Peninsula Daily News
news sources
BREMERTON — In a move that brings its medical services closer to the North Olympic Peninsula — particularly Jefferson County — Harrison Medical Center plans to build a new hospital in Silverdale and move out of its flagship hospital in Bremerton.
The plan, still being developed by the not-for-profit medical corporation’s board, will be carried out over the next four years, CEO Scott Bosch said.
Construction of the $240 million hospital would allow Harrison to merge its acute care campuses in Silverdale, cutting duplicated costs and offering a more central location for patients, Bosch said.
Harrison’s new affiliate, Franciscan Health System, will help finance the build out.
Harrison officials said they hope other organizations can repurpose the eastern Bremerton hospital, built in 1965, after the relocation.
Bremerton Mayor Patty Lent already has contacted the offices of Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, and Sen. Patty Murray, D-Seattle, about the possibilities of a VA hospital developed in the building for military veterans, the Kitsap Sun reported.
Harrison’s presence on the North Olympic Peninsula — on which three public hospital districts operate hospitals and support services in Port Townsend, Sequim, Port Angeles, Forks and nearby areas — include cardiovascular services in Port Townsend, Port Ludlow and Forks, a family medical clinic in Forks and a dermatology clinic in Sequim.
Bosch said the age of the Bremerton hospital and a need to lower expenses are driving plans to consolidate in Silverdale.
Despite multiple renovations, the Bremerton building is increasingly outdated, cramped and costly to maintain, Bosch said.
The majority of rooms at Harrison house two beds, a largely obsolete design for new hospitals, he said.
Harrison officials said overhauling the old building could cost $130 million, compared with the estimated cost of $240 million for a new hospital.
The 32-acre Silverdale property that Harrison owns near the junction of state Highways 3 and 303 is already home to a 24-hour emergency department, a natal care unit and a new orthopedic hospital, among other services.
