What Does it Mean to Be a District Hospital?
Washington Township Health Care District was created to provide people
living in Southern Alameda County with ready access to the widest possible
range of high quality health care services. It is one of more than 70
hospital districts throughout California. Hospital districts were initiated
because there was a shortage of hospital beds immediately following World
War II. In addition, Districts were formed to provide health care services
in areas where access was limited and other health care providers had
shown little interest in developing services.
Prior to the existence of Washington Hospital, local residents had to
drive 25 miles to get medical care. In 1948, without the benefit of highways,
travel time was greater. People would often take the risk of foregoing
proper treatment. On occasion, someone would die during the extended trip
to the nearest hospital.
The District Board of Directors
Washington Township Health Care District is guided by a publicly elected,
five-member board that includes a President, First Vice President, Second
Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. The public is invited to the
board’s regularly scheduled meetings at which time financial and
performance updates are provided; board members make important decisions
about programs, services, and equipment; and educational sessions are
often held that relate to the Hospital’s regulatory or administrative
functions and community programs.
The Benefits of a Not-for-Profit Hospital
In addition to investing all profits back into the health care system
and the community, Washington also works to improve the overall health
of residents in the District. As such, it offers a wide range of free
programs and services aimed at keeping you as healthy as possible. Visit our
"Services and Programs" webpage for a complete look at the range of preventive care programs or
pick up a copy of the bi-annual Health & Wellness catalog available
at many locations throughout the System and the District.
Patients Come First at Washington Hospital
Since the mission of Washington Township Health Care District is to serve
the needs of patients, the “Patient First Ethic” is the guiding
principle at Washington Hospital. Followed by each employee, volunteer
and physician, the principle means that any decision made or action taken
within the hospital must stem from what is in the best interest of the patient.
For example, in 1994, the decision was made to staff the hospital with
70 percent registered nurses (R.N.’s). While the trend among most
hospitals was to hire fewer R.N.’s Washington’s focus on what
is best for the patient motivated it to go above and beyond all current
state-mandated nursing ratios to provide the best nursing care possible.
Washington also serves the community by making sure people calling into
the hospital feel as welcome and comfortable as possible. When you call
Washington Hospital, you are not greeted by a computerized voice, but
a human being who answers your questions and directs your calls. Washington
Hospital is one of the few health care providers in the Bay Area that
maintains a full staff of telephone operators. They will make sure your
call reaches the right place.