The keys to St. Elizabeth Hospital were turned over to representatives of the Franciscan Health System the morning of Dec. 8, an important step toward opening the facility in February and starting a new era in health care for Enumclaw and the Plateau.
St. Elizabeth Hospital officially opens and begins patient care on Feb. 2.
On the 8th, Franciscan accepted possession of the 94,000-square-foot hospital from Sellen Construction Co., the project’s general contractor. This important step signified that the building is substantially complete and ready for Franciscan to begin moving in beds, medical technology, computers, equipment and amenities that will be part of the healing environment.
“This is an exciting and highly anticipated day for all of us,” hospital President Dennis Popp said. “We are all very eager to begin moving in, orienting our staff in the new facility, and caring for patients in this special place.”
A public open house celebrating St. Elizabeth Hospital is planned for the afternoon of Jan. 15.
The hospital is at 1455 Battersby Ave. in the heart of Enumclaw, directly across Battersby Avenue from the aging hospital it will replace.
The hospital has all-private patient rooms; the newest medical and diagnostic imaging technology; a spacious and comfortable birth center; an emergency department that provides prompt attention 24 hours a day, every day; a chapel that is open to people of all faiths; and a healing environment that soothes the body, mind and spirit.
As part of the Franciscan Health System, St. Elizabeth Hospital is integral to one of the largest health systems in the state with hospitals, clinics and a network of medical experts throughout South King, Pierce and South Kitsap counties. Franciscan physicians and other providers represent virtually every medical specialty from arthritic diseases to urology, vascular disorders and women’s health.
“Patients at St. Elizabeth Hospital will receive the best care possible, close to home, and be supported by the expertise and resources of the Franciscan continuum of care from the moment they enter our hospital, through treatment, to recovery,” Popp said.
