Northwest Specialty Hospital opens digestive disorders treatment center

Northwest Specialty Hospital announced the opening of its new Northwest Institute for Digestive Surgery in Post Falls.

Northwest Institute for Digestive Surgery, 705 N. Syringa St., Suite 205, provides a one-stop approach to patient care. The institute, a state-of-the-art, comprehensive, patient-focused center, is dedicated to providing solutions and therapies for all patients who suffer from GERD, heartburn, esophageal symptoms, and digestive system problems. The Digestive Institute will also offer general surgical and laparoscopic procedures as well as metabolic and bariatric surgery.

“The Northwest Institute for Digestive Surgery is a place of study, learning, and education, centered on digestive diseases ranging from heartburn to hemorrhoids. The physicians at the institute were chosen because of their passion, advanced fellowship training, and broad experience with digestive disorders. Patients conveniently receive diagnostic testing and consultations in a single location. Care is focused on individual needs and the importance of arriving at timely diagnoses and effective treatment. In short, we deliver the most comprehensive care for all patients with digestive disorders,” says Dr. John Pennings, director and CEO of Northwest Institute for Digestive Surgery.

Along with Dr. John Pennings, Northwest Specialty Hospital also announced the addition of Dr. Cory Richardson as the new director of Foregut Surgery at the new institute. Richardson attended the University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno where he completed medical school and general surgery residency. He then completed an advanced surgical fellowship at the Minnesota Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery, the only fellowship program in the United States or Canada accredited in Advanced Gastrointestinal/Minimally Invasive/Bariatric Surgery and Flexible Endoscopy.

“The entire concept behind the institute is to allow patients to receive thorough consultations, comprehensive diagnostics, and the entire spectrum of treatment options in one location. The reason I completed advanced fellowship training in gastrointestinal disorders was so that I could offer my patients the most up-to-date care,” Richardson said. “This exciting new endeavor will allow us to do just that and will be a great addition to this community. From mild symptoms to the most advanced disease, we want to be involved every step of the way for our patients.”

Rick Rasmussen, CEO of Northwest Specialty Hospital, said he and others at the hospital are excited about the emergence of the new institute.

“Being able to offer the Northwest a single place to take care of all patients’ digestive needs is something the Northwest has needed for a long time. We will continue to bring in the latest technology and services as they develop, and we look forward to bringing this brand new institute to our region,” Rasmussen said.

Northwest Specialty Hospital, located in Post Falls, is owned and operated by local physicians. Established in 2003, it is one of only 238 physicians-owned and operated facilities in the United States. The connection that the physicians at Northwest Specialty Hospital have with their patients provides firsthand feedback on what patients want and need, allowing the hospital to provide better patient care. They’ve continually been ranked in the top one percent of hospitals in the nation. Northwest Specialty Hospital also offers other service lines from neurosurgery and spine to family medicine.

For additional information, visit nwsh.com.