Harbor Regional Health Reopens Second Floor Patient Care Unit, Expanding Capacity for Community Need

Harbor Regional Health (HRH) has officially reopened its second-floor patient care unit today, restoring critical inpatient capacity after a closure that began in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The unit has reopened with 10 staffed beds, with plans to expand by an additional 5 to 7 beds as staffing levels continue to grow. 

The second floor, which includes Medical/Pediatrics, was closed at the height of pandemic-related workforce challenges. Like many healthcare organizations, HRH experienced significant staffing impacts that took years to stabilize. Reopening the unit reflects sustained efforts to recruit and retain skilled team members and strengthen care access for the community. 

“This reopening represents years of work and an unwavering commitment to our community,” said Shannon Johnson, MSN, RN, Chief Nursing Officer at Harbor Regional Health. “Our team has remained focused on rebuilding in a thoughtful, sustainable way, and bringing these beds back online means more patients can receive care close to home. I am incredibly proud of the dedication our team has shown to get us to this point.” 

The additional capacity will help reduce strain on other areas of the hospital, including the Emergency Department, where patients have at times experienced extended wait times due to limited inpatient bed availability. 

“This milestone is not just about reopening a unit, it’s about continuing to restore access to care for the people we serve,” said Tom Jensen, CEO of Harbor Regional Health. “We are deeply grateful to our team for their perseverance and to our community for their continued support as we work to strengthen healthcare access across Grays Harbor.” 

HRH leaders emphasized that reopening the unit is a phased approach, designed to ensure safe staffing levels and maintain high-quality patient care. Recruitment efforts remain ongoing, with additional expansion planned as more nurses and support staff join the organization. 

Harbor Regional Health remains committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care and meeting the evolving needs of the community. 

About Harbor Regional Health 
Harbor Regional Health is the largest healthcare provider and one of the largest employers in Grays Harbor County, offering a full spectrum of care across the region. As a Public Hospital District and Sole Community Hospital, we are committed to keeping high-quality care close to home through services including primary and specialty clinics, a Family Birth Center, cardiac catheterization lab, emergency care, and more. Guided by our mission to heal, comfort, and serve everyone with dignity and compassion, we continue to invest in people, technology, and partnerships that strengthen the health of our community. 
 

Ashley Black, RN, Jon Lapacek, RN, Clinical Supervisor, Michelle Peterson, RN, Melissa Yeargan, RN, and Chrysan Arndt, RN