KTRE.com Lufkin and Nacogdoches |Goldstar EMS Suspending Angel Flight Service In Lufkin

Goldstar EMS Suspending Angel Flight Service In Lufkin

by Stuart Burson

It has been a familiar sight flying over Lufkin for more than four years. But now, Goldstar EMS's Angel Flight will no longer transport medical patients around here.

Goldstar EMS is suspending operation of its Angel Flight air ambulance service in Lufkin. The company is not giving a specific reason for discontinuing the service.

A three sentence press release simply says the service is ending.

Lufkin hospitals seem to be taking the news in stride, knowing they'll have to use other options to transport some of their patients.

"Right now we're looking at pursuing other opportunities with other air ambulance providers. What we're doing is looking at our patients on a case by case basis and their individual needs. And that's how we're working with other hospitals if they need to be transferred to another facility." says Yana Ogletree with Woodland Heights Hospital.

Officials with Lufkin Memorial, where Angel Flight was based, tell us they don't think the end of Angel Flight will have a big impact on their air ambulance service, or have any major financial impact.

Goldstar's ground ambulance service will remain running in the Lufkin area.

Goldstar recently made news when federal authorities visited the Lufkin office seeking patient information. The company also filed for bankruptcy back in April.