Rivers Health enters into agreement with Mason County EMS

Thursday, June 15, 2023

Service initiative will improve patient access to high-quality health care

Rivers Health, a member of Mountain Health Network, announced today it has signed an agreement with Mason County EMS and the Mason County Commission to begin a service initiative to improve patient access to high-quality health care.

The service initiative will include a dedicated ambulance to provide patient transport needs between medical facilities.

“This agreement is a great example of our focus on improving care and access for our patients,” said Keith Biddle, chief operating officer, Rivers Health. “It’s also another great example of how community agencies and leaders work together to seek solutions. This service initiative will improve patient access to both life-saving emergency care and specialized care.”

“This is the first time we have been able to tackle this long-standing issue regarding patient access,” said Alan Miles, director, Mason County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management/Office of Emergency Services. “It places a heavy burden on Emergency Medical Services to provide the interfacility transport service patients need and maintain a timely response to emergency calls. This agreement will directly address that, and we couldn’t be more excited.”

“We are truly appreciative of Rivers Health and Mountain Health Network for working with the Commissioners on this agreement,” said Tracy Doolittle, president, Mason County Commission. “This initiative will lessen the load on the current emergency ambulances and improve our response to emergencies throughout Mason County.”