PORT TOWNSEND, Wash. — On Oct. 23, Jefferson Health Care welcomed patients to its new 52,900-square-foot Emergency and Specialty Services Building (ESSB) in Port Townsend. The welcoming ceremony included speeches from U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer, D-Washington, guided tours and refreshments.

The ESSB is the first major capital project for Jefferson Health Care since the 1995 expansion of the inpatient medical services, according to a statement. Construction of the $21 million building started in May 2015. The building was designed by Seattle-based CollinsWoerman and constructed by Bothell, Wash.-based Aldrich & Associates Inc.

“We’re pretty serious about helping people get and stay well, and wanted to build an environment reflective of this,” said CEO of Jefferson Health Care Mike Glenn, in a statement.

Kate Burke, marketing manager for Jefferson Health Care, leads a tour of Jefferson Health Care’s Emergency and Specialty Services Building (ESSB).
Photo Credit: PTLeader.com

The building improves upon its previous design by providing central locations for patients to visit when seeking outpatient services related to emergency room (ER) visits, oncology, orthopedics, cardiology, lab tests and diagnostic imaging.

The hospital’s main entrance is located in the new building and welcomes visitors to a foyer filled with natural light and open space. From there, visitors pass the Garden Café, a café that remained in its previous location and is open to the public.

The hospital’s waterside entrance, which was the former main entrance, is now home to the respiratory care and rehabilitation services. From the waterside entrance, elevators still provide access to patient rooms and the family birth center.

Parking and access to the ER are located on the hospital’s north side along with a new ER entrance into the ESSB.

Cardiology and orthopedic services are located on the second floor while oncology, infusion and wound care are located on the third floor.

One unique feature in the hospital is the special placement of cancer treatment spaces on the third floor that overlook Port Townsend Bay, a green roof of sedum plants that can be seen from the second and third floors, and raised garden beds for the dietary team to grow herbs for use in hospital cafe meals, according to a statement from Jefferson Health Care.

Other features include parking lot improvements, the addition of parking spaces that comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), new access ramps, energy-efficient outdoor lighting, a new main-entrance drop off curb and improved sidewalks.

“Our community is fortunate to have outstanding providers and extraordinary staff,” said Glenn in a statement. “Now we have a state-of-the-art building that is worthy of the care they provide.”