BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A new service is coming to ease emergency room parking as space becomes even more limited in Bellingham.

PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center said it’s temporarily closing between 11 and 18 more parking spaces near the emergency department entrance for about eight days starting Monday, July 20.

That’s on top of the 33 spaces that were closed in May as part of construction for the Peter Paulsen Pavilion.

To ease the transition for patients and visitors, the hospital is offering complimentary valet parking outside the ER.

Drivers can pull into the wheelchair-accessible parking spaces, where a valet will park their vehicle. The valet service will have wheelchairs on hand for patients or visitors who need one.

The valet drivers will not accept tips.

PeaceHealth said visitors without physical limitations are encouraged to park in the Central or North parking garages, but no one will be refused valet service.

The five-story Peter Paulsen Pavilion will expand services to women’s and children’s care along with the emergency department.

It’s expected to be finished in 2028.