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NC hospitals hope to draw more patients with ambulance

Hospital wants to keep patients in county

By Andrew Kenney
The Herald NC

SMITHFIELD, NC — How does a hospital get more patients through its doors? Have someone drive them there.

Johnston Health and county EMS leaders alike say they hope to bring more Johnston County patients to Johnston County hospitals after they board ambulances.

About 70 percent of county ambulance trips end at Johnston Health’s Clayton and Smithfield hospital. The other 30 percent of patients either choose an out-of-county hospital or are taken to one because it is better able to deal with certain health problems like trauma, heart attacks and strokes.

Full Story: EMS, hospital leaders talking