| Changes have been proposed in Calhoun's emergency medical service system.
Representatives of Minnie Hamilton Health Care Center met with Calhoun's Emergency Medical Service Board Thursday evening suggesting Calhoun EMS and MHHCC combine services.
Minnie Hamilton Health Care has made overtures regarding the service before.
Steve Whited, CCO and Bill Ellis, Minnie Hamilton's ambulance service director said they would not only like to "continue the same coverage for the county, but increase the coverage."
Lisa Purvis, an administrator for Calhoun EMS, said Minnie Hamilton essentially is suggesting "taking over" Calhoun EMS in such a merger. She said the board asked lots of questions about the proposal, which resulted in considerable discussion.
MHHCC is eligible through the Critical Access Hospital (CAH) program, to receive cost-based reimbursement for ambulance
services, according to Whited. "The only stipulation to this is that the CAH facility (Minnie Hamilton) be the sole ambulance provider in that region or county."
This type of reimbursement is not a money maker, nor is it a losing affair. This reimbursement system covers the reasonable costs associated with providing the service, according to Whited.
"This type of reimbursement and the joining of forces would allow the EMS system in Calhoun County to be in a better position to continue the high quality of care without financial restraints that currently face the county system," according to Whited and Ellis.
The Minnie Hamilton proposal is said to be able to have costs covered, with recruitment and retention of employees being easier. The salaries and benefits needed to recruit and retain employees would be available, said Whited. EMS personnel would have competitive salaries and better benefits.
All five members of the EMS board were present, including Glen Hanlin, Jerry Riggs, Patty Wilmoth, Mike Ritchie and Cheryl Greathouse.
Some board members expressed concerns over the employment status of current EMS employees, if such a change was made. The EMS board reportedly told Minnie Hamilton to come back to the
next meeting with some guarantee of employment for EMS people, salaries, benefits and more clearly define how they would run the service.
Cheryl Greathouse, who was elected president of the group, asked for a current EMS employee to return to the next meeting with feedback from current employees.
Glen Hanlin was elected vice-president and Jerry Riggs was elected treasurer.
EMS Director Randy Burgess recently resigned and the board is seeking a replacement. Resumes will be reviewed on August 21st and interviews scheduled, according to Purvis.
"The citizens of Calhoun County and the service area are the main concern of MHHCC as well as the County EMS. Both of our
entities have an obligation to the community to provide the best health care services that we possibly can," said Whited.
"This option would combine efforts for the well-being of the community and its citizens, as well as allow for financial stability," he concluded.
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