A message from Jamie Smith, CEO
May 17, 2024
Last week we welcomed the arrival of our new state-of-the-art MRI machine, the 1.5T Siemens Sola MRI scanner. This cutting-edge technology not only offers enhanced precision but also boasts a scanning speed that is up to 50 percent faster, elevating patient comfort and ensuring unparalleled image quality. With its ability to provide our clinicians with precise diagnostic information, this machine embodies the standard of excellence that Kootenai Health aspires to in every facet of our care delivery. It reflects our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional patient experiences and world-class health care.
Over the past two months, I have often referred to myself as a mirror for Kootenai Health. Witnessing the remarkable efforts of those who have paved the way before me, as well as the dedication and hard work exhibited by our current employees, I am continually inspired. It is through their collective contributions that Kootenai Health has evolved into the esteemed institution it is today.
Over the past ten years, Kootenai Health has undergone a remarkable transformation, marked by significant growth and expansion in its clinical services and patient care offerings. As the leading health care provider in northern Idaho, Kootenai Health has not only bolstered its capacity to meet the health care needs of its community, but has also successfully curbed the outmigration of patients seeking care out of state.
One key metric illustrating this progress is the notable decline in inpatient outmigration from the 10 northern Idaho counties to Spokane hospitals. In 2013, Kootenai Health observed 6,004 patients seeking care outside the region, a number that decreased to 4,024 patients by 2023. This represents a substantial 33% decrease over the span of a decade, amounting to nearly 2,000 fewer patients seeking care outside the local health care network.
Conversely, Kootenai Health has experienced a significant increase in inpatient discharges, reflecting the growing demand for its services within the community. In 2013, the hospital recorded 12,906 inpatient discharges, a figure that surged to 17,909 by the end of 2023. This remarkable 39% increase translates to 5,003 additional patients receiving care at Kootenai Health over the past decade, underscoring the organization’s expanding role as a primary health care provider in the region.
These statistics reinforce the effectiveness of Kootenai Health’s strategic investments in clinical services and its dedicated workforce. By continuously enhancing its capabilities and expanding its range of services, Kootenai Health is successfully accommodating the health care needs of our rapidly growing community.
Kootenai Health’s commitment to excellence in patient care, coupled with its proactive approach to address the evolving health care landscape, positions it as a cornerstone of health care delivery in Idaho. As the organization continues to adapt and innovate in response to changing demographics and health care trends, it remains steadfast in its mission to provide high-quality, accessible care to all members of the community.
Kootenai Health’s remarkable growth over the past decade is a testament to the leadership before me, and the unwavering dedication to serving the health care needs of northern Idaho. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and patient-centered care, Kootenai Health is well-positioned to continue its trajectory of success in the years to come, ensuring a healthier future for the communities it serves. And I could not be more excited to be a part of it.
