FOLLOWUP: Swedish sets its West Seattle moving dates

We’ve been reporting on Swedish switching sites in West Seattle. Today we got word that they’ve set official moving dates for when they’ll start service in the new locations: Internal Medicine opens in its new location at 4744 41st SW on June 21st; Primary Care opens in its new location at 4100 SW Alaska on June 28th. We first reported last fall that Swedish was taking over the SW Alaska space; the official news of moving the two groups into two new locations came in March. (That’s also when we reported that Swedish’s former West Seattle location at 3400 California SW is being taken over by Virginia Mason Franciscan Health.)

22blades June 11, 2021 (4:27 am)

I contacted Virginia Mason regarding any plans for the location & they indicated that any action is at a “very preliminary” stage at best. That doesn’t sound very hopeful for any continuity of primary care in the Admiral area. When I asked Swedish West Seattle, they indicated that there will be a gap of coverage of only one day. That’s what they are telling an average client or potential client like me. Maybe credentialed press would get another take on the situation. Between my eldercare responsibilities, my own requirements & the West Seattle Bridge closure, the situation has become untenable & I am having to abandon my healthcare needs being met in West Seattle altogether.

WSB June 11, 2021 (9:29 am)

The announcement that VM Franciscan was taking over the place came to us directly from that entity, via a PR firm sending the announcement directly to us, not from me digging up an early-stage document. So I don’t know why they would be downplaying it. The announcement (sent March 12th) said “this fall.” – TR

Kadoo June 11, 2021 (9:06 am)

Does anyone know when the 3rd floor lab is moving?

Lola June 11, 2021 (10:56 am)

22 Blades,There is also a 3rd option, CHI Fransican which is located over off Fauntleroy and have been in WS for about 20 or so years as that is where I go. I find them much easier to use than Swedish. They also have a walk in care off Alaska St, and the Hospital is just over in Burien. Easy to get to and not a lot of traffic..

Mark Schletty June 11, 2021 (11:09 am)

We need to get the UW to open a major medical center in West Seattle. Both Swedish and Virginia Mason (and all Fransiscan centers) are owned and controlled by the Catholic Church. They will only provide services approved by the Catholic Church. That means some reproductive and end of life services are not available at their centers. A very bad situation for many West Seattle residents.

BlairJ June 11, 2021 (11:26 am)

Agreed. Exactly what I was going to say.
Adam June 11, 2021 (1:20 pm)

YES! I’ve wondered for years why UW Medicine doesn’t seem interested in the West Seattle/White Center/Burien area. We take our kids all the way to the U Dist, but that’s getting old! I see Dr Harrington at My Family Doctor here in WS, he’s great!
- Trudy S June 11, 2021 (4:47 pm)
  
  I agree. Would love to see some UW services in West Seattle. The UW helps provide coordinated care for children who have graduated from children’s but it is a long ride for care, especially for those with mobility or learning challenges.@Mark, also a concern of mine…Faith based care providers. Hasn’t been a problem at the location mentioned above for anyone I know based gender/orientation/age/disability. More so once they give in network referrals.
- Dr Harrington June 12, 2021 (5:45 am)
  
  Thanks Adam ! Our office has been here 18years and always glad to serve this community. Thanks for your kind comment.
trickycoolj June 11, 2021 (8:25 pm)

Ding ding ding! Also would love to see Polyclinic over here but I’d be willing to switch to UW if they were in the ‘hood since I can get a lower cost insurance that is UW network only.

Christy June 13, 2021 (10:58 am)

I couldn’t get an appointment at Swedish and had to abandon them for Polyclinic. Even with the drive, Polyclinic runs like a well-oiled machine. hopefully swedish will be able to increase capacity by moving into this new space, but my experience with Polyclinic has been so positive that I’ll likely just stay there.

Sorry, comment time is over.