Patients and visitors heading to the emergency department at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham will face fewer parking options starting Monday, July 20, but the hospital is adding a new service to ease the transition. PeaceHealth is offering complimentary valet parking outside the ER entrance as it temporarily closes an additional 11 to 18 parking spaces near the emergency department for approximately eight days.
The new closures come on top of 33 spaces that were already shut down in May as construction began on the Peter Paulsen Pavilion, a five-story expansion project that will add space for women's and children's care along with the emergency department when it is completed in 2028. With the additional closures beginning Monday, the total number of spaces removed from the immediate ER area will reach as many as 51, a significant reduction in an area that has historically been one of the hospital's most heavily used parking zones.
How the Valet Service Works
The complimentary valet service is designed specifically for patients and visitors arriving at the emergency department. Drivers can pull directly into the wheelchair-accessible parking spaces near the ER entrance, where a valet attendant will park their vehicle. The valet team will also have wheelchairs available on-site for patients or visitors who need one, so there is no gap in mobility assistance during the parking handoff.
Valet drivers will not accept tips. PeaceHealth has been clear that the service is intended to be genuinely accessible and that no one will be refused valet service based on their physical condition or the nature of their visit. Patients arriving by personal vehicle for emergency care should be able to drop off and proceed into the ER without delay, which is the core purpose of the service during the construction period.
Visitors without physical limitations are encouraged by the hospital to use the Central or North parking garages, which remain open and accessible. Both garages are connected to the main hospital building via covered walkways, making them practical alternatives for non-emergency visits even in wet weather. The garages are the recommended option for those who are able to walk comfortably, as it frees up the valet capacity for patients who need it most.
About the Peter Paulsen Pavilion
The parking disruptions are tied directly to the construction of the Peter Paulsen Pavilion, a major expansion at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center that will significantly increase the hospital's capacity for specialized care. The five-story pavilion is focused on women's and children's services and will also expand the emergency department, addressing a long-standing capacity concern at Bellingham's primary hospital.
PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center serves as the regional medical hub for Whatcom County and much of northwest Washington, drawing patients from Lynden, Ferndale, Blaine, Birch Bay, the San Juan Islands, and across the border from British Columbia. The hospital's emergency department handles everything from trauma cases to pediatric emergencies, making it a critical piece of the county's health infrastructure.
Construction on a project of this scale inevitably creates disruptions, and the parking situation near the ER is one of the most visible short-term impacts for the community. The hospital has been communicating proactively about the changes to help patients and families plan ahead, and the valet service represents a direct attempt to maintain access during the construction period.
What to Expect During the Eight-Day Window
The additional closures begin Monday, July 20, and are expected to last approximately eight days, meaning parking in this configuration should be in place through approximately July 28. After that point, the scope of closures may change depending on construction progress.
Patients arriving for planned procedures or non-emergency appointments are advised to allow extra time for parking. The Central and North garages are the best options for planned visits. Anyone uncertain about parking availability can call PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center directly before arriving to get current information on the situation.
For emergency situations, the valet service ensures that no patient will be stranded looking for a parking spot during a medical crisis. Pulling up to the ER entrance and leaving the vehicle with the valet team is the recommended approach for anyone arriving in an emergency by personal vehicle.
PeaceHealth is committed to completing the Peter Paulsen Pavilion by 2028, a timeline that means parking adjustments and construction activity near the ER entrance are likely to continue in various forms over the next two years. The hospital has indicated it will continue to provide updates as the construction phases evolve. For the latest information on parking and access at the hospital, visit the PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center website. For related local health coverage, earlier reporting on Bellingham medical services is available through Whatcom County emergency services updates.
