Neighborhood Emergency Department

Applying Systemwide Lessons to Local Care

The Union Gap Neighborhood Emergency Department is a new ground-up, single-story emergency facility that expands access to high-quality, high-acuity care in the lower Yakima Valley. This project was designed as a second generation neighborhood emergency department incorporating lessons learned and feedback from managers and staff, after MultiCare developed more than five other neighborhood emergency departments in the Puget Sound region. The facility includes treatment and observation rooms, an infection isolation room, behavioral health rooms, CT and X-ray services, an on-site lab, support spaces, and administrative areas, with convenient parking and a welcoming public entry.

While the design took a fresh look at the emergency department planning, the building appearance followed MultiCare branding and finish standards that had already been established, adapting them as needed. Early coordination with medical equipment vendors allowed power, water, and emergency circuitry to be defined ahead of construction, reducing field conflicts and rework. Clark/Kjos Architects worked closely with the general contractor to optimize construction value and constructability. From beginning of design to the first patient visit, the overall project was completed in 20 months.

Since opening, the facility has been serving around 80 patients per day, helping relieve pressure on nearby emergency departments and offering local residents easy access to comprehensive emergency care from board-certified physicians.