Inside our expansion efforts They’re back: Lab services and women’s screenings p4 p7 SUMMER 2026 COMPASSIONATE. PERSONALIZED. HEALTHCARE.
Angela Hinnegan, CPA, MHL, FACHE Chief Executive Officer A MESSAGE FROM THE CEO Photo by Linda Kvittem To our Central Kenai Peninsula community As the long days of summer begin to fade into the richness of an Alaska fall, I want to thank you—our neighbors, patients, staff and partners—for the trust you place in Central Peninsula Hospital (CPH). It is truly an honor to serve this remarkable community. Last fall, we paused to listen carefully to you through our Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). The purpose of the assessment is to gather input from residents across the Central Kenai Peninsula to better understand what matters most when it comes to health and well-being. The 2025 assessment reinforced something we hear often: Access to care, chronic disease, mental health and cancer prevention are top priorities for our community. With a population of nearly 60,000 residents and an increasing number of seniors, the demand for high-quality, local health care continues to rise. It’s our responsibility not only to meet today’s needs, but to thoughtfully plan for the future. Many of you have told us that leaving the area for care can be difficult and disruptive. In fact, nearly half of households reported traveling outside the region for medical services within the past year. That’s why CPH is actively working to bring more specialty services right here to our community. In the coming months, you will begin to see expanded access in: ● Dermatology, helping patients address both routine and complex skin conditions. ● Mohs surgery, a highly effective, precise treatment for skin cancer. ● Ear, nose and throat (ENT) services, supporting everything from chronic sinus issues to more advanced surgical needs. These investments directly support one of our top priorities identified in the CHNA: improving access to health care services. Our goal is simple—fewer miles traveled, faster care and better outcomes for you and your family. We are also continuing to strengthen other key services you told us matter most: ● Cancer services and screening efforts, recognizing that cancer remains a significant concern in our region. ● Cardiac and stroke care, as heart disease continues to be a leading cause of death. ● Mental health and substance use services, one of the highest priorities identified by our community. ● Programs focused on nutrition, diabetes care, tobacco cessation and physical activity. We are not just growing—we are growing with purpose. Every new service, every new provider and every new program is guided by what we hear from you. We look forward to serving you—now and in the seasons ahead. 2 Central Peninsula Hospital
PULSE is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of Central Peninsula Hospital, 250 Hospital Place, Soldotna, AK 99669, phone 907-714-4404, website www.cpgh.org. CEO: Angela Hinnegan, CPA, MHL, FACHE External Affairs Director: Bruce Richards Information in PULSE comes from a wide range of medical experts. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. If you wish to be removed from the mailing list, please call 907-714-4600 or email marketing@cpgh.org. 2026 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Central Peninsula Hospital and its clinics (collectively “CPH”) comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Translation and other services are available to you, free of charge, by calling this number: 907-714-4404. Patients suffering from chronic ankle pain now have access to an advanced surgical option close to home. Ian Burtenshaw, DPM, FACFAS, FABPM, of Central Peninsula Foot & Ankle Specialist, offers total ankle replacement, also known as total ankle arthroplasty (TAA), right here on the Kenai Peninsula. TAA is designed for patients with end-stage ankle arthritis, often from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or post-traumatic arthritis due to an old injury. Candidates are typically active adults over age 50 who are not engaged in high-impact activities and are willing to participate in postoperative rehabilitation. Unlike traditional ankle fusion, TAA preserves natural ankle motion, reducing the risk of developing arthritis in surrounding joints. It also reduces stress on joints in the foot and knee, allowing a more natural walking pattern. Long-term outcomes show significant pain relief, strong function and high levels of patient satisfaction. “I have been involved in total ankle replacement research and clinical practice for the last 14 years,” Dr. Burtenshaw says. “I am excited to be here in the community and to offer this treatment option that was previously only available if patients traveled great distances. Ankle arthritis is one of the Take a step toward better health Central Peninsula Foot & Ankle Specialist 240 Hospital Place, Suite 103, Soldotna foot.cpgh.org | 907-714-5312 Open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call 907-714-5312 to schedule a consultation and find out if ankle replacement may be right for you. Ankle replacement now available Ian Burtenshaw, DPM, FACFAS, FABPM most debilitating physical conditions, and it can significantly limit a person’s ability to stay active and enjoy life.” Dr. Burtenshaw says TAA can help patients regain mobility and improve their overall quality of life. “My goal has always been to keep people as active as possible, for as long as possible, and as comfortable as possible,” he says. PULSE Summer 2026 3
Central Peninsula Hospital (CPH) is making a major investment in the diagnostic capabilities it provides to Kenai Peninsula residents—and this summer, that investment becomes visible. CPH’s laboratory is undergoing a significant equipment upgrade, bringing in new, state-of-the-art analyzers that will expand the range of diagnostic services available right here in Soldotna. For patients, that means more tests performed locally, faster results and less need to travel outside the community for specialized lab work. Federal requirements mandate that new and existing equipment run side by side for several months during the transition, ensuring no interruption to lab services for patients while the next generation of capabilities comes online. For many Peninsula residents, local lab tests mean the difference between a same-day answer and a trip to Anchorage. As CPH’s diagnostic capabilities grow, more of those answers will be available close to home—reducing travel time, lowering stress and keeping care connected to the providers and community patients already know and trust. Creative reorganization Making room for the expansion required some creative thinking. New lab analyzers are larger than the equipment they replace, and the current lab footprint simply couldn’t accommodate both old and new running simultaneously. So CPH’s leadership mapped out a deliberate, multistep campus reorganization. This summer, approximately 55 CPH employees will relocate as part of the reorganization. The Central Billing Office and Patient Financial Services will move together into the former Joann Fabrics building on the Sterling Highway, bringing two departments that work closely together under one roof for the first time. The Joann Fabrics building will house administrative staff only. Many of these employees had been working in overcrowded, off-site conditions. Relocating them together addresses that issue and creates space for the larger expansion. The shift opens space for the Quality department to move into the vacated River Tower offices, which in turn allows Care Coordination to relocate, giving the lab the expanded footprint it needs. No clinical or patient care services will be affected at any point. The reorganization also creates a dedicated space for an incoming dermatology physician, expanding specialty skin care access on the Peninsula this fall. And as a bonus for the broader Soldotna community, CPH will be releasing approximately 3,100 square feet of Peninsula Center mall space it has been using for medical records storage, returning that square footage to the commercial market at the end of the current lease term. Investing with you in mind CPH has been the anchor of health care on the Kenai Peninsula for more than 60 years, and this expansion reflects the hospital’s ongoing commitment to growing alongside the community it serves. Investments like this one—in equipment, in staff and in space—are how CPH ensures that Peninsula residents continue to have access to high-quality care without leaving home. to bring you needed services GROWING 4 Central Peninsula Hospital
The reorganization: A chain of moves CBO and PFS move to the former Joann Fabrics building. CBO (Central Billing Office) and PFS (Patient Financial Services) are co-located for the first time. Quality moves into the vacated CBO space in River Tower. CPH’s Quality department moves into the space left open by the Central Billing Office team’s move. Care Coordination moves into the vacated Quality space. Our Care Coordination team moves into the space formerly occupied by the Quality team. The lab expands into the vacated Care Coordination space. The lab grows to accommodate new, state-of-the-art equipment and more services. New dermatology physician space created. The former PFS building is repurposed for our new dermatology physician. Lab expansion and new dermatology physician drive partial campus reorganization New dermatology physician Dermatology is a high-demand specialty on the Kenai Peninsula. A second provider will expand access and reduce wait times for specialty skin care—close to home. A smart use of available space The former Joann Fabrics building has been vacant for more than a year. CPH’s lease puts the space to productive use and supports the local economy. As a direct result of the move, CPH will release approximately 3,100 square feet of Peninsula Center mall space currently used for medical records storage at the end of the current lease term. 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 STEP 4 STEP 5 STEP No impact to patient care No clinical or patient care services will be affected. The office space will house administrative staff only. Reorganization results 250 Hospital Place, Soldotna www.cpgh.org I 907-714-4404 This move is about growth—for our lab, for our patients and for our staff. We are bringing new diagnostic capabilities to the Peninsula, adding a dermatology physician to serve our community’s needs and improving working conditions for our administrative team. This office building gave us the opportunity to accomplish all of that at once. We are proud of what this represents for CPH and for the Kenai Peninsula.” —Angela Hinnegan, CEO, Central Peninsula Hospital For more information, visit www.cpgh.org or call 907-714-4404. GROWING TODAY FOR A HEALTHIER TOMORROW. Thank you for your continued trust in CPH. A multistep internal reorganization creates space for a major lab upgrade and a new dermatology physician. PULSE Summer 2026 5
Central Peninsula Hospital (CPH) is expanding access to specialty care on the Kenai Peninsula with the addition of a new dermatology practice opening this fall. In September, CPH will welcome Brock Davis, DO, a boardeligible dermatologist completing his residency training at Northeastern Regional Medical Center/Still OPTI in Kirksville, Missouri. This addition addresses a significant need in the community. With limited local availability, many Peninsula residents have faced delays accessing care for skin conditions and skin cancer screenings. The new clinic will also expand access to Mohs surgery, an advanced technique used to treat common forms of skin cancer. Mohs surgery removes cancerous tissue layer by layer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. This makes it especially effective for areas such as the face, ears, nose, scalp and hands. “Access to dermatology care has been a challenge for many residents of the Kenai Peninsula,” says Angela Hinnegan, CEO of CPH. “The addition of Dr. Davis and expanded dermatology services at CPH will help more patients receive timely care.” For Dr. Davis, increasing access to care is a driving force. “One of the goals of my career has always been to decrease barriers to specialty care,” he says. “By bringing dermatology services closer to home, we can make a real difference for patients who might otherwise delay or forgo care.” Originally from Utah, Dr. Davis brings a strong academic and research background along with a passion for patientcentered care and rural medicine. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the West Virginia School Stay updated The new dermatology clinic will provide evaluation and treatment for a wide variety of skin, hair and nail conditions. Additional details regarding clinic location, referral information and appointment scheduling will be announced in the coming months. For updates, visit www.cpgh.org. Brock Davis, DO of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his internship at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, North Carolina, before pursuing dermatology specialty training in Missouri. His professional interests include medical dermatology, skin cancer care, pediatric dermatology and complex dermatologic conditions. He believes in treating patients with the same care and compassion he would want for his own family. “I try to treat every patient like they are a member of my own family,” says Dr. Davis. “I want people to leave feeling listened to, respected and confident in the care they’ve received.” Outside of medicine, Dr. Davis enjoys mountain biking, fly fishing, snowboarding, hiking, photography, woodworking and travel. He and his family are excited to call Alaska home. “I hope this clinic becomes the trusted home for dermatology care on the Kenai Peninsula,” he says. Expanding specialty skin care: Welcome, Dr. Davis! 6 Central Peninsula Hospital
Lab services and women’s screenings back in Kenai Good news for Kenai Peninsula residents: Central Peninsula Kenai Health Center has expanded its on-site services, bringing back laboratory draws and adding mammography and bone density screening. This restores convenient, local access to care that the community has been asking for. Lab services return When lab collection services went offline last fall, Kenai patients needing routine blood work had to make the drive to Central Peninsula Hospital (CPH) in Soldotna. That gap has been filled. Lab draws are once again available at Central Peninsula Kenai Health Center, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mammography returns after 8 years Perhaps the most meaningful milestone in this expansion is the return of mammography screening to Central Peninsula Kenai Health Center. This restoration was made possible in part through the remarkable generosity of the Kenai Peninsula community. This year’s Evening by the River, hosted by the Central Peninsula Health Foundation, drew its largest crowd ever— more than 135 attendees—and raised a record $264,350. Combined with a commitment from CPH to cover the remaining balance, the total investment reached $565,000 for a brand-new mammography system installed at the hospital in Soldotna. That upgrade allowed the existing machine to be relocated to Central Peninsula Kenai Health Center, where it is now serving patients once again. “Restoring mammography access in Kenai has been a priority for our team, and we are so grateful to the community whose generosity made it possible,” says Angela Hinnegan, CEO of CPH. “Early detection saves lives, and now more women can access that care close to home.” DEXA bone density scans also offered In addition to screening mammography, Central Peninsula Kenai Health Center now also offers DEXA bone density exams. Screening mammograms are available without a provider order, though patients need a physician on file to receive results. Bone density studies require a provider order. Results are typically returned within three to five business days; if prior images must be requested from another facility, results may take up to 30 days. To schedule, call 907-714-4420 or 907-714-4542. The center accepts the same insurance plans as CPH, including Medicaid and Medicare. For the women of the Kenai Peninsula, this is more than a restored service—it’s a reminder that early detection saves lives and that their community showed up to make it happen. Care built for Kenai Central Peninsula Hospital’s Kenai Health Center was built as a partnership between the hospital, the State of Alaska Division of Public Health, the City of Kenai and the Kenai Peninsula Borough. 630 Barnacle Way, Kenai | 907-714-4495 PULSE Summer 2026 7
Central Peninsula Hospital (CPH) continues to invest in advanced technology to meet the growing health care needs of our community. We are proud to share that a new CT scanner has been installed in our River Tower, matching the state-of-the-art system added to the main hospital in June 2025. Clear images mean precise treatment Both scanners are Siemens Somatom X.cite systems, designed to deliver highly detailed images while prioritizing patient comfort and safety. By installing the same make and model in both locations, we are able to ensure consistent image quality, streamlined workflows and reliable access to advanced diagnostic services. These 128-slice CT scanners produce exceptionally clear images, helping providers detect conditions earlier and plan treatment more precisely. The system offers low-dose lung cancer screening and cardiac CT capabilities, including calcium scoring. This positions CPH for future growth in heart care. Faster and more comfortable The scanners are also designed with patients in mind. A wider opening allows for a more comfortable experience, and the table accommodates a broad range of patients. Faster scan times mean many exams can be completed quickly, reducing the time patients need to remain still. Advanced imaging now near you Technology investments like these reflect our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, local care. By bringing advanced imaging here, CPH continues to strengthen access to essential services—so our community can receive needed care right here on the Kenai Peninsula. Standard U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44 Welcome our new dermatologist! Discover what expanded hair, nail and skin care will mean for our community. See page 6.
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