In a statement to Becker’s Hospital Review, hospital officials said UnityPoint Health-Marshalltown will transition its 911 Ambulance Dispatch Center to the Marshall County Communication Center and its 911 Communications Commission, effective July 1.
“UnityPoint Health-Marshalltown believes this change will improve and streamline communication for dispatching ambulance services in addition to following best practices in regard to 911 communications. In fact, UnityPoint Health — Marshalltown is the only hospital in Iowa that provides this service and it is not a best practice,” the statement reads.
Hospital dispatchers currently provide assistance for residents who may need an ambulance, but emergency operators would have to take over those duties with the hospital discontinuing medical dispatch, the Times-Republican reports.
Hospital officials attributed the decision to cost-cutting efforts that are necessary for UnityPoint Health-Marshalltown’s financial health. They called it “difficult” but “necessary.”
“Ensuring our ability to succeed in the new healthcare environment means we must carefully assess how to best invest our financial and human resources and build new capabilities necessary to compete in the future,” they said. “Ultimately, these changes will help us progress toward that goal.”
UnityPoint Health-Marshalltown noted it’s still able to offer ambulance service when the 911 communication center requests it. The hospital’s statement adds, “Details of this transition are currently being worked on and will be in place prior to the effective date.”
The move will affect less than five UnityPoint Health-Marshalltown medical dispatchers. County commissioners estimated four additional 911 operators would have to be trained quickly so they are prepared in July, and officials have discussed the opportunity to hire the affected UnityPoint Health-Marshalltown dispatchers, according to the report.
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