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KOO T ENA I HE A LT H ’ S E X PANS I ON I S MO V I NG S K YWA RD
By Andrea Nagel
Things are
really starting to
take shape on Kootenai Health’s
expansion. Behind the plastic
lining the sides of the structure,
steel beams and concrete floors—
the bones of the new structure—
are coming together.
“The expansion will remain
tented through the winter,” said
Derek Miller, construction manager.
“This will protect the structure
from the elements and allow us to
start putting together the exterior
and roof.”
Once the exterior is complete,
the plastic covering will be
removed and the interior work will
begin. This includes everything
from lighting and flooring to paint
and furnishings.
“We should start work on the
finishings in April,” Derek said.
“Work on the main entrance
and lobby area won’t begin until
midsummer.”
Along with the new birthing
center and neonatal unit, the
expansion will house Kootenai’s
orthopedic and neurology unit,
which currently occupies the
south end of the third floor
in the hospital. This unit will
have 32 patient rooms, a
small rehabilitation gym for
orthopedic patients and space
for the total joint replacement
program.
Ultimately, moving these units
will free up space in the main
hospital for a second phase of
remodels.
“Plans are already underway to
expand the operating rooms in the
main hospital,” Derek said. “Mov-
ing these departments was needed
in order to start working on the
main building.”
W A T C H U S G R O W !
You can view weekly
updates and photos of the
expansion, along with everything
you want to know about the new
building, at
KH.org/expansion
.
Taking Shape
KH . ORG
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HOSPITAL NEWS