Bremerton’s St. Michael Medical Center temporarily closing ER

The emergency department at St. Michael Medical Center in Bremerton is closing temporarily as of tonight due to a lack of adequate staffing, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health announced Friday.

Beginning at 7 p.m. this evening, anyone seeking emergency care on the Kitsap Peninsula will be diverted to the emergency rooms at St. Michael Medical Center in Silverdale or St. Anthony Hospital in Gig Harbor.

“Out of an abundance of caution for patient safety and despite our best efforts to recruit and retain staff, the emergency room at St. Michael Medical Center’s Bremerton campus will close temporarily beginning Friday, July 30 at 7 p.m.,” Virginia Mason Franciscan Health said.