MedStar consolidates Moses Lake air service

Consolidation of ambulance company takes effect Nov. 1

MOSES LAKE — Northwest MedStar, an air ambulance service that has a base in Moses Lake, will be consolidated in the Tri-Cities Nov. 1.

Changes allow for more efficient transport of patients between hospitals, using an all-weather fixed-wing aircraft that can operate better under varying weather conditions and faster than a helicopter, said Steve Becker, director of communications at Inland Northwest Health Services.

INHS is a nonprofit that oversees specific services utilized by the region's competing hospitals.

The all-weather fixed-wing aircraft will be used in addition to helicopters for transporting patients, and operate primarily out of Tri-Cities with a temporary base in Moses Lake during high-volume months.

The decision to consolidate services comes in the wake of continued increases in health care costs and fewer people who are able to pay for the care they receive, requiring not only MedStar but other health care services to look at more cost effective methods of operation, Becker said.

Last year, Northwest MedStar lost $1.8 million due to high costs. The consolidation of services is intended to help make up for some of that loss.

According to a statement released by INHS, a 3 percent wage reduction and some hourly clinical wage premiums for management and administrative staff will take effect due to the consolidation.

There have been no reductions in the number of positions, Becker said. He said efforts are being made to keep the current staff employed, serve patients and do it all in a way that makes economic sense.

Northwest MedStar serves Washington, north Idaho, western Montana and northeastern Oregon.