Traverse City-based Munson Healthcare and Grand Rapids-based Spectrum Health have partnered to provide expanded air emergency transport services in northern Michigan; the joint venture includes shared access to an airplane and a helicopter.
“We are excited about this new collaboration, because we believe it is the best way to ensure high-quality air EMS services (will) continue to be available to the people of northern Michigan for years to come,” says Ed Ness, president and CEO of Munson Healthcare.
Ness says the joint venture, called North Flight Aero Med, is expected to begin operations in the beginning of 2016. North Flight Aero Med will operate from a base in Traverse City with two aircraft: a King Air B200 airplane and a Sikorsky S-76 helicopter. The venture will provide emergency critical care air transport as well as non-emergency air medical charter services.
Ness says the venture will enhance medical services in northern Michigan, improve operational and service efficiencies, and provide enriched training for crews.
Traverse City-based Munson Healthcare has a network of hospitals in such cities as Charlevoix, Kalkaska, Cadillac, Grayling, and Otsego. Grand Rapids-based Spectrum Health operates 12 hospitals, including the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, along with hospitals in Reed City, Ludington, and Zeeland, among others.
