PeaceHealth to open medical clinic in Lynden

PeaceHealth has announced plans to open a medical clinic in Lynden in 2021 to serve north Whatcom County.

This follows in the footsteps of Unity Care NW, which plans to open its new North Whatcom Health Center in Ferndale this summer.

Together, the two facilities will significantly improve the availability of health services in north Whatcom County.

The new PeaceHealth clinic will initially house primary care clinicians. Additional specialty care services such as cardiology, OB-GYN and pediatrics and ancillary services such as imaging and laboratory services will be added as local demand dictates. PeaceHealth is also planning to relocate its existing Lynden-based orthopedic clinic to the new site.

“We have long identified the need to enhance healthcare service to the communities in north Whatcom County,” said Michael Metcalf, chief executive of PeaceHealth Medical Group, in a February 20 press release.

PeaceHealth is in the process of exploring several properties in the Lynden area that are close to retail services, schools, homes and long-term skilled nursing facilities. Easy access to public transportation and adequate space for parking are also key considerations. PeaceHealth estimates its service needs will require a land parcel of approximately five acres, adequate to support a 20,000 square foot building.

Meanwhile, Unity Care NW is in the process of constructing a 23,000 square foot health center in Ferndale. The new health center is expected to serve 9,500 patients. It will include 12 dental operating areas and will offer the most comprehensive behavioral health services in Whatcom County outside of Bellingham. There will also be an on-site pharmacy, and the facility will employ 60 full-time staff.

“This project will improve the lives of Whatcom County residents,” read a press release from Unity Care NW last year. “Access to dental care is consistently ranked as one of the most needed but least available services in our community. This project will enable Unity Care NW to serve more Whatcom County adults and children. It will provide an on-site pharmacy option for our patients and expand access to much-needed behavioral health and wellness services.”