Work begins on PeaceHealth St. Joes expansion that will increase patient capacity

PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center is set to enhance its Bellingham campus with the construction of the Peter Paulsen Pavilion, a six-story building designed to address the urgent healthcare needs of the community. The pavilion will include a modernized emergency department, a dedicated childbirth center, and a pediatrics department, significantly increasing the hospital's capacity from approximately 230 to 322 inpatient beds. The expansion comes in response to nearly 70,000 emergency department visits recorded over the past year, underscoring the demand for improved healthcare services. Funded in part by a $50 million donation from developer Peter Paulsen, who passed away in 2024, the project is projected to cost around $400 million.

Construction will begin with utility work soon, while the groundbreaking for the pavilion itself is anticipated in February 2026, continuing through April 2028. Hospital executives, including Chief Executive Charles “Chuck” Prosper, have addressed community concerns about staffing and security amid potential cuts to Medicare and Medicaid under the new presidential administration. They are committed to enhancing the hospital's infrastructure and care capabilities to better serve the community's needs. The new facility aims to provide quality care while improving patient experience, including features like soaking tubs in delivery rooms for expectant mothers.