Whidbey General Hospital’s board of commissioners voted to go with a new name on Monday, WhidbeyHealth — one word — for the hospital and affiliated clinics.

Maybe it makes perfect sense. Maybe the public will love it.

Unfortunately, once again, the hospital’s board of commissioners have left the public with a bitter pill to swallow, concluding that it knows what’s best for the public hospital and the community that funds it.

The big issue is not so much about the name change, it’s about the public process — or lack of — that led to its adoption.

The hospital says the name change was discussed during public meetings for more than a year. However, it was presented by hospital CEO Geri Forbes as “a secret” she wanted to share with a small audience on South Whidbey about a week ago.

Interesting choice of word — “secret.”

There were no advertised public hearings, no attempt to draw public comment before the vote was taken.

Some of the hospital commissioners, however, acknowledged the name change was raising questions from the public.

“What I heard is, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,’ ” said Commissioner Nancy Fey. “They feel changing it is a big detriment and that most of the public realizes Whidbey General is more than a hospital.”

Nonetheless, when the commissioners approved the name change, there was a familiar air of disdain toward public concern or involvement in the decision.

Commission President Anne Tarrant even remarked that the board didn’t have to respond to questions during a public comment period.

And while they don’t have to respond, engaging the public in this process would bolster the goodwill with the public they are trying to gain.

Better yet, there’s no information on what the name change will ultimately cost taxpayers, and questions about the price tag don’t seem to be a concern.

The commissioners  approved the plan without any such estimate from hospital officials. The Whidbey News-Times requested information about the cost from the hospital. The information was not available as of press time.

Clearly, Whidbey General Hospital’s administration and board of directors realize they have an image problem. What they don’t seem to understand is that they are their own worst enemies.

The remedy for what ails the hospital — the deeply-rooted perception that there’s no respect for public opinion — is to involve the taxpayers, readily provide the information that is not covered by health care privacy laws and, most importantly, quit relying on an attorney for advice on how to do the public’s business.

Meanwhile, let’s hope the price tag for this name change won’t be yet another bitter pill.