PeaceHealth encourages the public to consider other care options if your health care need is not a life-threatening emergency

VANCOUVER – PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center is experiencing unprecedented patient volumes in its emergency department due to rising cases of RSV, flu, and many other emergent health needs. 

The hospital is asking those with non-emergency health issues to consider other options for care. Primary care providers can take care of most health needs through regular check-ups or same-day visits.

“Please know that we treat everyone who visits our Emergency Department, but those with non-emergency needs will most likely have a longer wait time before we are able to care for them,’’ says Jason Hanley, MD, PeaceHealth Southwest Emergency Services medical director. “We are asking the community to consider other care options to assist with your non-emergency health care needs so our team can care for the most ill and vulnerable,’’ he adds.

Dr. Hanley encourages anyone with difficulty breathing or challenges getting enough oxygen to come to the Emergency Department for an evaluation. He adds that for other flu or respiratory virus symptoms, like body aches and coughing, self-care or a visit to your primary care physician or same-day care may be a more suitable option.

If individuals do not have a primary care provider and have a health need that is not life-threatening, PeaceHealth offers two Priority Care sites that offer same-day, drop-in care with extended hours. The locations of these clinics are below:

• PeaceHealth Mill Plain Priority Care Clinic
  • 315 SE Stone Mill Drive, Vancouver
  • 360-729-8020
  • Mon-Sun: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
  • Priority Care at PeaceHealth Mill Plain Clinic​
• PeaceHealth Fisher’s Landing Priority Care Clinic
  • 16811 SE McGillivray Blvd, Ste 101, Vancouver
  • 360-750-3230
  • Mon-Sun: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
  • Priority Care at PeaceHealth Fisher’s Landing Clinic

View this detailed guide on where to go for care.

PeaceHealth Medical Center Emergency Department is available 24/7 to provide immediate care for those experiencing life-threatening or emergent medical issues. If you are experiencing an illness or injury that is life-threatening, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital near you.

About PeaceHealth

PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a not-for-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. PeaceHealth has approximately 16,000 caregivers, a group practice with more than 1,200 clinicians and 9 medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Visit online at peacehealth.org.