Spokane health district scrambling

Dr. Kim Thorburn’s sudden dismissal from the Spokane Regional Health District left staff scrambling Thursday to cover her duties and Washington officials pondering leadership of the state board of health.

Doctors from nearby counties will temporarily monitor public health concerns ranging from tuberculosis control to potential outbreaks of communicable disease, said Torney Smith, the Spokane district’s administrator.

Dr. Ed Gray, health officer in the Northeast Tri-County Health District, has agreed to step in until an interim health officer is named, Smith said.

County birth and death certificates will continue to be validated after Vital Records staff received state approval to continue using Thorburn’s signature stamp.

“What we have done is set up short-term arrangements,” said Smith. “This came as a bit of a surprise.”

The health board voted unanimously Wednesday to terminate Thorburn’s nine-year contract, citing unspecified administrative problems and a communication impasse that could not be repaired.

The 56-year-old health officer was placed immediately on a 60-day paid administrative leave. She was offered – and accepted – a Nov. 27 hearing on the issue.

But that didn’t stop Thorburn from delivering a scheduled talk on influenza at a Thursday meeting of Spokane’s Rotary Club 21. Thorburn identified herself as an “ex-public health official” whose classification was “in transition.” At the end of her speech, the Rotarians rose to their feet and applauded.

Her appearance seemed to irk Dick Denenny, a health board member, who attended the noon gathering. Asked whether he was surprised to see Thorburn, Denenny said: “Knowing her personality, no.”

“She’s on administrative leave,” added Denenny, who wouldn’t say whether he thought her appearance was inappropriate.

In Olympia, the dismissal sent officials at the state Board of Health searching through statutes to determine whether Thorburn can retain chairmanship of the group.

She was appointed to the state post in 2005 by Gov. Chris Gregoire, who indicated Thursday she would wait until after Thorburn’s hearing to address the matter.

As long as Thorburn remains on leave, she is still a health officer and probably entitled to retain the position, said Craig McLaughlin, executive director of the board.

McLaughlin said he wasn’t familiar with the local problems or politics that might have led to termination of Thorburn’s contract. But he added that Thorburn has been a pleasure to work with.

“I find her as a boss someone who elicits comments and criticisms and is very responsive,” he said.

State Secretary of Health Mary Selecky – a former longtime health official with the Northeast Tri-County health district, which covers Ferry, Stevens and Pend Oreille counties – called Thorburn “a dedicated public health professional.”

Selecky praised Thorburn’s work lobbying lawmakers to fund hepatitis A vaccine around the state after local food-based outbreaks of the illness. Thorburn has worked hard on HIV and AIDS programs, helping make sure that people get connected to care, Selecky said.

“She’s served her community well, but I have to say this is a local decision that as secretary of health I certainly have to respect,” Selecky said.

Selecky and Thorburn are longtime colleagues, serving in neighboring health districts until Selecky took the job in Olympia eight years ago. They both serve on the state health board and occasionally lunch together.

“Personnel issues are always difficult to comment on,” Selecky said. “You never really know what went on in that decision-making.”

Replacing Thorburn could be a long, expensive process. She is being dismissed without cause, which entitles her to a year’s salary – $125,000 – under terms of her contract.

It took nearly a year to fill the position in 1997, when former health officer Dr. John Beare retired. Health Board Chairman Todd Mielke said members want to conduct a thorough search. He said he’s not concerned that dismissing a health officer without cause will deter qualified applicants.

“I think people can do the Monday-morning quarterbacking,” he said. “The board wants a dynamic relationship with the health officer. Most professionals are looking for arrangements where a board wants that.”

Reach reporter JoNel Aleccia at (509) 459-5460 or by e-mail at jonela@spokesman.com.