Celebrating Hospital Week at Kootenai Health

On May 12-18, hospitals across the country will be celebrating Hospital Week. At Kootenai Health we extend that celebration to include all our employees, whether they work in the hospital, at one of our clinics, in a supporting department or offsite. 

Health care is complex, and it takes every one of us to do our part so you can receive the exceptional care you deserve from your local hospital. 

Unless you or a loved one needs us, you probably don’t think too much about Kootenai Health, but just for the next few paragraphs, join me in a little celebration of the superior care you have access to when you do need it.

Level II Trauma Designation: For several years now, Kootenai Health has been working to expand and enhance the emergency care we provide. Earlier this year we received Level II Trauma Center verification from the American College of Surgeons. Kootenai is only the second facility in Idaho to receive this designation and it is the highest available in our region. It is assurance that when you come to Kootenai Health for emergency care, you are in good hands.

50 Best for Cardiac Surgery: Healthgrades, a national organization that compares information from over 3 million U.S. health care providers, has recognized Kootenai Health as one of “America’s 50 Best Hospitals,” for cardiac surgery. Thanks to generous support from donors in our community, this past October we completed an expansion of the Kootenai Health Heart Center. With the expansion, the Heart Center performed 298 more procedures in October through December of 2023 than during that same time frame the prior year. In other words, we are providing exceptional care and more of it!

Level II Stroke Center and America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Stroke Care: Kootenai’s stroke care program has been recognized for excellence since 2021, but this past year we received recognition from both the state of Idaho’s Time Sensitive Emergency System as a Level II Stroke Center and from Healthgrades for being among the 100 best hospitals in the nation for stroke care. These designations are proof that care at Kootenai Health will ensure the best possible outcomes for stroke patients in our region.  

Comprehensive Orthopedic Services: Kootenai Health has board-certified orthopedic surgeons and specially trained staff members available 24-7 for trauma and emergency care. They also perform hundreds of elective orthopedic procedures each year, from total joint replacements to treatments for every bone and joint in your body. Our advanced diagnostic imaging, sports medicine, rehabilitation, surgery, pain management and joint replacements for knees, hips and shoulders mean you can receive world-class care right here in our community.

Family Birth Center, Level III NICU, and Maternal and Fetal Medicine Specialist: Kootenai Health is the only hospital in the five northern counties offering OB/GYN and labor and delivery care. We are committed to providing access to all aspects of excellent women’s health care, and we have worked to enhance this care so even high-risk mothers and fragile newborns can receive the care they need close to home.

Best-In-Class for Employee and Organizational Wellbeing: Kootenai Health has been recognized as an organization that excels in supporting its team members and managing programs. This means we take exceptional care of our employees, and they take exceptional care of our patients. As the largest employer in northern Idaho, Kootenai Health is also an important economic driver that benefits many area businesses. 

MyChart Electronic Medical Record Access: In 2021, Kootenai Health implemented the Epic electronic medical record system. One of our favorite features in Epic is MyChart, the portal that allows you to see your entire medical record, including diagnostic test results and notes on your appointments. You can also easily send and receive messages from your physician. It’s one more way we are partnering with you to improve your health care experience.  

In honor of Kootenai Health Week, we are celebrating every member of our team whose work makes it possible for us to provide the excellent care you trust us to deliver. To every physician, advanced practice provider, nurse, technician, and support staff member working 24-7-365, thank you. Your contributions to the health of our community are worthy of celebration!

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Jamie Smith is CEO of Kootenai Health.