A New Affiliation Agreement Enhances High Quality Care

Loma Linda University Health and the Southern Mono Healthcare District have entered into an affiliation agreement in order to enhance access to high quality care in the Southern Mono Healthcare District. “Loma Linda University Health is focused on improving the health status of communities and individuals throughout the broad region it serves,” said Kerry Heinrich, chief executive officer, Loma Linda University Medical Center. “We are fully committed to developing partnerships with community hospitals, physician groups and other health service organizations. We are thrilled at this new opportunity to expand our services to this community and work in collaboration with the Southern Mono District to advance medical knowledge through a number of new and exciting programs.” Under this affiliation agreement, Loma Linda University Health will provide resources to district-run Mammoth Hospital, to enhance medical and hospital services to the Southern Mono Healthcare District communities. Additionally, on-site specialty care in selected service areas will be developed, where feasible, at Mammoth Hospital’s Rural Health Clinic. The affiliation also provides for a collaborative new Sports Medicine Fellowship program, training programs, such as simulation exercises, short-term clinical intensives, and other methods that will benefit both Loma Linda University Medical Center and Mammoth Hospital clinical staff. Under development is a plan to conduct regularly scheduled specialty services and consultations via telemedicine using telecommunication and information technologies that will provide clinical health care from a distance. The partnership is also exploring the establishment of a program where Mammoth Hospital will serve as a rural training site for Loma Linda University medical students and residents. Gary Myers, chief executive officer of Mammoth Hospital, said, “The affiliation with Loma Linda University Health is an exciting opportunity for us and for the community we serve. We are looking forward to expanding our service offerings through this partnership.” “The mission of the Southern Mono Healthcare District is to protect the well-being and improve the health of our residents and guests, Myers continued, “and this new affiliation will allow Mammoth Hospital to enhance its service offerings and provide more specialty care here in the Eastern Sierra. “This affiliation is another step in fulfilling our strategic plan of establishing a clinical integration network that extends our ability to provide healthcare to local communities while also increasing access to tertiary, quaternary and advanced specialty care for the vast four-county area that falls within our purview,” stated Loma Linda University Health president, Richard H. Hart, MD, DrPH. “We intend to integrate our commitment ‘to make man whole’ with mission and dedication to the community.”