JOHNSTOWN, Pa., Jan. 7, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) and Rep. John P. Murtha (D-Pa.) announced today a health care information technology partnership that will bring new jobs to Johnstown.
Northrop Grumman's Information Technology (IT) sector, in partnership with Conemaugh Health Systems and the U.S. Department of Defense, is launching a software research and development program called the Military Interoperable Digital Hospital Testbed (MIDHT). This program will allow military and civilian health care providers to share electronic health records through a platform for health information exchange.
"We have been trying for years to ensure that our military personnel have electronic health records that can be shared and updated from the battlefield and bases here at home," said Murtha. "This endeavor will not only improve how medical information is handled by military and civilian hospitals, but will also provide additional quality jobs in Johnstown and further diversify our local workforce."
"This initiative will allow doctors on the battlefield and doctors right here in Johnstown to collaborate to help our wounded warriors," said Bruce Walker, director of strategic planning for Northrop Grumman IT's Civilian Agencies group. "Our returning troops will have access from the private sector care system with no interruption in care."
As part of the MIDHT, Northrop Grumman and its partners will create a new development lab for electronic health record systems and health information exchange. In addition, the facility will focus on the development of advanced collaboration technology and software-based tools that enable people in their offices or on the battlefield share information, coordinate efforts and solve problems. It is the area of collaboration work that founded Northrop Grumman's site in Johnstown, with more than two years of collaboration efforts for the defense industry.
"For the people of Johnstown, this initiative means additional high-technology jobs, located at the Northrop Grumman facility in the Johnstown Technology Park," said Walker. "Northrop Grumman is committed to Johnstown's success and driving local growth through jobs and investments in education."
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a $31.5 billion global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.