The new CEO wants to make Kootenai Health a health care destination

COEUR d’ALENE – Taking the reins as CEO of Kootenai Health earlier this year, Jamie Smith noted the health organization’s independent, non-profit mission and hopes to carry that banner forward to become a regional health care asset . Smith replaced CEO Jon Ness, who is retiring in March.

“I come to this position with a great legacy behind me and a lot of strength based on what Kootenai Health has done in the past,” Smith said Friday as he addressed the Coeur d’Alene Rotary Club.

Kootenai Health has focused on expanding services to surrounding areas and attracting out-of-area patients to seek treatment here in recent years.

“We say yes and bring patients to us,” Smith said.

Smith wants to make Kootenai Health a health care destination for people from Washington to Montana.

“That was the model. Spokane was the center of the universe for a lot of things,” Smith said. “Our aspiration is to be much more regional.”

Partnerships to provide services in Orofino and St. Maries are expanding the healthcare organization’s footprint.

Now, about 30 percent of patients come from outside Kootenai County.

With 445 beds, 1,000 providers and 4,200 staff members, Kootenai Health currently has operating income of $944 million.

Kootenai Health suffered losses in 2022 due to the pandemic and increased pressures on the health care industry. In 2023, Kootenai Health was able to turn that loss around and make changes to keep the agency non-profit and not for loss, Smith said.

However, Smith pointed to the growing need for more industry professionals to carry the torch for the future of healthcare.

“There is a shortage of doctors. There is a shortage of nurses, and as you go further, there is a shortage of laboratory technology. There is a shortage of radiology technology and that is a major, major problem for us,” Smith said.

His main focus as CEO is to be the greatest champion for Kootenai Health, stating his belief that “the purpose of Kootenai Health is sacred.”

“We’re here to improve the health of the entire community,” Smith said.