Hospital CEO asks staff to put patients above political opinions

COLFAX –– There is a place for political commentary, but CEO Hank Hanigan doesn't think it should be at Whitman Hospital and Medical Center.

"We try extremely hard to provide the best environment we can to get healthy. We try to limit the stress and anxiety the patients and staff might have," he said.

Hanigan asked employees to refrain from putting flags or signs on vehicles, wearing clothing, or "displaying personal items bearing a political or advocacy message," in an Oct. 6 email to hospital staff.

His decision to ask people to avoid such displays stems from two employees who took offense w...