Memorandum of understanding for ER services presented

Although nothing was approved, the Bourbon County Commission on Monday reviewed a proposed memorandum of understanding between the county and Amberwell Health concerning the provision of emergency health services in the county.

On Oct. 31, Ascension Via Christi officials announced through a news release the operations of its emergency department in Fort Scott will cease on Wednesday, Dec. 20. Company officials said in the release the decision was made “after a thorough analysis of trend data, patient census and the current and future challenges and opportunities facing this facility.” The release also states the ER has seen a “steady decline in visits and its overall average daily census, factors that, coupled with other economic challenges, have limited the department’s ability to continue operations.”

See Wednesday's print or online edition for full story.