UK HealthCare Springs Into Action at WEG

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 1, 2010) − UK HealthCare – the Commonwealth’s largest and most advanced medical provider – is serving as the official health care provider for the World Equestrian Games in Lexington.

And that expertise – as well as the resources UK HealthCare is bringing to the table for medical care – is paying off in a large way through the first week of the games.

In less than a week, nearly 175 people have received some patient care at the games, ranging from minor injuries to more serious medical issues.

“The equine world is focused on Lexington over this two-week period, with thousands of people visiting the Kentucky Horse Park during the World Equestrian Games,” said Michael Karpf, executive vice president for health affairs at UK HealthCare. “And our talented team of medical professionals is there to ensure that the best possible care is being provided -- at the games or, in the case of more serious illness, at Chandler Hospital through our new state-of-the-art Emergency Department.”

Only about 10 people have had to be transported to the hospital for medical care thus far, UK HealthCare officials said. A full complement of medical officials is on hand throughout the games to ensure that no matter what level of injury or illness, the capacity is in place to treat those impacted.

“We consider this a commitment to our community, both here in Lexington and the broader state and nation that we serve at UK HealthCare,” Karpf said. “One of the assets Lexington is able to offer to events like the World Games is a Level 1 trauma center with a growing national presence and reputation. Now, we are putting that into action over the course of these two weeks to ensure that everyone has access to the best possible care.”

UK HealthCare is advancing to serve Kentucky and beyond as its new Emergency Department is part of the overall construction of a new UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital scheduled to open in summer 2011.