Chicago-area hospital to start non-emergency ambulance service

Edward Hospital in Naperville has announced the creation of Edward Ambulance Services, a joint venture with Community Emergency Medical Service Inc. of Southfield, MI, which will provide non-911 ambulance transportation throughout Edward's service area in the suburbs. The joint venture between a healthcare provider and ambulance service is the first of its kind in the Chicago area. "With the focus on healthcare reform and emphasis on the quality and cost of healthcare, we're implementing measures to become more efficient, better coordinate care and improve patient satisfaction," says Bill Kottmann, president of Edward Health Ventures. "It also ensures patients will receive the same Edward experience throughout their care." Officials with Community Emergency Medical Service said that Edward Hospital is a good partner for this type of project.