Belfair Clinic future uncertain

Belfair Clinic’s primary care patients are struggling with the loss of their doctor while the clinic’s future is being debated by Virginia Mason Franciscan Health.

Belfair resident Monna Haugen told the Journal her partner had an appointment with Dr. Raul Dominguiano on Jan. 6, but received a call the morning of the visit saying “Dr. D was gone,” Haugen said. They had no notice Dominguiano was leaving.

Now the only option for primary care at the clinic is Dawn Galvez, ARNP, according to the clinic’s website.

Haugen said her and her partner were given a referral for a doctor in Port Orchard, but their new appointments weren’t until June.

“And it’s only gotten worse,” Haugen said about the backlog.

Virginia Mason said in a statement, “no final decisions have been made” about closing the clinic.

“Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, in collaboration with the community and Mason County Public Hospital District No. 2, founded Franciscan Medical Clinic - Belfair almost 15 years ago. We remain committed to serving the health care needs of Belfair and North Mason County as we continue to provide high-quality care to the community, including radiology, lab services and urgent care. Despite recent staffing changes, we continue to provide primary care services.

Due to considerable challenges, including staffing and recruitment difficulties in primary care, we are determining the sustainability of continuing primary care services in Belfair. No final decisions have been made and we will share updates with our patients and the community as they are available,” St. Michael Medical Center President Chad Melton wrote.

St. Michael’s is part of VMFH.

Belfair’s urgent care clinic is still operating normally, seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The statement says patients are being referred for new primary care Port Orchard, Poulsbo, Silverdale and Bremerton.

Haugen said it’s not only inconvenient but sometimes impossible for elderly patients to drive that far. “Belfair is just down the road,” she said.

Haugen said Mason Transit doesn’t go to Silverdale and is unavailable for individual medical appointments.

Haugen said she knows some of the clinic officials.

“They’re trying hard to find a solution,” she said, and hopes a new primary care physician is brought back to the clinic.

“We’re devastated here,” she said.