<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3ulGXY_1AAn0o0g00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3ulGXY_1AAn0o0g00" width="1920" height="1080" ><figcaption>Credit: Harrison Belsanti</figcaption></figure>MACOMB, Ill. — McDonough County could soon face changes to its ambulance service, as McDonough District Hospital looks to end its current contract due to rising costs.The hospital has been contracted with <a href="https://www.amr.net/locations/lifeguard-ambulance-service">Lifeguard Ambulance</a> for about eight years, but leaders recently issued a 45-day notice to end that agreement by May 3.McDonough District Hospital President and CEO Bill Murdock said the decision comes as the hospital works to improve its financial position.“We’re trying to be fiscally responsible, and rural healthcare is a challenge right now," Murdock said. "We’re just looking at everything to improve our financial performance, and that’s why we looked at this contract."Hospital leaders said the contract could cost about $3.1 million over five years, with expenses driven largely by workforce, equipment and reimbursement challenges.“Workforce, labor, cost of equipment as well, and lack of reimbursement from the government payers as well,” Murdock said.Murdock said those reimbursement issues are not unique.“It is for all rural hospitals, all hospitals are that way,” he said.Despite the potential end of the current agreement, hospital leaders said they are working to avoid any disruption in service.“There’s plans in place to possibly have another vendor take over that service. Our goal is not to have any lapse in service,” Murdock said.Murdock said negotiations are ongoing with both the current provider and other companies.“Yeah, and our current vendor is also very interested in retaining this service here. So negotiations are ongoing and very active at this point,” he said.He added that he is confident a solution will be reached before the deadline.“I think after this week, I feel very confident that something will be in place by May 3,” Murdock said.Hospital leaders said the goal is to keep ambulance service in place for the community while working toward a more sustainable long-term plan.</div></body>

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MACOMB, Ill. — McDonough County could soon face changes to its ambulance service, as McDonough District Hospital looks to end its current contract due to rising costs. The hospital has been contracted with Lifeguard Ambulance for about eight years, but leaders recently issued a 45-day notice to end that agreement by May 3.

McDonough County ambulance service uncertain amid contract changes

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MACOMB, Ill. — McDonough County could soon face changes to its ambulance service, as McDonough District Hospital looks to end its current contract due to r

McDonough County ambulance service uncertain amid contract changes

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