Date: Fri 02-Jul-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

regional-medic-contract

Full Text:

Regional Medic Service Deal Proves Elusive

BY STEVE BIGHAM

The Newtown Ambulance Corps appeared set to award its paramedic contract to

Champion Medic of Waterbury last week. However, a glitch in the negotiations

process has complicated matters. As of earlier this week, everything was on

hold.

It all comes down to a question of coverage, explained Christine Petersen of

the corps. Champion is unable to provide backup medic service as required in

the town's request for proposal (RFP).

"We were inclined to go with Champion, but now we're not sure," explained

First Selectman Herb Rosenthal. "It's a difficult procedure because we're

dealing with three first selectmen from three towns and ambulance corps

members from three towns."

The medic service -- currently provided by Danbury Hospital's Business

Systems, Inc -- serves the towns of Bethel, Newtown and Redding. Champion has

been scheduled to take over the coverage beginning Thursday morning at 12:01

am.

Mr Rosenthal, along with Corps Chief John Basso, was expected to meet with

Bethel first selectman Charles Steck and Redding first selectman Henry Bielawa

Thursday morning in Bethel.

The proposed Champion contract totaled $240,000 annually for all three towns

with Newtown paying $110,000. Negotiations have been going on since December.

BSI, a subsidiary of Danbury Health Systems (the for-profit part of the

hospital), did not bid as itself this year. Its bid came in as a management

company for Danbury ambulance.

Danbury Hospital's bid looked like it would be chosen, Mr Rosenthal said.

"Then our negotiations broke down, so we turned to Champion. That looked good

and now that has broken down."

The Newtown Ambulance Corps responds to all medical emergencies in Newtown. In

more serious cases, the paramedic can provide the highest level of advanced

medical care and/or life support.