As the calendar flips to 2025, Kitsap County is set to witness a transformative year for healthcare. New facilities and innovative models of care are poised to enhance patient experiences and alleviate pressures on existing resources.

Empowering Kitsap's Health Future with Cutting-Edge Facilities

St. Michael Medical Center Unveils Expansion

The medical landscape in Kitsap County is about to undergo a significant transformation with the opening of a new 74-bed tower at St. Michael Medical Center (SMMC) in Silverdale. Scheduled for late 2025, this expansion aims to boost overall capacity and provide much-needed relief to the emergency department. Chad Melton, President of SMMC, emphasizes that the additional beds will not only meet current patient needs but also ensure sufficient capacity well into the mid-2030s. This milestone marks the culmination of a long-planned transition from Bremerton to the state-of-the-art Silverdale campus, which began relocating staff in December 2020. The $540 million investment signifies a commitment to delivering top-tier healthcare services to the community.Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH), the parent organization of SMMC, has meticulously planned this expansion to address the bed shortage issues faced by the hospital. With the completion of this project, SMMC will have a total of 336 beds, positioning it as a robust healthcare hub capable of handling a wide range of medical needs. This strategic move underscores VMFH’s dedication to enhancing patient care and operational efficiency.

Innovative Hybrid Emergency Rooms Set to Launch

Kitsap County residents can look forward to two new hybrid emergency room/urgent care facilities, expected to be operational in 2025. These cutting-edge centers, located along Kitsap Way in Bremerton and at the Port Orchard campus on South Kitsap Boulevard, represent a collaboration between VMFH and Intuitive Health, a Dallas-based company. The hybrid model is designed to streamline patient triage, ensuring individuals receive appropriate care based on their condition. Patients will no longer face confusion about where to seek assistance during emergencies, leading to faster and more cost-effective treatment.Dr. Ketul J. Patel, CEO of VMFH, highlights the benefits of this innovative approach. “By integrating emergent and urgent care, we can significantly improve the patient experience, reduce unnecessary costs, and ease the burden on our hospitals,” he stated. This model exemplifies VMFH’s commitment to advancing healthcare delivery systems, providing a seamless and efficient care environment for all patients.

MultiCare Expands Emergency Services in East Bremerton

In another major development, MultiCare, a Tacoma-based nonprofit, plans to open a neighborhood emergency department in East Bremerton next summer. Situated at the intersection of State Highway 303 NE and Fuson Lane, this 10,500 square-foot facility will offer comprehensive emergency services, including radiology capabilities like X-rays, ultrasounds, and CT scans. The new ER will operate under the license of Tacoma General Hospital and be staffed by certified emergency physicians, ensuring high-quality care around the clock.Scott Thompson, Media Relations Manager for MultiCare, notes that this addition will diversify emergency care options in Kitsap County, currently served exclusively by SMMC’s emergency department. The facility’s design includes 12 patient rooms and four observation rooms, reflecting MultiCare’s focus on expanding access to critical care services. This development signals a significant step towards improving healthcare infrastructure in the region.

Medical Respite Center Offers Hope for Vulnerable Populations

Peninsula Community Health Services (PCHS) is preparing to open a 22-bed medical respite center on Sixth Street in Bremerton by the end of 2025. Housed in the former Kitsap Rescue Mission building near the Salvation Army, this center will provide temporary shelter for up to 30 days to individuals discharged from hospitals who are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. These patients often find it challenging to recover while living unsheltered but do not require ongoing hospitalization.Jennifer Kreidler-Moss, CEO of PCHS, explains that the respite center will serve as a crucial bridge between hospital discharge and stable housing. Additionally, PCHS plans to propose an interim 8-bed respite center at the juvenile detention center, pending approval from the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners. This temporary solution will ensure continuous support until the permanent facility on Sixth Street becomes operational. The establishment of these centers reflects PCHS’s dedication to addressing the unique healthcare needs of vulnerable populations.