The emergency department at PeaceHealth in Bellingham has been overwhelmed this week due to a significant spike in respiratory illnesses, particularly RSV and flu cases. Reports from hospital employees reveal that patients are experiencing wait times of up to eight hours, with over 100 individuals in the department at one point. Dr. James Scribner, the medical director, has urged individuals with non-emergency health issues to seek care from primary care providers or urgent care clinics to alleviate the pressure on emergency services. Some elective procedures have been canceled, as the hospital reached full capacity, prompting concerns from patients about delays in necessary treatments.

Rebecca Youlin, an ICU nurse, highlighted the detrimental impact of being at capacity, noting that seriously ill patients may be forced to wait in the emergency room until a bed becomes available. The situation has led to frequent declarations of "code white," signaling the need to expedite patient admissions to free up space for new arrivals. PeaceHealth has acknowledged the unprecedented volumes but did not confirm specific numbers related to patient wait times or code white occurrences. This ongoing crisis underscores broader issues in healthcare capacity amid a challenging flu season.