MultiCare is building a new emergency room in Bremerton slated to open in 2024. The new facility will fill a "critical need" for more emergency medical services in Kitsap County, according to President of MultiCare's Tacoma General and Allenmore hospitals Mark Robinson. "Emergency departments across the Puget Sound are often at or near capacity. This new ED will give Kitsap County residents another option for emergency medical care," Robinson said. Nearby St. Michael's Medical Center in Silverdale, which is the area's primary hospital, has been experiencing staffing issues. In October, a charging nurse called 911 to ask the fire department for help, saying there were 45 patients waiting to be seen and only five nurses working. Assistant Fire Chief for the Bremerton Fire Department John Payne said the staffing and capacity challenges can pose a problem for residents seeking emergency medical care. Read the full story here: https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/bremerton/multicare-building-new-emergency-room-bremerton/281-cd801006-b032-4924-8962-ba403b80f086