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Whatcom County’s hospital is moving forward with significant expansion plans that should lead to better access for the community. The capacity may change as the project moves from the conceptual to final stage, but at this point, Charles Prosper, chief executive of the PeaceHealth Northwest network, estimates the hospital will gain around 44 new beds across the Intensive Care and regular nursing units.

“Equally important, our plan calls for a transition from our current standard of two patient beds per room to one bed in each room, an industry-standard that is more conducive to healing and improved patient outcomes,” Prosper said. The hospital also plans to expand the emergency department area, adding more scanners and diagnostic equipment to improve treatment times.