Northwest Specialty Hospital adds two new operating rooms

POST FALLS — Northwest Specialty Hospital has expanded its surgical access with the opening of its 11th and 12th operating rooms.

“These two new operating rooms allow us to improve both physician access and patient access,” said Mallory McLeod, executive director of surgical services. “As our volume continues to grow, having more space gives surgeons the ability to get patients scheduled and treated more quickly.”

McLeod has been working on this project for about two years. 

A wide range of procedures, including orthopedic, spine and minimally invasive surgeries are expected to be conducted in the new operating rooms, according to a press release.

Robotic-assisted procedures will also be incorporated into the new spaces due to the expanded size of the operating rooms.

The expanded access allowed by the new operating rooms are anticipated to reduce delays and allow patients to receive surgery weeks — or even months — sooner.

“We wanted to ensure we could meet both our current and future surgical needs,” said McLeod. “The rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art laparoscopic and arthroscopic technology and can be used dual purpose for any open procedure that is needed.”

Enhancements to the hospital’s sterile processing department and an expansion to equipment storage were also part of the expansion, ensuring that support services can keep pace with increased surgical volume, the release said.

By increasing surgical capacity, Northwest Specialty Hospital is better equipped to care for more community members.

“Our hospital was originally a four-operating-room facility. The improvements allow us to keep up with the number of patients we serve,” McLeod said.