Kitsap County Trends Report...10

Medical Services & Health of Kitsap County (cont.)

is the largest Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) that services the area, with nearly twenty-five physicians in Kitsap County. Kitsap Physicians Service (KPS) is the locally-based, health insurance provider for many of the residents of Kitsap and adjacent counties.

Naval Hospital Bremerton:

In addition to the civilian medical care system, Naval Hospital Bremerton, with its 139- acute-care-beds and extensive system of health services, provides care to approximately 50,000 military, dependents, and retirees who live in Kitsap County. The hospital moved to its present site in 1980. The hospital provides the following in-patient specialties: Medical/Surgical, Pediatrics, labor/Delivery, Mother/Baby, Level II Nursery, Mental Health, ICU/CCU, as well as an Ambulatory Procedure Unit (APU). Over 90% of their surgical procedures are performed in the APU.

Core out-patient services include:

Family Practice, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Women's Wellness, OB/GYN, Physical Therapy, Orthopedics and Emergency Room. Medical Clinics are operated at various military bases in Kitsap County and nearby regions. A significant $24 million expansion to the core hospital is scheduled for completion in May 2003. The expansion includes a 60,000-square-foot ambulatory care addition, a 2-level, 250-car parking garage, and major remodeling to the existing facilities.

A Healthy Community:

Many indices reflecting the fact that Kitsap County residents experience a relatively high level of individual health can be found in Health Status of Kitsap County, 1998 Supplement. This report was prepared by Bremerton-Kitsap County Health District, Harrison Memorial Hospital, Kitsap Physicians Service, and Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound.

Life Expectancy at Birth:

Life expectancy at birth is generally regarded as a key indicator of overall community health status. As shown below, Kitsap County residents' life expectancy is significantly higher than that of other residents of Washington or the United States. It compares favorably with Japan, which has the highest life expectancies of any county in the world.

A Healthy Future:

Kitsap County has a relatively young and healthy population. The region has an environment that beckons with a myriad of recreational activities. The community has a track record of creative, collaborative, and successful efforts to improve residents' quality of life and provide quality, cost-effective healthcare. Vision and leadership continue to develop services and facilities to meet future health needs based on today's solid foundation.

Web Site: www.harrisonhospital.org