May 9, 2023
Kootenai Health is pleased to announce their designation as a Level II Stroke Center by the state of Idaho’s Time Sensitive Emergency System (TSE). To earn this three-year designation, hospitals must meet a variety of stringent benchmarks for the quick diagnosis, treatment, and care for stroke patients as well as a comprehensive training protocol.
“We are honored to have received designation as a Level II Stroke Center from TSE,” said Ramsis Benjamin, M.D., a neurologist with Kootenai Clinic Neurology who leads the stroke program at Kootenai Health. “When it comes to stroke, every second counts to preserve precious brain function. Our dedicated stroke coordinator, Kate Knight, MSN, RN, SCRN, has been instrumental in driving the collaborative work with multidisciplinary teams between our hospital, regional emergency response agencies, and the community. Through these efforts, important protocol has been established for timely diagnosis and treatment to ensure the best possible outcomes for stroke patients in our region.”
“The expertise, dedication, and compassion of the entire team at Kootenai Health was evident during our site survey – they exceeded our expectations,” said Melissa Ball, Program Manager, Time Sensitive Emergency (TSE). “The strict criteria set by the Idaho Time Sensitive Emergency Council was met by Kootenai Health and we are happy to grant them Level II Stroke designation.”
Kootenai Health treats hundreds of stroke patients each year and has 24-hour neurology coverage. To learn more about the designation criteria for Level II Stroke Centers in the state of Idaho, visit idaho.gov.
About Idaho Time Sensitive Emergency (TSE)
Idaho Time Sensitive Emergency acknowledges hospitals who meet a wide variety of proven metrics around high-quality training, education and services. TSE was created to address the top three preventable causes of death: trauma, stroke, and heart attacks (a.k.a. STEMI). TSE emphasizes the importance of a collaborative approach from all stakeholders throughout the state including hospitals, emergency medical services agencies, public health districts, and the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare. To learn more, visit the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare website.
About Kootenai Health
Kootenai Health provides comprehensive medical services to patients in northern Idaho and the Inland Northwest. Its main campus is located in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and includes a 397-bed community-owned hospital. Kootenai Health is accredited by DNV and holds Magnet designation for nursing excellence, and designation as a Level III Trauma Center, Level III NICU, Level I STEMI and Level II Stroke Center.
Kootenai is regionally known for its programs in cardiac care, orthopedics, oncology, women’s and children’s services and behavioral health. For more information, visit www.kh.org.
