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Council approves MOU with Beatrice Community Hospital to aid patient transfers and reimburse firefighter callback costs
Summary
The council unanimously approved an MOU with Beatrice Community Hospital establishing a protocol for the timely transfer of patients and a payment arrangement to reimburse firefighter callback overtime incurred when firefighters are called back to transport patients.
The Beatrice City Council voted 8-0 to approve Resolution 75‑68, executing a memorandum of understanding with Beatrice Community Hospital and Health Center Inc. The MOU establishes procedures for timely patient transfers and a reimbursement arrangement for firefighter callback costs.
City staff explained the hospital had raised concerns about missed transfer calls. Under the MOU, when Beatrice Community Hospital requests transport to another facility and the city has staffing available, Beatrice Fire Department will transport the patient. The agreement does not obligate the city to accept transfers if staffing is not available.
To address minimum staffing and callback challenges, staff described a voluntary program modeled on existing utility on‑call practices. Off‑duty firefighters may volunteer to carry a callback phone, agreeing to return for a front‑12 or back‑12 shift; union contract terms guarantee a two‑hour overtime minimum for callbacks. City staff estimated the maximum annual cost of the callback stipend program at about $146,000 and said the hospital has agreed to reimburse those costs, with reimbursements paid quarterly.
Chief Jakey and union representatives helped develop the policy, and city staff will administer sign‑up procedures and enforcement. The council approved the MOU unanimously.
