PULLMAN, WA – The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has signed off on Phase 1 of Pullman Regional Hospital’s Patient Care Expansion Project, approving the space for occupancy, previously endorsed by the City of Pullman for temporary occupancy.
DOH’s Construction Review Services completed its licensing inspection of Phase 1 on June 30, 2026, confirming required commissioning reports, HVAC testing and balancing, and medical gas verification were completed and met state requirements. The sign-off marks a major milestone in the multi-year project and clears the way for the hospital to begin using the newly renovated and expanded space.
"I couldn't be prouder of this team, and that includes our partners, Design West Architects, Bouten Construction and the City of Pullman,” said Matt Forge, CEO of Pullman Regional Hospital. “Construction inside a working hospital isn't easy, and our staff kept patient care front and center every day. Bouten's crew worked right alongside us to make sure it stayed safe and steady for everyone. This milestone is a credit to everyone who has kept their cool and stayed calm and collected through a complex project. We're proud of what we've accomplished together so far and ready for the next phases of this project to elevate the experience at Pullman Regional and help us take care of our growing community."
Phase 1 of the project focused on building a new laboratory, expanding surgical capacity and completing infrastructure and safety upgrades throughout the hospital, including new emergency power, medical gas, fire alarm and sprinkler systems. Work on the project’s remaining phases, which include additional renovation of hospital service areas, is ongoing, with construction expected to continue through late 2027.
Patient Care Expansion Project Background
In 2004, a new, 25-bed hospital was constructed on Bishop Boulevard, previously located on the Washington State University campus. The Patient Care Expansion Project addresses growth experienced in the Pullman community, the hospital and outpatient services. As one of the largest employers in the community, the hospital employs more than 700 people; the organization includes the hospital and sixteen clinics, including primary care, pediatrics, general surgery and additional specialty clinics. Since 2004, hospital emergency visits have grown from 7,000 to 14,500 annually, and surgical cases have grown by 35%.
In 2022, the Pullman community approved a $27.5 million bond to expand patient care in partnership with Pullman Regional Hospital. The Patient Care Expansion Project is a $45–50 million, multi-year phased project that includes remodeling and expanding the hospital’s footprint in the first three phases. An additional new medical office building on campus will be Phase 4. The project is funded through the bond, hospital operations, financing and philanthropy. The bond-related tax began for Pullman homeowners in 2024.
Bouten Construction Company, of Spokane, WA, serves as General Contractor/Construction Manager for the project, working alongside architects Design West. The project is being completed in four major phases to minimize disruption to hospital operations and patient care. More information about the expansion project is online: www.pullmanregional.org/expansion
Media Contact
Alison Weigley, Director of Strategic Planning & Business Development
Public Information Officer
Pullman Regional Hospital
Office: (509) 332-2041 / Cell: (509) 330-0242
alison.weigley@pullmanregional.org