Challenges and Trends

1

Workforce Shortages

91% of rural WA counties
Source:
• WA HCA 2025 report: https://www.hca.wa.gov/assets/program/cost-board-materials-20250123.pdf
lack primary care; EH faces burnout/turnover, with unions negotiating rises (2022-2025 contracts).12,9
2

Cyber Risks

Ransomware up 149% in 2025
Source:
• Provided document kb_grok_research.md
; Breaches cost millions, disrupting care.9,13
3

Consolidation Trends

Oligopolistic markets raising prices 20-30% since 1980s
Source:
• UPenn LDI research on consolidation: Hospital consolidation research
; EH faces pressures from Providence dominance in Seattle.14,9
4

Population and Demand Growth

3% projected growth
Source:
• EH Master Campus Plan: Financial Report PDF
in King County to 2029, straining 100% occupancy
Source:
• EH 2024 Financial Report: Financial Report PDF
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