Doctor's contract extended for update

Wahkiakum County commissioners on Tuesday voted to extend the contract of Wahkiakum Family Practice Clinic Manager Dr. Janice McClean another two weeks.

The contract would have expired April 7; it now extends to April 21.

Commissioners reported they are negotiating a new contract with Dr. McClean.

Dr. McClean came to the clinic last year on a temporary basis with a goal of shoring up clinic operations and put it in a stable financial position.

The Clinic Governance Board appointed by the county commission has been recruiting a full-time physician, but members have said the board is also considering finding a part-time position and adding another mid-level practitioner.