LIFESTAR to expand service at MHHS

MORRISTOWN, Tennessee – Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System and UT LIFESTAR plan has expanded medical air transport service at MHHS. Through a cooperative effort between Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System and the University of Tennessee Medical Center, additional facilities and services will be placed on the MHHS campus to support this expanded coverage. “Today, through the joint efforts of MHHS and UT Medical Center, the healthcare delivery system of this region is strengthened through a continuum of care focused on essential air medical transport for those whom we serve,” said MHHS Administrator/CEO Richard L. Clark. “The continued growth of emergency, trauma, surgical and critical care services remains a vital cornerstone in the development of a regional healthcare delivery system dedicated to quality patient care.” “Our goal is to implement a full-time aeromedical transport service based at MHHS,” said LIFESTAR Program Director Christopher Brooks, M.D. “A significant number of trauma and medical calls come from this area, so it makes sense to provide expanded service to respond even more quickly to the needs of the people in this region.” MHHS maintains an approved helipad and quarters for LIFESTAR staff. The expanded facilities and services will include fueling equipment, hangar, sleeping quarters and office space for pilot and crew. Morristwon-Hamblen Healthcare System and UT Medical Center have a long history of collaboration. Medical air transportation is another example of the working relationship between the organizations. LIFESTAR has provided part-time service from the MHHS base since August 1998. Established in 1984, LIFESTAR provides transports for neonatal, cardiac, trauma and other medical emergencies to hospitals throughout the region.