Providence may end pediatric services in Olympia, pinball museum returns
A medical professional reached out to The Olympian last week to raise concerns about the future of in-patient pediatric services at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia.
Although those services are still being provided, they are under evaluation, according to a statement released by the hospital on Thursday in response to a query from The Olympian.
“After years of careful analysis, our leadership has been considering various factors regarding the future of in-patient pediatrics at Providence St. Peter,” the statement reads. “Consistent with nationwide trends, demand for in-patient pediatric care has continued to decrease over the past decade.
“Our pediatric in-patient census over the last two years has had an average daily census of one patient, prompting us to review our resource allocation to ensure efficiency and sustainability in serving the community.”
Hospital officials also say they are faced with rising costs, lower (health insurance) reimbursements and are bracing for the impacts of House Resolution 1, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which cuts federal funding for health and nutrition programs.
“Pediatric health care in South Puget Sound is also served by Mary Bridge and Seattle Children’s,” the statement reads. “Both organizations provide pediatric services, including primary care, specialty care and urgent care in our community. Their availability is a critical element in this decision-making process, ensuring our community continues to have access to necessary pediatric care.”
Providence St. Peter will reach a decision by incorporating comprehensive data and community feedback into its evaluation process, according to the statement.
“We remain focused on delivering high-quality, accessible care. Decisions are guided by what is best for our patients, community and the long-term sustainability of our hospital,” said Providence Swedish South Puget Sound Chief Executive Darin Goss in a statement. “We thank the community for their trust and understanding as we navigate the best path forward.”
Olympia Pinball Museum returns
The Olympia Pinball Museum, which briefly operated downtown on Capitol Way around the time of the pandemic, reopened this week inside the Olympia Antique Mall at 2921 Pacific Ave., said co-owner Welby Bergum.
He and his wife, Tonya, operate both businesses.
Welby currently has 14 pinball machines, but expects to add another 10-12 machines in the next 2-3 weeks. The machines are coin operated and a change machine is on site, he said.
The cost to play ranges from 25 cents to $1.
The pinball museum hours, which are the same as the antique mall, are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.
The antique mall opened over the summer and features 75 vendors, Welby added.
Olympia Downtown Alliance announces awards
The Olympia Downtown Alliance, a booster and organizer of downtown activities, celebrated this week with its annual awards event.
The Business of the Year is Captain Little, a toy store at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Washington Street, and the Person of the Year is former Olympia Mayor Cheryl Selby.
The toy store was honored for “leading with heart by fostering imagination, building strong community partnerships, and consistently showing up for Olympia through generosity, creativity and connection,” a news release reads.
About Selby the ODA said: “Awarded for her longstanding dedication to strengthening downtown Olympia by championing small businesses while elevating the arts, culture, and heritage through visionary leadership and community service.”
The other winners:
- Design award: Jill Carter.
- Imagemaking award: Kim and David Durbin of Rhythms Cafe.
- Advocacy award: Olympia Artspace Alliance.
- Volunteer of the Year: Daniel Farber.
- Golden paintbrush award: Mikey Hobbick.
Car repair business gets land-use approval
Pete Lea’s Automotive Medical Center has received land-use approval for its new location on Lilly Road Northeast, the city of Olympia announced.
The business intends to build a two-story 6,146-square-foot auto repair shop with associated parking, stormwater and landscaping improvements at 114 Lilly Road NE, according to the city.
Hospital cafeteria rebrands
Mason General Hospital in Shelton has rebranded its cafeteria, which will reopen to customers on Monday.
It’s now known as the Mountain View Cafe, according to a news release. It was previously called Bistro in the Basement, according to a news release.
“The cafe honors favorites like delicious baked goods, clam chowder, prime rib dinner and the popular salad bar,” the release reads. “Workforce members will also be able to enjoy a more streamlined experience with a new Express Grab & Go menu and check-out line, designed to help the workforce move through the cafeteria faster.”
People news
Olympia Federal Savings’ Tumwater Assistant Branch Manager Dana Eckstein is the Employee of the Quarter, the thrift announced.
“Colleagues describe Eckstein as someone who consistently goes above and beyond to create a welcoming and supportive environment,” a release reads.
“Over the past year, she has helped train employees for the new Chehalis branch, supported float employees across locations, helped in the customer care center and created meaningful professional development experiences for interns and team members alike.”
If you know of a retailer, restaurant, coffee shop or other business that is opening, closing, expanding, remodeling, or changing its focus, send an email to reporter Rolf Boone at rboone@theolympian.com.
