Record-breaking numbers of flu cases reported in Whatcom County

WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Whatcom County is seeing a record-breaking numbers as flu season comes into full swing.

PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center says it’s experiencing “unprecedented” crowds of patients in its emergency department.

The hospital is asking people with non-emergency health issues to consider going to their primary care provider or a same-day clinic.

It adds that those who aren’t dealing with an emergency will likely have a lengthy wait at the hospital.

“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,” said James Scribner, MD, medical director at PeaceHealth St. Joseph’s Emergency Department.

Anyone who’s having difficulty breathing is still encouraged to come to the ER for an evaluation.

For more options for urgent care in the area, see the list below.

• Priority Care at PeaceHealth Cordata Main Clinic
  • 4545 Cordata Pkwy, Suite 1A, Bellingham
  • 360-215-3429
  • Mon – Fri: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sat – Sun: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• PeaceHealth Priority Care at Medical Office Plaza
  • 3015 Squalicum Pkwy, Suite 140, Bellingham,
  • 360-495-8690
  • Mon – Fri: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Priority Care at PeaceHealth Lynden Clinic
  • 8840 Benson Road, Suite 3, Lynden
  • 360-288-4741
  • Mon – Fri: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.