When the power goes out, the need for healthcare does not.
A major electrical infrastructure upgrade at St. Mary’s Health strengthens the hospital’s ability to continue providing essential care during power outages while preparing the organization for future growth.
Previously, an outage required St. Mary’s Health to go on diversion for patients experiencing strokes or trauma because the necessary diagnostic equipment could not operate on emergency power. The upgraded system now allows SMH to continue evaluating and caring for these time-sensitive patients during an outage.
Emergency power was also previously limited to the hospital. The new system extends generator power throughout the Cottonwood campus, helping hospital and outpatient services remain available when normal electrical service is interrupted.
The $691,000 project was funded through a $325,000 Community Development Block Grant CARES award administered through the Idaho Department of Commerce and a $366,000 investment from St. Mary’s Health.
The project included a new main electrical switchboard, life-safety and equipment transfer switches, four distribution panels and new connections between the generator and electrical systems. These improvements allow critical systems to transition automatically to generator power during an outage.
The upgrade was also instrumental in SMH obtaining DNV accreditation. DNV is a nationally recognized, CMS-approved accrediting organization that evaluates hospitals using rigorous standards for patient safety, quality of care and operational performance. Accreditation demonstrates St. Mary’s Health commitment to meeting federal healthcare requirements and continually improving the care it provides.
“This upgrade means we can continue evaluating and caring for stroke and trauma patients during a power outage rather than placing those services on diversion,” said Steve Frei, Chief Operating Officer. “It also allows us to maintain power across our Cottonwood hospital, clinics and offices, supports the high standards required by DNV, and gives us the opportunity to bring more advanced technologies like an in-house MRI and an upgraded CT scanner,along with other services, closer to home.”
St. Mary’s Health extends its sincere appreciation to Dodd Snodgrass with Clearwater Economic Development Association (CEDA) for his support and administration of the grant. The organization also recognizes SMH personnel Derek Reiner, Rich Franz and Ben Zumhoff for the time, coordination and dedication they contributed to the project’s successful completion.
Although much of this work happened behind the scenes, its impact is significant: more dependable care during emergencies, greater access during times of difficulty, and expanded possibilities for the future.