October 19, 2016

Check out new hospital before patients check in

Jefferson Healthcare welcomes the public to see its new Emergency and Specialty Services Building (ESSB) during an open house from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23.

In addition to speakers from Jefferson Healthcare, U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer, 24th District Rep. Steve Tharinger and others are expected at about 3 p.m.

After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, refreshments are served and guided tours are offered.

The Port Townsend facility opens to patients on Monday morning, Oct. 24.

“We’re pretty serious about helping people get and stay well, and wanted to build a care environment reflective of this,” said CEO Mike Glenn in a press release. “Our community is fortunate to have outstanding providers and extraordinary staff; now we have a state-of-the-art building that is worthy of the care they provide.”

The ESSB is the first major capital project for Jefferson Healthcare since the 1995 expansion of the inpatient medical services. Construction of the 52,900-square-foot building started in May 2015. The total cost is $21 million, Glenn said.

It is a patient-focused expansion for Jefferson Healthcare’s emergency care and outpatient services. The building provides a centralized location, with better access to key outpatient services, such as emergency services, oncology, orthopedics, cardiology, lab draws and select diagnostic imaging, according to Jefferson Healthcare.

MAIN ENTRANCE

The hospital's main patient entrance is in the new building, accessed off Sheridan Avenue and Seventh Street. The entrance faces Manresa Castle. Inside the main entrance are elevators to the second and third floors.

The Garden Cafe remains in its previous location, easily accessed through the main entrance. The cafe is open to the public.

In the new building, cardiology and orthopedic services are on the second floor; oncology, infusion and wound care are located on the third floor.

EMERGENCY ROOM

Parking and access to the emergency room are still on the hospital's north side, with a new ER entrance into the ESSB. It is at the new building's corner near Sheridan Avenue.

WATERSIDE ENTRANCE

The facility's "waterside" entrance, which has been the hospital's main access point, is home to Respiratory Care and Rehabilitation Services. Elevators still provide access to the upper levels, including patient rooms, and the Family Birth Center.

UNIQUE FEATURES

Unique features include special placement of cancer treatment spaces on the third floor that overlook Port Townsend Bay, a green roof of sedum plants that can be seen from the second and third floors, and raised garden beds for the dietary team to grow herbs for use in hospital cafe meals.

The project included extensive exterior improvements to three parking lots using pervious pavement, an increase in the number of parking stalls compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the addition of new accessible ramps from Sheridan Avenue, energy-efficient LED outdoor lighting, a new main-entrance drop-off curb, and improved sidewalks and roads.

The ESSB was designed by CollinsWoerman of Seattle and constructed by Aldrich & Associates Inc. of Bothell, Washington.

Jefferson Healthcare (Jefferson County Public Hospital District No. 2) is the primary health care provider for the more than 29,000 residents of eastern Jefferson County on the Olympic Peninsula. It is also the largest public employer in Jefferson County.


Source: PT Leader