The first hospital in the Pacific Northwest was founded in 1858 at Fort Vancouver in the Washington Territory.  With the support of 16 women, whose husbands were employed by the Hudson Bay Company, Mother Joseph of the Sisters of Providence established the hospital in a small cabin. Care was provided regardless of ability to pay. Mother Joseph periodically visited the logging and mining camps nearby to raise funds.  Today, there are 98 community hospitals in Washington State. The following descriptions comprise the numerous hospital facilities in the Puget Sound region of Western Washington.

Choosing a doctor can be a difficult and worrisome task, even under the best of circumstances. The doctor-patient relationship involves something that we value most, our health. This relationship has always been a sacred bond of trust, openness, and compassion and therefore remains one of the most important
decisions we make.