Kootenai Health completes acquisitions

Kootenai Health is the new owner of Clearwater Valley Hospital and Clinics, CVHC, and St. Mary’s Hospital and Clinics, SMH, as of April 1.

“Clearwater Valley and St. Mary’s are strong organizations with good programs, processes and cultures,” said Jeremy Evans, executive vice president of hospital and regional operations at Kootenai Health, in a press release on Wednesday. “Our intent is to keep that and learn from their rural expertise. At the same time, Kootenai Health brings resources and expertise as an advanced regional health center. Our work together will benefit the entire North Idaho region.”

Last August, the north-central Idaho critical access hospitals announced they had entered into a letter of intent to transfer ownership from Essentia Health to Kootenai Health.

Since that time, the three organizations have been working to finalize the terms of the partnership, develop a transition plan, and seek their respective organizational boards’ approval.

“This partnership is intended to strengthen health care in north-central Idaho. It will create an environment where the organizations can share knowledge, information, resources, and best practices,” the release said.

Kootenai Health will become financially responsible for Clearwater Valley and St. Marys’ operations, but they will remain critical access hospitals, the release said.

The intent is for Clearwater Valley and St. Mary’s to retain their current structures and boards. St. Mary’s will also maintain its catholic identity and operate in a manner consistent with its Catholic tradition, including compliance with the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services.

Lenne Bonner, president of Clearwater Valley and St. Mary’s will serve as CEO, and both organizations will continue to operate with local management and a community board.

“We know the health care industry is changing, and we must work together to keep services in our communities,” Bonner said.

Kootenai Health also has a management agreement with Syringa Hospital in Grangeville. This is anticipated to allow additional collaboration and service enhancements for all three hospitals and clinics throughout the region, the release said.

Through Kootenai Health, all three organizations have access to needed resources, best practices and the opportunity for physicians and clinical staff members to work with other providers to share information and discuss complex cases.

Additional areas of collaboration might include information technology, human resources support and revenue cycle and billing.

“Strong regional relationships are critical for rural hospitals to remain independent and survive,” the release said.