St. Catherine Hospital continues its mission to build healthier communities with yet another innovation.  After signing a preferred provider agreement with Ballard Aviation/Eaglemed of Wichita in November 2006, St. Catherine Hospital unveiled its newest team member, the “Dominican Spirit” on Thursday January 11, 2007.  The Dominican Spirit is a Beechcraft King-Air C-90 air ambulance, proudly displaying the hospital colors and logo.  The air ambulance will provide advanced air transport for residents in southwest Kansas, assuring that not only will they receive high quality care but will also benefit from the most rapid air transport available in the region when indicated.  The name was chosen from among 180 entries by Associates at St. Catherine Hospital.  The winner of the contest was Shari Brandenberg, Volunteer Coordinator at the hospital. 

A short ceremony included a blessing of the EagleMed crew and the “Dominican Spirit” by Fr. Frank Jordan.  After the ceremony, guests were invited to tour the plane and enjoy a hot appetizer buffet.  Among the guests were the Sisters of St. Dominic from the Motherhouse in Great Bend, Kansas who were very pleased with the name chosen.  Sr. Bertilla Brungardt said she is thankful the spirit of St. Dominic will comfort the passengers as they fly in the aircraft.  “The Sisters that founded the hospital would be so proud to know an airplane will carry the spirit of their beginnings in western Kansas,” she said.