Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, July 15, 1995                   TAG: 9507170056
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH                                LENGTH: Short

HUMANITARIAN GROUP PLANS FLYING HOSPITAL

The project, once completed, will allow Operation Blessing to provide medical services, including complex surgical procedures, to people in developing countries and areas stricken by disaster, officials of the organization said.

The flying hospital will have three operating rooms along with multiple treatment and examination areas, a nurse's station, a surgical equipment sterilization room, a pharmacy and a food service area.

The wide-body aircraft will have space for a staff of up to 72 people and is expected to be able to serve up to 70 patients a day with cleft lip and palate operations; orthopedic surgery; ear, nose and throat procedures; trauma treatment; and other surgery.

The flying hospital will make up to 20 trips a year, Operation Blessing said.

The plane will be modified by Lockheed Martin Aircraft Services of Ontario, Calif. The contract did not include the cost of acquiring the plane or the cost of the medical equipment to go on it, much of which will be donated.

The work is expected to be completed by March.

- Associated Press