Where to go for care during a busy respiratory virus season

PeaceHealth encourages the public to consider options other than the ER for non-life-threatening conditions

PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center is experiencing above average patient volumes in its emergency department due to high rates of RSV, flu and other emergent health needs.

The hospital is asking those with non-emergency health issues to consider other options for care. Primary care providers can take care of most health needs through regular check-ups or same-day visits.

“Please know that we treat everyone who visits our emergency department, but those with non-emergency needs will most likely have a longer wait time before we are able to care for them,” said Dr. James Scribner, medical director at PeaceHealth St. Joseph’s emergency department. “We are asking the community to consider other care options for non-emergency healthcare needs so our team can care for the most ill and vulnerable.”

Scribner encouraged anyone with difficulty breathing or challenges getting enough oxygen to come to the ER for an evaluation. He added that for other flu or respiratory virus symptoms, like body aches and coughing, self-care or a visit to your primary care physician or same-day clinic may be a more suitable option.

For individuals who do not have a primary care provider and have a health need that is not life-threatening, three PeaceHealth Priority Care clinics in Whatcom County offer same-day, drop-in care with extended hours. The locations are:

The Priority Care at PeaceHealth Lynden Clinic at 8840 Benson Road, suite 3, in Lynden. It is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; the clinic can be contacted at 360/288-4741.

The Priority Care at PeaceHealth Cordata Main Clinic at 4545 Cordata Pkwy, suite 1A, in Bellingham. It is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The clinic can be contacted at 360/788-8180.

The PeaceHealth Priority Care at Medical Office Plaza at 3015 Squalicum Pkwy, suite 140, in Bellingham. It is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and the clinic can be contacted at 360/788-8420.

Courtesy of PeaceHealth