EMS update: hospital reopening shifts paid staff; county urged to keep Fire & EMS agency license active
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Summary
Emergency services staff said Stuart Community Hospital has reopened and paid EMS staff moved to the hospital; Scottie Castle urged the board to approve reverting Patrick County Fire & EMS to a non‑transport agency so the county keeps the agency number and can support volunteer ALS intercepts and mobile health licensing.
Emergency services personnel updated the board on Jan. 12 about changes resulting from the reopening of Stuart Community Hospital and the end of the prior paid Station 8 model.
Scottie Castle asked the board to approve converting Patrick County Fire & EMS to a non‑transport agency to preserve the agency license. He said keeping the agency active with a non‑transport designation requires only administrative action and would enable volunteers to run ALS intercepts, retain mobile health unit licensing, and continue a county pharmacy and central supply operations. Castle said the county’s paid staff largely moved to the hospital and volunteers along with part‑time staff have kept response capacity active during the transition.
Board members indicated that because the item originated in facilities reporting it would be brought back in February for a formal vote; Castle urged timely action to maintain licensing and operational continuity.