August 7, 2006 - John Evans, Family Nurse Practitioner
  Click here for Letter (PDF)
  Click here for Doctor Information

Eastern Plumas Health Care is a dynamic place. In our pursuit of excellence we continue to innovate and grow. Some of our improvements for 2004 are:

Technological Improvements. During the 2003-04 fiscal years, we undertook the following upgrades to our information management system:

• Installed all new digital radiography equipment including a Phillips “Brilliance 6” Multi-Slice Helical CT
  
• Designed and installed a state of the art PACS system to support worldwide access to all diagnostic radiology images performed in EPHC’s new, all digital Diagnostic Imaging Department
  
• Installed new, upgraded IBM UNIX server to improve the speed of our core hospital information system and to better support future additions to the current suite of applications software
  
• Installed our own exchange server, effectively becoming our own internet service provider for internal and business related external e-mail communications
  
• Installed new routers and related software to improve the bandwidth of our off-site data transmission capabilities to our offices in Loyalton, downtown Portola, Graeagle and Quincy
  
• Installed new digital telephone and voice mail systems at the Portola Campus, Home Health Offices in Portola and Quincy and at the Portola Medical Clinic (Loyalton campus pending)
  
• Purchased and planned the installation and training for the new Windows based HIS software (installed in August 2004)
  
• Installed dedicated T-1 lines between the Portola Campus and key off site locations to improve the speed and quality of data and voice transmissions
  
• Upgraded clinical laboratory management software and improved bandwidth and therefore the speed of results reporting to Loyalton and Graeagle campuses
  
• Deployed several wireless Blackberry digital devices to BETA test wireless e-mail, web access, calendar management and cell phone functionality in our geographic setting
  
• Began planning for implementation of computerized order entry, the last step on the road to a fully functional EMR (Electronic Medical Record) to be initially deployed in our clinics and emergency room

Effective planning and enhanced community understanding and support will enable EPHC to upgrade and/or replace aging facilities and equipment.

Facility Improvements. During the 2003-04 fiscal year, EPHC aggressively pursed physical and related improvements to its existing facilities to better serve our patients and to improve internal operating efficiencies. In addition to more than doubling the total square footage of facilities owned and operated by EPHC through the acquisition of the former Sierra Valley Hospital, facility improvements included the following:

• Remodeling of “old” SNF rooms at Portola Campus completed with the result that visitors and residents cannot tell the difference between the new rooms and those that are nearly forty years old. (Kudos to our superb engineering and maintenance staff for an exceptionally fine job!)
  
• The old, hazardous Nifty Thrifty building in downtown was demolished and construction began on a $750,000, 9400 sq. ft. replacement facility
  
• Agreement was reached with the owner to double the size of the Graeagle Medical Clinic and to refurbish the ten year old sections of the clinic. Funding for construction was provided by Graeagle Land and Water Company, the building’s owner, and tenant improvements were shared equally between the landlord and EPHC in accordance with the provisions of a long term lease agreement. Construction completed in October 2004.
  
• Cosmetic improvements at the Portola Clinic included renovation of all exam rooms, to include new furniture, paint, art work, window coverings and privacy curtains. The basement of the Portola Clinic was also renovated to provide work stations for up to four employees as well as a small break area for staff. A music system was added in the clinic waiting room not only to create a more relaxing environment but also to attenuate some of the noise and lack of privacy associated with the current environment
  
• Remodeling of the hospital lobby and admitting areas were completed, creating an attractive and professional registration and waiting area for the hospital for the first time in many years. Planning is underway to dedicate the water feature in the new lobby to Julie Bowling, LVN, who passed away in an ATV accident several years ago, as well as to all of the nurses who have so faithfully served our community since the opening of the Western Pacific Railroad Hospital in 1910.
  
• Remodel plans for the main nursing station and all med/surg rooms were developed and all necessary supplies obtained. (Work to begin in the spring of 2005)
  
• All patient beds replaced at Loyalton campus and architectural plans for further facility improvements are underway
  
• Site planning for a new Loyalton clinic is largely completed; construction awaiting architectural plans and funding decisions
  
• Fire alarm and nurse call system replacement at Loyalton Hospital designed and pending at OSHPD
  
• Conceptual plans were developed for the renovation and expansion of the clinical laboratory as well as the emergency room.
  
• New digital radiology suite completely rebuilt to house new Phillips digital rad unit and PCR hardware
  
• Radiology Annex designed, built and craned into place; new CT, Ultrasound and relocated Mammography equipment installed and useable within a matter of weeks, prepared to meet the needs of the July 4th weekend, one of the busiest of the year for our facilities
  
• Hospital roof, which was leaking and made of prohibited asbestos tile, replaced after years of delay due to inadequate funding
  
• All long deteriorated paving at Portola campus either resealed or refurbished with 2 inch overlay
  
• Portola parking expanded with new employee parking lot behind hospital and extended lot in front of Portola Clinic
  
• Acquired 36 acres of adjoining land for future expansion