Board hears EMS ‘alliance’ proposal
By Melinda L. Lucas
An introductory proposal by Stephens Memorial Hospital administrator Matt Kempton concerning ambulance services took much of Monday’s hour-long board meeting of the Shackelford County Hospital District,
Board vice president Janna Ledbetter conducted the session in the absence of president John Ayers.
EMS Proposal
Kempton told the four directors present for the meeting that the Stephens County facility is looking at renewing their contract with Sacred Cross ambulance service based out of Denton following a successful first three years.
“We’ve been very satisfied with Sacred Cross, and we’re trying to find ways to share service with surrounding counties and maybe form an alliance to help you save money,” said Kempton. “At this point, we don’t have any kind of formal proposal; we’re just starting a conversation.”
Since Palo Pinto County also contracts with Sacred Heart, Kempton felt that the three adjoining counties could help each other save on EMS costs.
Stephens Memorial Hospital District, Stephens County, and the City of Breckenridge currently pay an annual subsidy to the ambulance company of $350,000 to $400,000.
“I’m struggling to understand how this could benefit us financially,” said Ledbetter. “Also, we already own our EMS trucks and equipment, and we’ve just ordered a new ambulance.”
The four directors present agreed that the board would discuss the matter at a future meeting if some numbers were made available, but several also commented that they were happy with the present EMS and that contracting with an ambulance service would take control away from the local board.
Office Lease
Board members agreed to a proposal from physical therapist Lacy Viertel of Albany, who plans to establish her own practice in the room on the east end of the clinic building.
Viertel plans to start working on getting her insurance credentials, a process that will take several months, then start seeing patients locally two half days a week.
No rent will be charged until Viertel starts working with patients, the board agreed.
“This will be a good thing for the community,” said director Mike Folsom. “We need a physical therapist here to see outpatients.”
Other Business
•The board approved the use of Big Country Regional Advisory Council grant funding in the amount of $4,111 to purchase three ToughBook tablets for the EMS staff to use on site.
•District administrator Jera Fairley reported that windows at the clinic had been caulked, stopping recent leaks, but that some sheetrock in the lower part of the west wall might need to be replaced.
•Fairley also said that clinic roofing repairs had been scheduled at a cost of about $2,000.
