Spotlight on PeaceHealth St. Joseph Hospital: Bellingham's Premier Healthcare Facility

PeaceHealth St. Joseph Hospital is renowned for its diverse range of specialties, ensuring that residents have access to comprehensive healthcare services. Some of the key specialties include:

• Cardiology: Above all other specialties, the hospital boasts a state-of-the-art cardiology unit, offering everything from routine check-ups to complex heart surgeries.

• Orthopedics: With a focus on minimally invasive procedures, the orthopedic department is a leader in joint replacement and spinal surgeries.

• Oncology: The cancer care center provides advanced treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy, in a compassionate setting. I personally feel it's not to the same standard as Seattle Cancer Care Alliance but this is a personal opinion.

• Maternity and Neonatal Care: The hospital is equipped with modern maternity wards and a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). For very pre-mature babies, they'll often take them to either Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett or UW Medical Center in Seattle, WA. 

• Emergency Medicine: The 24/7 emergency department is one of the most advanced in the region, equipped to handle a wide range of medical emergencies.

Size: Expansive and Growing 

PeaceHealth St. Joseph Hospital is one of the largest healthcare facilities in the region, with a capacity of over 250 beds with expansions coming. The hospital campus spans multiple buildings, housing various departments and specialty clinics. The facility also includes:

• Advanced imaging centers
• Outpatient surgery units
• Rehabilitation facilities
• A fully-equipped laboratory

Future Expansion: A Vision for Tomorrow

PeaceHealth St. Joseph Hospital has always been at the forefront of medical innovation, and its future expansion plans are no exception. Some of the key projects in the current $50,000,000 upgrade include:

• New 6 Level Pavilion: A state-of-the-art wing is in the planning stages, aiming to further enhance the hospital's capabilities. This will also feature a helicoptor pad on the roof to allow for faster patient transfer. 

• Telemedicine: The hospital is investing in telemedicine infrastructure to provide remote consultations, especially beneficial for residents in rural areas.

• Sustainability Initiatives: Plans are underway to make the hospital more eco-friendly, including energy-efficient systems and waste management solutions.

• Updated HVAC: The heating, cooling and ventilation system is getting an upgrade

St. Joseph Hospital is more than just a healthcare facility; it's a vital part of the Bellingham community. With its wide range of specialties, expansive size, and ambitious future expansion plans, the hospital continues to set the standard for medical excellence in the region.