Hybrid ER-urgent care, opening this week in Bremerton, could ease strain on regions medical care system

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health is set to launch a groundbreaking hybrid emergency room and urgent care clinic in Bremerton, responding to the increasing healthcare demand on the Kitsap Peninsula. Opening this week, the facility will operate 24/7 and is equipped with essential medical technology, including labs and a CT scanner. The unique triage system will direct patients to either the emergency department or urgent care based on their specific medical needs, promoting a no-wrong-door approach. This initiative, developed in partnership with Intuitive Health, aims to mitigate the strain on local emergency departments that have been inundated with low-acuity visits. Last year, over 120,000 patients sought care at nearby St.

Anthony Hospital and St. Michael, highlighting the urgent need for more accessible healthcare options. The clinic represents a strategic move to improve patient care efficiency and reduce unnecessary medical expenses. A second hybrid facility is also in the works for Port Orchard, further expanding healthcare access in the region. Local healthcare leaders emphasize the importance of responding to community needs and improving patient outcomes through innovative solutions.