Coupeville, Wash.-based WhidbeyHealth CEO Geri Forbes is retiring July 1. In the wake of the March 15 announcement, the editorial board of a local newspaper is calling for more transparency into why Ms. Forbes is leaving her post.
The South Whidbey Record's editorial board said Ms. Forbes retired after "a year of bad financial news and a week of rumors."
"To calm community concerns about the direction of the hospital, the elected hospital commissioners — and those who were appointed — need to engage with the community and adopt a new spirit of openness," the editorial members wrote.
The editorial board also requested more information about the hospital's budget and facilities. At the time Ms. Forbes announced her retirement, the South Whidbey Record reported that the WhidbeyHealth's commissioners were scrutinized after Ms. Forbes received a bonus despite a construction budget that was $3 million more than expected.
Ms. Forbes led the health system for four years, beginning in February 2015. In her announcement, Ms. Forbes said she plans to spend more time with family and friends. In a press release to the South Whidbey Record, she said, "Among the many organizations in which I've collaborated, I am the most proud of the contribution to our community I've seen provided by this team, who treats you as if you were family and always maintains quality of care as a top priority."