Board hears report that UW Medicine will not renew Lopez Island clinic contract; local districts mobilize
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Summary
San Juan County board members heard that UW Medicine notified the Lopez Island Hospital District it will not extend a clinic contract beyond June 30, 2026. County leaders described community concern and said local hospital districts and county staff will monitor and offer limited support where possible.
FRIDAY HARBOR, Wash. — Members of the San Juan County Board of Health were briefed on July 16 about an announcement by UW Medicine that it will not extend its contract to operate clinic services for the Lopez Island Hospital District beyond June 30, 2026.
Why it matters: County and hospital district leaders said a UW Medicine decision not to extend the contract would force the Lopez Island Hospital District to pursue local options to keep clinical services available. County staff and neighboring districts said they are following developments closely but emphasized the county’s limited authority to directly replace or operate clinical services normally provided by a hospital system.
What was reported - A board member said UW Medicine communicated its decision at a June 30 meeting with the Lopez Island Hospital District; more than 50 community members attended a special meeting called by the district to discuss next steps. - County representatives said Orcas Island Hospital District staff (represented in the meeting by Chris Cord, as reported by a board member) and county officials are in contact with the Lopez district and tracking possible collaborations or support strategies. The board was told the district will face difficult choices to maintain clinic services beyond the one-year mark.
Board reaction Board members expressed concern and pledged to continue monitoring the situation. One board member asked that county staff and local hospital districts keep the Board of Health and County Council updated and said members could be contacted by email for status updates.
What the county can do Speakers emphasized the county’s limited direct authority to force a new contract with a health system but said county staff will coordinate with local hospital districts and other partners to identify practical options, provide information and, where appropriate and legally permissible, seek state or philanthropic resources. No formal county action was taken at the July 16 meeting; the matter was presented as an information update and will be tracked by staff.