Voters narrowly rejected a bond that would have provided extra financial support to Ilwaco, Wash.-based Ocean Beach Hospital and Medical Clinics, according to the Chinook Observer.
Scot Attridge, CEO of Ocean Beach, penned an op-ed for the local newspaper, outlining the need for hospital expansion.
"Rural health care needs are real. Our community requires an Urgent Care Clinic and additional space to attract specialty providers so residents don't have to travel long distances for basic procedures. Patient rooms, the pharmacy and nurses' station at the hospital require renovations. Medical equipment needs replacing to provide the most current diagnosis," he wrote.
The bond needed 60 percent of voters to approve in the special election, and failed by five votes. Mr. Attridge said the hospital is hopeful the bond will pass in the future; it will be up for another vote during the primary election ballot in August.