Emergency Department drive lane reopened, parking reduced

BELLINGHAM, Wash. – The next phase of construction outside the Emergency Department at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center kicked off this week, with trenching for electrical duct installation moving farther west and closer to the ED entrance. 

This work should be complete by Tuesday, March 3. What patients need to know:

• The looping drive lane in front of the ED entrance has reopened, which means motorists dropping off or picking up patients curbside at the ED door will once again be able to enter through the west ED driveway off Squalicum Parkway then drive up the hill, loop around to the entrance and exit the way they came in.
• The emergency vehicle driveway access farther east at Squalicum Parkway and Ellis Street also remains open for ED patient drop-off or pickup.
• Approximately 30 parking spaces outside the ED entrance are fenced off for the duration of this phase. This will make ED parking tight during busy times.
  • PeaceHealth has designated 6 spaces on the east side of the Northwest Medical Center, aka Fountain Building, for ED overflow parking. They’re just on the left when you drive onto campus at Squalicum Parkway and Ellis Street.
  • Visitors are also welcome to park in the Central Parking Garage, the North Parking Garage or any other designated parking area on campus. Please see map below or online. 

Construction of the Peter Paulsen Pavilion will expand services for women’s and children’s care and the Emergency Department in order to serve the growing Whatcom County community. The six-story addition will be integrated into the west side of the hospital and is expected to be completed sometime in 2028. 

PeaceHealth has a dedicated website for construction updates: www.peacehealthimpact.org. Readers can submit questions and sign up to receive updates.

About PeaceHealth: PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a non-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. PeaceHealth has approximately 16,000 caregivers, nearly 3,200 physicians and clinicians, more than 160 clinics and 9 medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Visit us online at peacehealth.org.