At Monday afternoon's meeting of the Wabash County Commissioners, Wabash General Hospital President and CEO Karissa Turner spoke about an updated ambulance service agreement between the hospital and the county.
Turner said the new agreement replaces an outdated version that dates back to the early 1990s, when the hospital first began managing the county’s ambulance service. She explained that portions of the old agreement referenced facilities and equipment that are no longer relevant, as the service has grown and evolved over the years.
Turner noted the current ambulance building has been outgrown, with vehicles now being parked at the hospital’s maintenance building and in nearby lots. She said changes over time, including the addition of 24/7 staffing and overnight accommodations, have reduced available space and created the need for a larger, more suitable facility.
She added that future hospital construction plans and ongoing parking challenges have also made the current location less practical. While a new ambulance building is being considered, Turner said no final decisions have been made on a location.
Turner emphasized the hospital values its long-standing partnership with the county, noting the agreement allows for coordinated care between emergency room staff and paramedics, as well as continued operation of paramedic-level services and training programs in the community.
Following discussion, commissioners approved the updated agreement, allowing the partnership to continue moving forward.