SOUTH PUGET SOUND – Over the past year we have been working on efficiencies for length of stay and patient access. The movement of patients both into and within our hospital greatly impacts those efficiencies and how we best serve our patients and community. In looking forward, we will be centralizing Patient Placement through the Providence Swedish STOC (Staffing, Transfer and Operations Center) starting Feb. 17, 2026, for St. Peter. Centralia will follow in the coming months.
A centralized team will be providing services for both transferring patients into and within the Puget Sound and placing admissions for the Puget Sound Region by the end of 2026. This will assist in supporting the functions below and align with our 2030 strategic direction.
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Improved coordination of access for admissions and transfers
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Uniform roles & responsibilities and performance standards
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Enhanced flexibility to rapidly adapt and execute regionally
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Defined protocols and authority concerning patient movement
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Greater workforce stability
Prior to February, work will be continuing to align patient placement practice at St. Peter and Centralia. We will also be implementing standard guidelines around levels of care for patients that support assuring we have the right patient, in the right bed, at the right time, with the right caregiver -- the first time. This should improve outcomes and safety of our patients.
For any questions, please reach out via email to Lindsey Powell Providence Swedish Director of Patient Placement & Capacity.
