Through the process of residents of DeWitt County being proactive to find a viable option for ambulance services after December 31, 2012, the Dr. John Warner Hospital has provided assistance along the way, and will continue to do so.

When the decision by the residents of DeWitt County has been reached to decide how they want to proceed with ambulance services, the hospital officials have no interest in re-entering into ambulance services. CEO of the City owned hospital Earl Sheehy stresses the hospital will continue to work with whoever comes in for the service to make the transition as seamless as possible.

[audio:sheehyambulance1.mp3]A Word From Sheehy[/audio]

The decision by the hospital is driven by their finances. The hospital loses on average about $500-thousand a year by providing ambulance services to the county residents. In looking back to the 2011 Fiscal Year, the hospital's losses without the ambulance service would have only been $100-thousand according to Sheehy.

[audio:sheehyambulance2.mp3]A Word From Sheehy[/audio]

Clinton Mayor Carolyn Peters has been instrumental in moving the process forward of raising awareness and gathering research for residents to understand the situation and all the available options for them. Of the options, Mayor Peters believes a private, non-profit entity would be the best option. The non-profit service would be similar to the Logan County Paramedics Association in Logan County, which right now, appears to be what the DeWitt County Board and City of Clinton seem to be working towards. Sheehy backs up Mayor Peters and feels a non-profit organization would be the best option for the residents effected by the DJWH's decision.

[audio:sheehyambulance3.mp3]A Word From Sheehy[/audio]

Sheehy stresses the hospital will work with whoever comes in to provide the ambulance services to make the transaction and transition as smooth as possible to make sure residents have the service they need and deserve.