NSH exploring second phase of culture improvement

Public concerns about a toxic workplace culture prompted North Shore Health to launch a “Culture Transformation Project” earlier this year. Bill Auxier, president and CEO of the Center for Rural Health Leadership, led the effort and presented an update to the hospital board in November based on results from a recent employee survey.

The survey asked staff to rate their work environment on a scale of 1 to 5, including questions about communication, feedback and organizational direction. Auxier reported a 1.3-point increase in positive responses compared to the initial baseline survey.

“In my mind, anything that is a plus one or higher is an indication of success, because people are saying things are more effective at this goal,” Auxier told the board. “It’s just a matter of opinion on how much more effective.”

Auxier and hospital leadership attributed the improvements to monthly workshops and executive coaching provided to hospital managers.

North Shore Health has also continued internal communications efforts, including monthly “leadership exchange” meetings led by CEO Kimber Wraalstad and a monthly employee newsletter. The newsletter was previously produced by now-retired Public Information Coordinator Todd Ford and is being written by Wraalstad until the position is filled.

While Wraalstad and board members said they were encouraged by the survey results, they expressed interest in continuing the work. However, Auxier informed Wraalstad that the Center for Rural Health Leadership currently doesn’t have a second phase of the program.

“But he was like, ‘You ask really good questions, and this is something we should develop,’” Wraalstad told WTIP. “So it is something that Bill is working on, that we may be a part of, just because we asked the questions and prodded them a little bit about developing something.”

Auxier’s training focuses on a framework that categorizes workplace culture into three types: control, indifference and connection. Both Auxier and Wraalstad said North Shore Health aims to build a culture of connection. They acknowledged that the work is ongoing.

“I think that’s every organization always wants to continue to advance and continue to look at what can we do,” Wraalstad said.  “We’re always looking at how we can continue to advance and change.”

Working with Sawtooth Mountain Clinic’s new electronic medical records

Sawtooth Mountain Clinic implemented a new electronic medical record system, Epic, in October. To connect with the clinic’s system, North Shore Health must install a $50,000 bi-directional interface. The NSH board approved the purchase in July, but the interface is not expected to be operational until 2026.

In the meantime, North Shore Health and Sawtooth Mountain Clinic have created a temporary workaround. During the November meeting, board members asked Wraalstad about its effectiveness.

“I can speak to the fact that we’ve got the appropriate teams from each side of the organizations working together,” Wraalstad told WTIP.  “But again, haven’t heard from either side of the teams that you know this just plain isn’t working.”

Wraalstad said about 20 staff members from both organizations meet weekly to refine the process.

WTIP’s Josh Hinke spoke to Wraalstad about the November board meeting. The audio of that conversation is available below.

Josh Hinke December 8, 2025