The History of Kootenai Health
Milestones
Kootenai Health has a rich history that spans nearly 70 years of innovation, achievements and benchmarks in healthcare. The following chronology lists some of the most memorable moments from Kootenai’s past and present.
1950s
1956
The Kootenai Hospital District is created when the medical needs of the local population outgrow the capacity of Lake City General and Coeur d’Alene General Hospitals.
A larger, more modern facility is clearly needed. With support from local businessmen, construction starts at Seventh and Hazel using materials from dismantled barracks, which were originally located near Bayview, Idaho, at the Farragut Naval Training Station.
To oversee the Kootenai Hospital District, the first seven members of the board of trustees are appointed by the Kootenai County Commissioners.
1960s
1965
Voters pass a $1.6 million general obligation bond and work begins on building Kootenai Memorial Hospital.
1966
Kootenai Memorial Hospital opens its doors on November 1.
Half the cost of construction is funded by a federal grant. The other half is provided by a general obligation property tax levy, approved by over two-thirds of Kootenai County’s voters in a special election.
Kootenai Memorial replaces the outdated 36-bed Lake City General Hospital and 36-bed Coeur d’Alene General Hospital. Both are acquired by the Kootenai Hospital District and close with Memorial’s opening.
1967
The Kootenai Memorial Auxiliary is founded. To this day, it remains a strong supporter of the hospital.
1970s
1970-1978
Building projects in 1970, 1972, and 1978 doubled the hospital’s bed capacity from 92 to 181.
1980s
1980
Kootenai Health’s teen volunteer program starts. Originally called “candy stripers,” in reference to their striped uniforms, the teen volunteers now number approximately 100 each year.
1981
Joe Morris is named CEO of Kootenai Memorial Hospital.
1982
Groundbreaking takes place on the three-story, 154,000-square-foot addition that some call “Big Blue.”
1983
From an Oct. 23, 1983 article in Spokesman-Review:
The giant blue whale on Coeur d’Alene’s Lincoln Way is getting ready to make waves in Kootenai County and beyond. Waves in health care available to Coeur d’Alene and the surrounding area, that is. The “whale” is a $21 million addition to Kootenai Memorial Hospital.
“We get more phone calls about the color of the thing than what’s going inside,” Joe Morris, hospital administrator said, with a chuckle. “When we tell people that the bright blue color is just a protective wrap for the aluminum exterior of the building that will be peeled way, some are relieved and some are disappointed.”
But everyone, hospital staff and patients alike, should be pleased with what the added 154,000 square feet will have to offer, Morris said.
The same year, the Kootenai Memorial Foundation is established for the benefit of Kootenai and its patients.
Since then, the community has generously donated almost $19 million to help provide hospital programs and services that might not otherwise have been available.
1984
A grand-opening ceremony takes place July 15 to celebrate the new $21 million addition, and to announce the hospital’s new name, Kootenai Medical Center. CEO Joe Morris helps open the doors.
The facility is a 246-bed community-owned district hospital and is guided by a publicly elected board of directors with daily operations overseen by administrative staff.
From a July 1984 article in the Coeur d’Alene Press:
The huge “addition” at Kootenai Memorial Hospital actually practically is an entire new hospital.
Administrator Joe Morris said about two-thirds of the components of the old facility have moved into the new one.
The square footage has increased from 80,000 to 234,000. The fantastic new facility obviously has much more room.
The new KMH is clean and gleaming and designed for complete convenience and service for the patient and staff. It is built for human and utility efficiency.
1987
The North Idaho Cancer Center (now Kootenai Health’s Cancer Services) and the Interlake Medical Office Building complex open. It serves as the leader for cancer treatment throughout the region and continues to grow.
1989
The Walden House, built by the Kootenai Health Foundation, is named in honor of the late A.K. (Ace) and Ellen Walden, longtime supporters of the Foundation and the community.
1990s
1991
North Idaho MRI (now Kootenai Health’s MRI Services) opens.
1994
The North Idaho Imaging Center (now Kootenai Outpatient Imaging) opens.
1996
The KMC CARE-a-VAN Patient Transport program (now Kootenai Health’s Transportation Services) begins offering free transportation from patients’ homes to area doctors’ offices in Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls and Hayden.
1997
Post Falls Health Park opens in March. This 34,000-square-foot medical office complex houses a host of physician specialties, clinics, laboratory and diagnostic imaging services, and dialysis.
1998
Kootenai acquires Pinecrest Hospital (now Kootenai Health’s Behavioral Health) to consolidate psychiatric and chemical dependency adult and youth services. Today, it offers adult inpatient and outpatient care, chemical dependency treatment and both residential and acute programs for youth.
2000s
2000
Kootenai Outpatient Surgery opens. It is a state-of-the-art outpatient ambulatory surgery center, a joint venture of Kootenai and area physicians.
2001
The McGrane Center for Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Care opens and is the heart of Kootenai Health’s Outpatient Rehabilitation Services, including the Terrill Aquatic Center and the Henry Heyn Adult Day Center.
2003
The North Idaho Heart Center (now Kootenai Health’s Heart Center) opens to provide comprehensive diagnostic services for patients, expanding Kootenai’s cardiac services. Since that time, over 1,000 open-heart procedures have been performed at the Heart Center.
2005
Kootenai Health’s 395-stall employee parking garage opens.
2006
Kootenai and Bonner General Hospital collaborate to provide expanded oncology services to cancer patients living in Bonner and Boundary counties with Cancer Services at Bonner General.
Cancer Services expands with a new location at the Post Falls Health Park, Post Falls Cancer Services.
For the first time, Kootenai Health is granted Magnet® status by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. This designation is the gold standard in nursing excellence. Kootenai is the first hospital in the Inland Northwest to receive this designation and the second in Idaho.
2007
The name Kootenai Health is introduced to encompass all the organization’s service lines. Along with new names and logos, Kootenai launches an updated website.
Additionally, Kootenai Health’s Rehabilitation Services constructs a new playground near the McGrane Center on the Kootenai Health campus.
The playground is built with funds raised and contributed by Kootenai Health employees, physicians, Kootenai Health’s Auxiliary and matching funds from the Children’s Miracle Network.
Kootenai therapists use the equipment to help children with disabilities exercise and improving motor skills.
2008
Post Falls Cancer Services opens its doors with a groundbreaking ceremony the same year that Kootenai obtains a da Vinci surgical robot.
2009
Kootenai Health’s Cancer Services opens in Post Falls, as does the Business Services Building. Kootenai Health acquires the North Idaho Medical Care Centers and adds Kootenai Family Care to its growing list of service lines.
Modern Healthcare magazine names Kootenai Health as one of the nation’s Best Places to Work in Healthcare. The Kootenai Heart Center is recognized as a Blue Distinction Center for Cardiac Care.
Kootenai Health hosts its first annual Triathlon for Kids.
2010s
2010
Kootenai Health becomes tobacco-free on November 18 and Big Blue Coffee Company opens a location on its campus that same year.
Kootenai Health is named one of the Best Places to Work in Healthcare by Modern Healthcare magazine for the second year in a row.
Long-time Kootenai Health CEO Joe Morris announces plans to retire in May 2011. Morris began his career with what was then Kootenai Memorial Hospital in 1974, accepting the position of CEO in July of 1981. Jon Ness, formerly Chief Operating Officer at Billings Clinic in Billings Montana, is announced as having accepted the position of CEO at Kootenai Health.
Kootenai Health partners with North Idaho Family Physicians to launch Kootenai Urgent Care.
2011
Kootenai Health achieves the coveted Magnet® status for a second time, a recognition held by less than 3% of hospitals nationwide.
2012
Heart Clinics Northwest joins Kootenai Health, the latest addition to the ever-growing services available to Kootenai’s patients.
Kootenai Health continues to partner with a variety of healthcare providers to form joint ventures dedicated to delivering advanced diagnostic imaging, radiation therapy, laboratory services, outpatient surgery and better access to physicians. By creating these collaborative relationships, Kootenai is determined to have a future as successful as its past.
2013
Kootenai Health introduced the organization’s new regional vision and clinical structure – all under a new organizational logo. With the announcement, Kootenai Health officially became the name of the hospital, formerly Kootenai Medical Center. The announcement also included a new organizational name and structure for Kootenai’s employed physicians and their practices. Under the new structure, Kootenai Clinic became the umbrella name for all Kootenai Health’s employed physician practices.
Kootenai Clinic also celebrated the grand opening of a new building at 1919 Lincoln Way in Coeur d’Alene. The facility is home to four physician practices, the family medicine residency, a lab, imaging center, and even a coffee shop.
2014
Kootenai Health was verified as a Level III Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma. To receive verification, Kootenai had to prove it has the hospital resources needed for trauma care and can provide the entire spectrum of care to meet all of an injured patient’s needs.
2015
Post Falls Expansion – In order to meet the growing needs of patients in Post Falls, Kootenai Health broke ground on a $10.5 million, two-story, 22,000 square foot expansion project. Kootenai began serving the Post Falls community in 1996. The new space added several new clinic locations, a coffee stand, meeting space, outpatient rehabilitation services, and other services.
Northern Idaho Crisis Center Opens – The Northern Idaho Crisis Center was the second crisis center funded through the Idaho State Legislature. A one-time $200,000 allocation of state funds were be used to open the center. Idaho Health Partners, comprised of Kootenai Health, Panhandle Health District and Heritage Health, managed much of the initial planning and development.
2016
Kootenai Health East Expansion – In March 2016, Kootenai Health’s east expansion opened to the public. The 100,000 square foot project is the largest hospital expansion in over 30 years. The east expansion included a new Family Birth Center and NICU, main lobby and North Entrance, Ortho/Neuro floor which includes a total joint rehabilitation gym, and an unfinished third floor for future growth.
Emergency and Operating Room Expansion – Following the opening of the East Expansion, Kootenai Health broke ground on a $45.2 million project. The expansion will add 7,000 square feet of new space to the emergency department and will increase total capacity to 36 rooms. The new entrance will include a new ambulance drop off area and waiting room. Three additional operating rooms will be added to the surgical department for a total of 11 operating suites.
2017
Expansion Continues – Kootenai Health continues work on the multiphased expansion to the emergency department and operating room. Project was expected to open in 2018. The additional projects included improvements to traffic flow in and out of the south entrance and the emergency department. In addition, another through street and traffic light were added.
Kootenai Clinic Post Falls Expansion – Kootenai Health completed a $10.5 million, two-story, 22,000 square foot expansion on its campus in Post Falls. The expansion provides easier access to care for patients including new specialties.
Awards – Kootenai Health received certification from DNV Healthcare as a hip and knee replacement program Center of Excellence.
2018
ED and OR Expansion Complete – Kootenai Health completed Phase II of its master facility plan this year. The two-year Emergency Department and Surgical Services expansion cost $45.2 million and greatly increase the size and capacity of these service lines.
New Simulation Center – Kootenai Health opened a new on-site simulation center for hands on training and skill building. It includes three mock patients rooms, an operating room and clinical exam room. This room will help train new and existing staff members to ensure all patients have consistent, high quality care.
Kootenai Heart Clinics Expands – Kootenai Heart Clinics expanded two of its locations to provide much needed space to expand services.
Patient Centered Medical Home – Kootenai Clinic Family Medicine and Kootenai Clinic Internal Medicine transformed their care model to be a patient centered medical home. This model of care encourages promotes the partnership between the patient, their provider, and the care team.
Sensory Room Opens – Kootenai Health Rehabilitation Services opened its first sensory room, designed to help children calm their senses and develop the skills necessary to cope with distractions and overstimulation. This room is often used for children with Autism spectrum disorder.
2019
Kootenai Urgent Care – Acquired full ownership of three Kootenai Urgent Care locations: Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls and Hayden.
Kootenai Clinic Expands – Expanded clinical access by employing neurosurgery and cardiothoracic surgeons as part of Kootenai Clinic.
New Procedures – Began to provide TAVR procedures in our hybrid operating room. This is is a minimally invasive procedure to replace a narrowed aortic valve that fails to open properly, often on high risk patients.
Expanded Room Availability – 3 East, a 32-bed unit, opens in November.
New Services – Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, a specially designed unit for patients who suffer with seizure disorders, opens for innovative patient care.
New Partnerships – The Hospitality Center, including a Ronald McDonald House Charities and the Walden House (for adults) opens
2020s
2020
Pandemic – Managed the COVID-19 pandemic that included surge planning, PPE challenges, staffing shortages, community advocacy and more.
New partners – Kootenai Health acquired ownership of two critical access hospitals in Orofino and Cottonwood, Idaho, expanding the reach of Kootenai Health.
Pharmacy – Kootenai Health acquired Interlake Pharmacy to become Kootenai Health Pharmacy
2021
October 6, 2021, Kootenai Health had its highest number of COVID-19 inpatients on a single day with 150. Over the course of the pandemic, Kootenai cared for more than 3,800 patients hospitalized with COVID-19.
Kootenai Health earned its fourth Magnet recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the gold standard for nursing excellence.
2022
Kootenai Health upgraded its electronic health record system to Epic. The transition helped create a seamless, safer and more consistent health care system.
Kootenai Clinic Neurology was designated a Center for Comprehensive Multiple Sclerosis Care, the highest designation for an MS center. This made it the only recognized center in the state of Idaho at that time.
2023
Kootenai Health opened its state-of-the-art, 37,000 square foot, heart center expansion. The expansion added nine patient rooms, a second cardiac catheterization lab, a second electrophysiology lab for heart rhythm disorders, and two new operating rooms.
Kootenai Health earned verification as a Level 2 Trauma Center. At the time, it was just the second verification to be granted in Idaho.
Kootenai Health earned designation as a Level 1 STEMI center, the highest designation for hospitals that treat heart attacks.
2024
January 1, 2024, Kootenai Health completed the transition from a district hospital to a nonprofit 501(c)3 business model. As a 501(c)3, any profits earned at Kootenai Health are reinvested back into the organization to improve patients’ access to care.
Kootenai Health was named a Robotic Surgery Center of Excellence, recognizing Kootenai for delivering the highest standard of robotic surgical care across multiple specialties.
Kootenai Health celebrated the completion of its 5000th open heart surgery.
Kootenai Health welcomed its first cohort of students to the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, taught in collaboration with Idaho State University. The program helps address the growing national demand for nurses.
Kootenai Health was verified as a Level II trauma center by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (ACS COT). Verified trauma centers must meet rigorous standards that ensure trauma care capability and the highest level of institutional performance. This accomplishment makes Kootenai the only Level II ACS-verified hospital in the region.
Kootenai Clinic opened a Maternal and Fetal Medicine practice to better support high-risk pregnancies and ensure the health and well-being of mothers and children in northern Idaho. The clinic offers comprehensive prenatal care, advanced diagnostics, and personalized treatment plans tailored to meet the unique needs of mothers facing complex medical conditions.
2025
Kootenai Health reached a major milestone with the approval of Phase 1 of the Prairie Medical Campus, a planned 30‑acre, multi‑phase health care development in Post Falls. Developed in collaboration with MultiCare Health System and Parkwood Properties, the campus represents one of the largest recent medical investments in northern Idaho and reflects Kootenai Health’s commitment to expanding access to high‑quality care in a rapidly growing region.
Kootenai Health expanded access to advanced, patient‑centered screening services with the opening of two Women’s Imaging Centers in Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls. Designed with direct input from women, the centers offer a calm, supportive environment alongside the region’s highest standards in breast imaging. Services include 3D mammography, AI‑enabled automated breast ultrasound, bone density screening, and comprehensive diagnostic imaging—all delivered by specially credentialed technologists. Both centers hold national accreditations from the American College of Radiology and the American College of Surgeons, reflecting Kootenai Health’s commitment to early detection, clinical excellence, and compassionate care. This expansion was made possible through generous support from the community through the Kootenai Health Foundation.
Kootenai Health earned multiple national recognitions from Healthgrades, underscoring consistent excellence across several specialty service lines. The Kootenai Clinic Cardiothoracic Surgery team received the Cardiac Surgery Excellence Award for an impressive 12th consecutive year, while the Lung and Asthma team earned the Pulmonary Care Excellence Award for the third year in a row. Additional honors included being named one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Surgery, ranking in the Top 5% in the Nation for Stroke Treatment, and receiving awards for pulmonary care, prostate surgery, and outpatient orthopedic surgery. Together, these distinctions reflect exceptional patient outcomes and a sustained commitment to high‑quality, advanced care.
Kootenai Health’s Neurodiagnostic team achieved redesignation as a Level 3 Epilepsy Center by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC), reaffirming excellence across all 52 national standards for comprehensive epilepsy care. This accreditation recognizes advanced inpatient evaluation, imaging, outpatient management, and coordinated support services. The redesignation reinforces Kootenai Health’s commitment to zero harm and positions it as a trusted regional referral resource for specialized neurological care. IT is a strong reflection of a connected, high‑reliability approach to patient safety and clinical excellence.
2026
Kootenai Health attained Magnet recognition for the fifth time, a testament to its continued dedication to high-quality nursing practice. The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program® distinguishes health care organizations that meet rigorous standards for nursing excellence. This credential is the highest national honor for professional nursing practice.
Kootenai Health has become the first hospital in the region to introduce the da Vinci 5 surgical system, Intuitive Surgical’s most advanced robotic platform, marking a major milestone in the organization’s commitment to minimally invasive care and surgical innovation. This investment aligns with Kootenai Health’s designation as a Robotic Surgery Center of Excellence from the Surgical Review Corporation and this is the hospitals 3rd DaVinci surgical robot.
March 25, 2026, Kootenai Health, in partnership with MultiCare Health System, marked a major milestone in regional health care with the ceremonial groundbreaking of the Prairie Medical Campus, a transformative, multiphase medical development designed to expand access to high-quality care for Post Falls and surrounding communities.
