Jan 6 2015
Vital Medical Services, a Glendale, CA-based private medical care provider, has earned a one-year contract enabling them to examine and treat local inmates on-site at the Glendale Police Department. On-site treatment is a more cost-effective approach that will provide considerable savings to the city. Last year alone, over 2,000 police hours were spent escorting inmates to the hospital, a process that will be eliminated under the new Vital Medical on-site model.
The one-year contract comes with two annual chances for renewal, and will be paid with money already set aside to cover hospital transportation. If implemented over three years, Vital's services would cost $207,000, compared to $323,000, an estimated savings of over $100,000 in hospital bills for the city. Glendale Police Department Chief, Robert Castro, stated, "Paramedics can (now) be available for more vital medical calls... (keeping) Glendale Police Department officers on the streets and on their beats." Vital employees would also be dispatched to the field to administer blood tests at DUI checkpoints, a process that previously required trips to the hospital. Workers are all licensed and have relevant experience in treating inmates or working at hospitals.
John J. Neu, President of Vital Medical Services and retired Torrance Police Chief, issued the following statement:
"At Vital Medical Services we have created an innovated approach to handle law enforcement agencies' responsibilities and needs in providing medical care and treatment. Through compassion, care and service we are able to provide superior medical service to patients while streamlining medical clearances. Our services reduce medical expenses incurred by cities who partner with us and remove the expense, liability, and valuable time required to transport arrestees to the hospital. Our revolutionary business model is the only service in existence that delivers field and facility-based medical support for municipal law enforcement agencies. Partnering with VMS allows municipalities the ability to provide cost-effective medical care and treatment in a controlled environment, significantly reducing liability and saving valuable time and money."
Sam Solakyan, Founder of Vital Medical Services, called the contract. "A win-win for everyone involved. This exciting endeavor allows Vital Medical to provide our exemplary service and care while saving the Glendale Police Department considerable funds that can be allocated elsewhere for the benefit of the community. We're proud to be working with the very people who protect our community and believe this will be the beginning of a long and mutually beneficial relationship."