Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 1, 2021

KH . ORG 15 Clearwater Valley Hospital and Clinics in Orofino, Idaho, and St. Mary’s Hospital and Clinics in Cottonwood, Idaho, are officially part of Kootenai Health. Kootenai Health has a long history of collaborating with other medical providers and critical access hospitals throughout the Idaho Panhandle. Clearwater Valley and St. Mary’s now have access to additional resources, best practices and opportunities for collaboration. By Kim Johnson, St. Mary’s Hospital and Clinics St. Mary’s Hospital and Clinics is proud to introduce new rehabilitation services facilities at both their Cottonwood and Kamiah locations, housing both physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT). The new spaces allow therapists to offer patients improved efficiency in treatment; decreased time that patients need to be in the clinic; better functionality; and enhanced communication between therapists, doctors and patients. These newly expanded rehabilitation services projects are a significant milestone in helping St. Mary’s better serve the growing demand for PT and OT services on the Camas Prairie and the surrounding areas. Improved environments for patients include offering greater safety with decreased clutter, improved access to the clinics, and upgraded lighting and equipment. Newservices St. Mary’s has expanded services to include BIG therapy, a program that emphasizes large movements for people with Parkinson’s disease, and they are now able to complete gait training inside the clinics. In the past, this had to be performed largely outside, which proved problematic in winter months. Additionally, there is now a designated space for occupational therapy services to treat hand and elbow issues. This will also allow the addition of splinting services, which currently do not exist in the area. ‘Nothing short of amiracle’ Daphne Kinskie, of Whitebird, Idaho, is a longtime St. Mary’s patient. She said she is thrilled with her experience at St. Mary’s. About four years ago, while working for a river outfitter, Daphne injured her lower back while loading equipment onto a plane. She said she immediately Rehabilitation Services: Now in Cottonwood and Kamiah Get hands-on care St. Mary’s is excited to expand rehabilitation services in the Camas Prairie region. Learn more about their services at smh-cvh.org/ patient-services . Daphne Kinskie felt incredible pain and burning. After seeking help and receiving pain injections, she was able to manage the pain temporarily. Recently the injury flared back up, and Daphne’s doctor referred her to St. Mary’s Physical Therapy. “It has been nothing short of a miracle!” she said. “Dustin Elliot and his team are over-the-top amazing, and I have never experienced the level of care and expertise they provided.” St. Mary’s Rehabilitation Services offers comprehensive services to help patients achieve their best possible outcomes. Their providers offer treatment during and after hospital stays and surgery, as well as outpatient care for injuries.