BELLINGHAM, Wash. — PeaceHealth says St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham is experiencing ‘unprecedented patient volumes’ in its emergency department.
Health officials say it’s in part because of a rise in RSV and flu cases.
As a result, the hospital is asking people who have non-emergency health issues to consider other options for getting care.
“Please know that we treat everyone who visits our Emergency Department, but those with non-emergency needs will most likely have a longer wait time before we are able to care for them,” said Dr. James Scribner, the Medical Director at PeaceHealth St. Joseph’s Emergency Department in a news release.
Dr. Scribner encouraged anyone with trouble breathing or struggling to get enough oxygen to go to the ER for evaluation.
For other flu or respiratory virus symptoms, like body aches and coughing, self-care or a visit to your primary care physician or same-day clinic may be a more suitable option.
Patients with non-emergency needs can visit the following providers instead:
- Priority Care at PeaceHealth Cordata Main Clinic
- 4545 Cordata Pkwy, Suite 1A, Bellingham
- 360-215-3429
- Mon – Fri: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sat – Sun: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- PeaceHealth Priority Care at Medical Office Plaza
- 3015 Squalicum Pkwy, Suite 140, Bellingham,
- 360-495-8690
- Mon – Fri: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Priority Care at PeaceHealth Lynden Clinic
- 8840 Benson Road, Suite 3, Lynden
- 360-288-4741
- Mon – Fri: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
View this detailed guide on where to go for care.
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