Cascade and Skagit Valley hospitals are understaffed, doctors say. They want more time with their patients
ARLINGTON — At Cascade Valley Hospital in Arlington and Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon, doctors often cater to a rotating door of patients — and the hours of administrative work that comes with them — from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., up to seven days a week.
It’s a packed schedule that isn’t ideal for thorough patient care, said Dr. Brent Herr, a family physician at Skagit Valley Hospital.
In early July, Herr, along with about 45 doctors, nurse practitioners and physician assistants at Cascade and Skagit Valley hospitals — both part of Mount Vernon-based Skagit Regional Health — filed for representation with the Union of American Physicians and Dentists.