The new emergency entrance to Pullman Regional Hospital is seen in this artist rendering. The remodel is part of the three-phase, $41 million Patient Care Expansion Project.
Construction has officially begun on a significant expansion project at Pullman Regional Hospital (PRH), marking a pivotal moment for the healthcare facility. This development follows a three-year journey since community members approved the expansion, reflecting a commitment to enhancing health services in Pullman, Washington.
Matt Forge, CEO of Pullman Regional Hospital, expressed enthusiasm about the project, highlighting the extensive planning involved. “It’s been a heck of a project,” Forge stated. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that the new facility meets the community’s growing needs, saying, “We wanted to make sure that we got it right.”
Details of the Expansion Project
The $41 million Patient Care Expansion Project will unfold in three phases over the next three years. It aims to remodel approximately 30,000 square feet of the hospital, adapting its facilities to accommodate an increase in demand for healthcare services. Since the hospital opened its 25-bed primary facility on Bishop Boulevard more than two decades ago, there has been a marked rise in patient visits. Forge noted that the hospital has seen a doubling of emergency visits compared to ten years ago, alongside a steady increase in surgeries and requests for same-day services.
Key features of the expansion include the addition of a fifth operating room and ten new emergency patient care rooms, effectively doubling the hospital’s current capacity. The project also includes plans for a dedicated mental health space, which Forge believes will significantly improve patient access and care.
To further enhance operational efficiency, the facility will introduce two new CT scanners and a second endoscopy suite, which are expected to reduce patient wait times. The redesigned layout aims to centralize registration, simplifying the check-in and check-out experience for patients. Forge assured that construction would be conducted in a phased manner to allow the hospital to remain fully operational throughout the process.
Funding and Community Support
The expansion project has evolved since voters approved a $27.5 million bond in 2022, with adjustments made to better address the community’s needs. The initial plan to construct a new medical office building has been postponed, now considered a possible fourth phase of development.
PRH’s Director of External Relations, Alison Weigley, provided insights into the financial aspects, noting that $24.8 million of the total budget will be allocated for construction. The project will be funded through a combination of the approved bond, philanthropic efforts, and borrowing from the hospital fund. Forge stated that the hospital aims to raise around $7 million by the end of the expansion, with over $1 million already secured.
“We’re just so thankful for the community support,” Forge remarked. He expressed hope that the completed project will not only meet but exceed the expectations of the community, reinforcing PRH’s commitment to providing high-quality healthcare.
For more information about the expansion project, visit pullmanregional.org/expansion.
