A little creative thinking can have a big impact in a small community. Cal-Ore Life Flight and Curry General Hospital recently put their heads together and found a creative solution to improve healthcare delivery to Curry County residents while maintaining cost efficiency.

In March 2009, Curry General Hospital contracted with Cal-Ore Life Flight to provide one Paramedic or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), to assist in the hospital's emergency room, from 10am - 8pm, daily. Cal-Ore's medical staff is available to Curry General when not responding to calls or completing assigned duties. The hospital is also able to request additional staff if needed, 24 hours a day.

This arrangement has allowed both companies to amortize labor costs more effectively. The EMT's also benefit by being able to practice some of their pre-hospital training in a clinical environment, working side by side with Curry General's professional medical staff and doctors.

"While many hospitals own and operate their own ambulance service, it is unique for a hospital to contract for emergency department labor services with a private ambulance company," says Joe Gregorio, General Manager for Cal-Ore Life Flight.

Gregorio pointed out that the Gold Beach ambulance crews are stationed within 150 feet of Curry General, 24 hours a day, and have a "lot of free time available due to low call activity."

Cal-Ore owns and operates eight ambulances in Curry County and also provides air ambulance services to Curry, Del Norte, and Humboldt Counties along with other regional communities.

Curry General operates a hospital in Gold Beach, and clinics in Brookings, and Port Orford. They recently announced plans to construct a new clinic and emergency department in Brookings.

"This is an excellent example of two entities working together to benefit each other and their community," said Curry General CEO, Bill McMillan.