Discusses Ambulance Service
The McDonough District Hospital (MDH) board met Thursday to address an ambulance service set to expire May 3rd following MDH's contract cancellation.
CEO Bill Murdock expects two proposals next week—one from Lifeguard and one from another ambulance service— each presented at separate meetings.
The public response has been swift and negative. Eric Blakeley, McDonough County Chairman, said the county has received hundreds of calls from area residents since the cancellation announcement. 'Most were not positive,' Blakeley said. The county is also reviewing proposals from multiple companies offering ambulance services.
'We are looking at several options and several companies that have come to us, and believe we can come up with a plan so that the residents of McDonough county will not have to go without ambulance service,' Blakeley stated. He acknowledged that MDH's short notice of cancellation complicated planning but said the county board will do what it can to provide care to its citizens.
Board members debated whether the City of Macomb should participate in discussions, noting that most ambulance calls serve Macomb residents.
Dr. Lockard questioned how the Macomb Fire Department's new contract—which removed a Macomb firefighter from Lifeguard's team—affects Lifeguard's expenses and whether that impacts Lifeguard's proposal.
Board member Jere Greuel asked whether Lifeguard provides monthly reports. Murdock said he has 2025 reports but nothing earlier; the reports are lengthy. Greuel suggested the board review them to better understand Lifeguard's service record.
Chair Dan O'Neil proposed forming a joint committee of MDH and county board members to resolve the issue. Blakeley said he would consider that approach.
Board member Dave Garner questioned when ambulance responsibility shifted from the county to the hospital, recalling the county presenting MDH with a new ambulance. Board member Ryan Riggins noted the responsibility may have changed decades ago and cautioned against blaming current county officials. He said citizens are caught in a 'big game of chicken' between the hospital and county—and stressed the need for a joint committee.
Murdock confirmed the hospital's goal is to exit ambulance service entirely and return responsibility back to the county, though MDH could assist during the transition.
Board member Garner suggested every government entity in the county should participate in talks. Board member Seth Minter agreed: 'It appears that this is a us vs. them situation and everyone is holding their cards tight to their chest, why? It would be in the best interest of the people that everyone work together.'
Murdock clarified that a meeting is scheduled next week with him and Blakeley; board members are welcome to attend. The board suggested forming a county oversight committee following that meeting.
Blakely, in a statement following the meeting said, “The County is not in a position to take over the ambulance services on such a short notice. We did not have a line item in this year’s budget for this, and do not have a revenue stream to fund it currently. If forced to do something, we would need more than a 30 day notice to get a system up and running' 'When you call 911, someone needs to respond to your call/need!”
Blakeley went on to say, ““It is deeply concerning that the hospital thinks basic ambulance service is not a needed service in our area. I am not sure the hospital and board has fully thought through the ramifications of this decision.”
Other Business
The board approved purchasing a local medical practice that employs two doctors. The independent practice will now operate as part of MDH services and generate additional revenue. Both doctors agreed to stay: one for three years and one for four years.
The specifics are announced in an additional article in this edition of the Community News Brief.
The board then entered executive session.
