Construction at PeaceHealth St. Joseph closes east emergency vehicle route to Emergency Department Nov. 21-Dec. 12 – PeaceHealth

Report on Infrastructure Development at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Project Overview: Advancing Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3)

A new construction phase for the Peter Paulsen Pavilion at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center is underway. This project is a significant investment in community health infrastructure, directly supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being. The expansion is designed to meet the healthcare needs of a growing Whatcom County population.

• Expanded Services: The primary objective is to enhance service capacity for women’s and children’s care.
• Emergency Department Enhancement: The project includes a major expansion of the Emergency Department, improving access to critical care for all residents.
• Long-Term Health Security: By increasing capacity, the project ensures the long-term availability and quality of essential health services in the region.

Infrastructure Development for Sustainable Communities (SDG 9 & SDG 11)

The construction of the six-story Peter Paulsen Pavilion represents a commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure and Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. The project focuses on building resilient, modern, and inclusive infrastructure to serve the community effectively.

• Resilient Infrastructure (SDG 9): The new pavilion, integrated into the existing hospital structure, is a state-of-the-art facility designed for longevity and to withstand future challenges, ensuring reliable healthcare delivery.
• Inclusive and Safe Communities (SDG 11): This development makes the community’s essential services more robust and accessible, contributing to a safer and more sustainable urban environment. The project is scheduled for completion in 2028.

Logistical Management and Community Partnership (SDG 11 & SDG 17)

To facilitate construction, temporary logistical adjustments are required. These measures are managed with a focus on public safety and communication, reflecting principles of community partnership outlined in SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Temporary Access Modifications (November 21 – December 12)

1. Emergency Vehicle Route Closure: The emergency vehicle access route at Squalicum Parkway and Ellis Street will be temporarily closed.
2. Alternate Emergency Route: Emergency vehicles will be rerouted to the main public entrance on Squalicum Parkway. The public is advised to yield to ambulances.
3. Fire Engine Staging: Fire engines will be positioned on the north side of Squalicum Parkway, near the Emergency Department.

Patient and Visitor Information

• Parking: Designated Emergency Department parking and the Central Parking Garage remain available for patients and visitors.
• Accessible Pathway: A temporary, marked ADA-accessible path will be established from the Central Parking Garage to the Emergency Department and Northwest Medical Center.
• Public Communication: PeaceHealth has established a dedicated website for construction updates, fostering transparency and partnership with the community.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article highlights issues and actions that are directly connected to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The core subject of the article is the expansion of a medical center to improve and increase healthcare services. The construction of the Peter Paulsen Pavilion is explicitly stated to “expand services for women’s and children’s care and the Emergency Department,” which directly contributes to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: The article details a major construction project, the “six-story addition” to the hospital. This represents the development of quality, reliable, and resilient infrastructure designed to support human well-being and provide essential community services.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The project’s primary motivation is “to serve the growing Whatcom County community.” This aligns with the goal of making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable by ensuring residents have access to essential services like healthcare. The provision of a temporary “ADA-accessible path” also demonstrates a commitment to inclusive access for people with disabilities.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the following specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services… The expansion of the Emergency Department and services for women and children is a direct action to improve and broaden access to quality essential healthcare for the community.
2. Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all. The construction of the Peter Paulsen Pavilion is an investment in quality health infrastructure intended to enhance the well-being of the Whatcom County community.
3. Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services… Healthcare is a fundamental basic service. By expanding its facilities, PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center is working to ensure adequate access to this service for a growing population.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

While the article does not mention official SDG indicators, it contains information that implies ways to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Implied Indicator for Target 3.8: The article mentions the project is a “six-story addition” to “expand services.” This implies an increase in service capacity. Progress could be measured by the increased number of beds, treatment rooms, or the number of patients served annually in the new women’s, children’s, and emergency facilities upon completion.
• Implied Indicator for Target 9.1: The project’s completion is a key indicator. The article states the pavilion “is expected to be completed sometime in 2028.” The successful completion of this large-scale infrastructure project would be a direct measure of progress.
• Implied Indicator for Target 11.1: The article states the expansion is necessary “to serve the growing Whatcom County community.” An implied indicator would be the ratio of available emergency and specialized medical services to the population of Whatcom County. The project aims to improve this ratio to ensure continued access to basic health services as the community grows.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

Source: whatcomtalk.com