2 HEALTH COMPASS Fall 2025 Expanding to serve generations Jimmy Heilman, MD, Chief Medical Officer I was thrilled to join the executive team at Columbia Memorial Hospital in May. In 2019, I started working with CMH when I joined the Board of Trustees as the OHSU representative. In that role, I was impressed by the commitment of all levels of the organization to serving local communities. The continuous drive to provide the highest-quality care and the most services possible to improve the health and well-being of those in our region is something that makes this organization outstanding. When the community-led Board made the decision to move forward with the BuildCMH Expansion Project, it was a defining moment. Now, I’m proud to share the vision behind the expansion. Building on a cornerstone of care For decades, CMH has been a cornerstone of care in Clatsop County. Over the past 15 years, we’ve grown our services immensely, adding clinical specialties that are not usually found in rural areas. Our 48-year-old facility has not kept pace with the community’s growing needs. CEO Erik Thorsen said it best in a previous issue of the Health Compass — “We are simply out of room.” That’s why we are investing in a historic expansion for the region. Knowing that the model of care has largely shifted to an outpatient focus, we will triple the hospital’s footprint while remaining a 25-bed hospital. The expansion will include private, inpatient rooms with beautiful views, expand capabilities in the Emergency Department and in Surgical and Imaging Services, and add spaces to support both patients and caregivers. With increased amenities and a resilient infrastructure designed to withstand natural disasters, CMH will be better equipped to serve Astoria for generations to come. Pediatric surgeries expanding at CMH CMH began offering expanded pediatric surgeries on-site in Astoria this September, enhancing its care for the community. The first pediatric surgical case, a removal of the adenoids and tonsils, took place on Sept. 3 with board-certified otolaryngologist Justin Holt, MD. Dr. Holt joined CMH in May 2025 to start the CMH-OHSU Health Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic. Expanded pediatric surgical offerings are focused on ENT (ear, nose and throat) and urology procedures. The hospital continues to provide other pediatric surgeries performed historically. A furry friend and a fun ride Beverly Selga, director of Surgical Services, emphasizes the commitment to patient Learn more about our services Urology: columbiamemorial.org/urology ENT: columbiamemorial.org/ENT
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