JOHNSON COUNTY, Kan. — Six hospitals signed on to financially contribute to Johnson County’s Medical Director Program, aimed at providing high quality emergency services.
The hospitals will contribute nearly $130,000 a year, replacing an operating subsidy from the county. Hospital representatives will also be part of an advisory board that oversees the program, which coordinates pre-hospital care among emergency responders, KCUR reports.
Partners include the University of Kansas Hospital, Menorah Medical Center, Olathe Medical Center, Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Saint Luke’s South Hospital and Shawnee Mission Medical Center. Nine area fire agencies, MED-ACT, the county’s ambulance service, and the county’s Emergency Communications Center also participate.
The agreement culminates more than two years of negotiations, Dr. Ryan Jacobsen, Johnson County EMS medical director said.
“We wanted collaboration as a full EMS system to include the hospitals that we transport patients to,” Jacobsen said. “We wanted their collaboration and a seat at the table in designing the goals and setting the direction for the Medical Director Program.”