November 27, 2007

Bainbridge Island: Urgent Care

One of the things to consider before moving to Bainbridge is the shortage of urgent care.

I was reminded of this when my toddler became ill on Thanksgiving (For the record, it wasn’t my cooking that made him sick.)

If one is in need of Urgent Care, one must hope the Virginia Mason Clinic in Winslow (which has some fine features, and yet, is not open on say–Thanksgiving) can see you–which they are kind about doing–even though you may not be their patient.

Your second alternative is Kitsap Urgent Care  in Pouslbo, which has potential when one is desperate to be seen, and yet, it is not open on say–Thanksgiving.

Then the choice becomes Harrison emergency in Bremerton which is about 40 minutes away? Or a Seattle hospital? Or stay home and hope for the best?

In a true emergency over here you call 911 and they helicopter you over to the appropriate Seattle hospital quicker than you would probably get there by ambulance if you lived down the street from the ER, but when it comes to sore throats or high fevers, it’s a crap shoot.

In a late breaking news story (it broke October 30 and I’m late finding it) I’ve come to find out that someone has applied to the city to build what could potentially become an Urgent Care facility up here near the Madison fire station.

My urgent question: will they be open on Thanksgiving?

*all information from sources deemed reliable but not guaranteed.