Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 4, 2017

Construction Comes to a Close The emergency department and surgical services expansion receives its final touches By Andrea Nagel From the perspective of those visiting Kootenai Health, the two-year emergency department (ED) and surgical services expansion project looks complete. Despite its appearance, crews continue to put the finishing touches on the support services and infrastructure that help the hospital run. Departments like central services, which houses medical equipment, the pharmacy, and sterile processing, are all growing to match the growing needs of the new ED and operating rooms. “It’s important that we grow these support ser- vices in conjunction with our other growing service lines,” said Derek Miller, director of Planning and Property Management. Easier access In addition to the internal growth, Kootenai worked with city and county officials to improve the traffic flow into, and out of, the main hospital campus. Ironwood Drive now has seven lanes, and the parking lot on the south end of the hospital is now the largest parking lot on campus, with 164 parking spaces. “The road is what makes the hospital work,” Derek said. “We can offer all the services in the world, but if it’s not easy for people to get here, then it doesn’t matter.” As part of the new traffic flow, Medina Avenue, located across from the Kootenai parking garage, was made into a through-street connecting to Emma Drive. Two new intersection lights were added to help traffic flow smoothly and offer breaks in traffic on Ironwood Drive, making it easier for cars to exit the hospital. “For years we’ve struggled with traffic on Ironwood Drive, and we’re hoping this will help alleviate some of that,” Derek said. “Our goal is to make Kootenai Health more accessible to the com- munity, emergency vehicles and our staff.” Plan your visit Learn more about Kootenai Health expansion proj- ects or download parking maps at KH.org/expansion . KH . ORG 5