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Designed
for Patients
F O L L O W O U R P R O G R E S S
See
updated photos of the expansion project
online: Visit
KH.org/expansion.
The Kootenai Health administration toured the new facility
for the first time last April. The expansion will include a new
neonatal intensive care unit and Family Birth Center and a
floor dedicated to orthopedic surgery patients, and it will create
space in the existing facility to enlarge the main operating room
and the emergency department.
By Katherine Ness
Kootenai Health’s
vision to emerge as a regional
medical center is becoming more visible every day.
Phase 1 of the new expansion is two-thirds complete.
The patient-centric design includes a convenient drive-
up entrance leading into a modern and comfortable
lobby and reception area, which extends into the
Family Birth Center. The orthopedic department will
be located on the second level, accommodating the
fastest-growing procedures in health care—knee and
hip replacements for aging baby boomers.
The exterior of the building is finished with light blue,
grey and white metal panels that create a modern mosaic
that complements the existing blue. Sandstone and
glass are incorporated to harmonize with the older parts
of the hospital. All patient rooms face outside to bring
in natural light.
“The new patient rooms are 40 percent larger with
full amenities for patient education, communication
and entertainment,” said Jeremy Evans, vice president
of operations. “There are peaceful healing gardens and
courtyards for patients, guests and employees.”
The new Family Birth Center design is more intimate
and private, with nursing stations positioned between
two patient rooms to provide more efficient care.
Mothers and babies will be able to stay together
throughout their time in the hospital.
“Five years ago we didn’t even have a neonatal inten-
sive care unit (NICU),” said Kimberly Judd, M.D.,
neonatologist. She explained that the new neonatal unit
THE KOOT ENA I HEA LTH
E X PANS I ON I S ON SCHEDUL E
TO MEET ITS GOAL OF PROVIDING
COMPASS I ONAT E CARE FOR
THE REG I ON
will increase from a current level 2 special care nursery
to a level 3 NICU. “We will be able to provide care for
infants at 28 weeks and 1,000 grams, about 2.2 pounds.”
The mission of Kootenai Health is to provide com-
passionate care for the region. As Kootenai grows to
accommodate a regional population, additional space
is needed to properly care for these patients and make
room for improvements to the existing facility.
“This expansion is a strong indicator of the need for
an increased level of services,” said Jon Ness, Koote-
nai Health CEO.
The project is on time and on budget with an ex-
pected opening date in the spring of 2016. Several
community and patient events are being planned to
celebrate. Phase 2 will include the emergency depart-
ment on the south side of the existing hospital and an
expansion of the main operating room.
KH . ORG
9
HOSPITAL NEWS