Doctor faces Olympic Medical Center board over role at new cancer center

PORT ANGELES — After undergoing the fiery criticism of Dr. Robert Witham and several of his supporters and patients — including Forks Mayor Nedra Reed — on Wednesday night, Olympic Medical Center commissioners said they will respond to the Port Angeles cancer specialist regarding his future role in the Sequim cancer care center.

Following the board meeting, where more than 100 packed the hospital’s Linkletter Hall, Jorgen Quistgaard, the board of commissioners’ chairman, said he expects the board will continue talks with Witham.

“I would expect there to be some response on Dr. Witham,” said commissioner Harlan Knudson.

“I would expect there to be some response, too, to the public. We’ve got to respond to the people here — if not by (the next board meeting), then the following meeting.”

Witham believes that Olympic Medical Center is unfairly freezing him out of the hospital’s Olympic Medical Cancer Center in Sequim

This, Witham said, compromises cancer patients’ ability to receive effective treatment.

Witham supporters

Several of Witham’s patients and supporters came forward after his presentation, making emotional pleas on behalf of the doctor.

Vickie Meyer of Blyn credited the doctor with rescuing her father from the hospital, saying a staff doctor had lied to her that he had consulted Witham about her father.

She said she found her father drugged and strapped down on a bed at the hospital when “I expected to see him on the edge of the bed and happy to see me.”

She said she wrote a five-page letter to the commissioners in late December expressing her complaints and received a letter back that only acknowledged her letter.

After the commissioners’ meeting, OMC Administrator Mike Glenn said he didn’t know what happened to the complaint letter — but said that it had been passed on to OMC’s medical staff executive committee.

Glenn added that what he heard during the meeting was not the way the hospital’s system was supposed to work.

Meyer said it would be “shear irresponsibility” on the board’s part to overlook Witham’s experience and reputation in the community.

More in News

Immigration fears hit Olympic Peninsula

Law enforcement agencies won’t deport individuals

Local immigrants worry about federal orders

As President Donald Trump steps into office and reports… Continue reading

Jefferson commissioners to discuss sheriff appointment

Three candidates named by Jefferson County Democrats

Eric Spencer, a landscaping and janitorial worker for New Life Open Bible Church, clears snow from a sidewalk next to the church at Sixth and Peabody streets in Port Angeles on Thursday morning. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
After snowfall, cold temperatures expected today

Morning commutes could continue to be icy, weather service says

Public opposes rezone of Port Townsend park

City has funded housing site layout study

Port Townsend Food Co-op sets date for union election

Simple majority needed to approve ballot

OMC board seeking candidates to fill spot

Commissioners also make all seven positions at-large

Port Angeles brothers Finley Bornsworth, 3, left, and Oliver Bornsworth, 6, take a snowy sled ride on the campus of Port Angeles High School on Tuesday. Overnight snowfall left a mantle of white over much of the North Olympic Peninsula with an additional chance of snow showers forecast through the weekend. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Snow day

Port Angeles brothers Finley Bornsworth, 3, left, and Oliver Bornsworth, 6, take… Continue reading

Funding freeze may affect Port Angeles grants

Judge extends block of Trump action

City of Port Angeles updates mobile and itinerant vendor code

Effective March 1, process expands definitions, establishes criteria

Port Angeles school board approves criteria for new leader

Directors looking for visionary innovator with extensive experience

Madison Canterbury, 7, of Shelton looks at a Valentine’s gift she created with the assistance of volunteers Chandra McGuff, left, and Nicole Lemon at a craft table set up outside the Silver Lining Cafe at The Wharf on Saturday on the Port Angeles waterfront. Youngsters were given the opportunity to create gifts and Valentine’s cookies during the event. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Valentine’s gift

Madison Canterbury, 7, of Shelton looks at a Valentine’s gift she created… Continue reading