Gritman Medical Center Completes Surgical Sterile Processing Upgrade

The 18-month project expanded services and surgical capacity at the Moscow, Idaho hospital.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Gritman Medical Center in Moscow, Idaho has completed an 18-month upgrade to its Sterile Processing Department, including the construction of a new electrical room, relocation of the department, and purchase of more advanced equipment. The expansion is part of a broader surgical upgrade aimed at improving patient care and expanding access for the growing Palouse community.

Why it matters

The Sterile Processing renovation occurred alongside Gritman's purchase of the remaining 40 percent ownership stake in the Palouse Surgery Center in Moscow last year, allowing the hospital to better utilize the space to meet patient demand and schedule surgeons more evenly across the Gritman System.

The details

The project began in September 2024 with the construction of a new electrical room on the northeast side of Gritman's main hospital campus in Moscow. The electrical room powered upgrades to Sterile Processing, including relocation of the department to the second floor of the hospital's 1960s wing and purchase of more advanced equipment to increase surgical capacity.

  • The project began in September 2024.
  • The expansion was completed on February 9, 2026.

The players

Gritman Medical Center

A hospital located in Moscow, Idaho that recently completed an 18-month upgrade to its Sterile Processing Department.

Palouse Surgery Center

A surgery center in Moscow, Idaho that Gritman Medical Center purchased the remaining 40 percent ownership stake in last year.

Kara Besst

The President and CEO of Gritman Medical Center.

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What they’re saying

“Together, these projects are ensuring more Palouse patients can get the most state-of-the-art surgical care in our region.”

— Kara Besst, President and CEO (dailyfly.com)

The takeaway

Gritman Medical Center's investment in upgrading its Sterile Processing Department and increasing its ownership stake in the Palouse Surgery Center demonstrates the hospital's commitment to expanding access to high-quality surgical care for the growing Palouse community.