Mercy Memorial elevating its services to Ardmore area

michael.pineda@ardmoreite.com

In an effort to provide specialized care to patients in rural areas, Mercy Memorial Hospital has a new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit transport helicopter. The helicopter will be able to cut significant time off transportation from the Ardmore area to Oklahoma City where Mercy has a Level-III NICU, one of only a few in Oklahoma. The NICU is available to critically ill newborns.

"This is a common need for rural areas," Dr. Donald K. Rahhal, Mercy Medical Director, Women's and Children's services, said. "It saves at least an hour."

Rahhal said the helicopter takes the place of fixed-wing transport, which has been used when the necessity for flight was needed in transporting infants for specialized care. The problem with fixed-wing transport was the need for an ambulance for transportation to and from airports.

The helicopter is based in Chickasha and carries two neonatal nurses based out of Mercy in Oklahoma City. Flight time to Chickasha is 18 minutes and from OKC it takes 35 to 40 minutes to arrive in Ardmore. The helicopter is bigger than what is generally used and can carry twins should the situation arise.

"It's very exciting, " Dr. Pamela Kimbrough, Obstetrics and Gynecology, said. "We have been waiting for this a long time and we are excited about moving forward. It give patients security knowing if they have a problem, they will get the care they need in a quick fashion."

Ardmore and Ada are the two areas being targeted through the use of the NICU transport helicopter. The program has been up and running for five weeks but has not been used in Ardmore yet. One situation arose, but weather prevented the use of the helicopter. Dr. Rahhal said there are 25 to 30 situations a year when the use of NICU transport is necessary.

"The availability of neonatologist care in the rural area is not going to be there and quick transport is necessary," Dr. Jennifer Hudson, Neonatology, said. "We would hope it cuts 30 minutes to an hour off transportation. We have a team of very experienced neonatologist nurses which have been specifically trained."

The helicopter transport will also be used on a standby basis. Should it be known prior to birth specialized care is needed, the helicopter can be at the facility with the transport nurses taking part in the birth to provide a seamless transition to care in Oklahoma City.