The Marshall County Commissioners considered a contract with Quality Correctional Care, the company that provides medical services to the inmates in the Marshall County Jail.
During the commissioners’ meeting on Monday, Sheriff Matt Hassel said the contract is different in that the nurses’ hours are extended, mainly due to the high number of inmates in the jail. He explained that by adding it into the contract, it will be cheaper than paying overtime.
“Right now the contract has the nurse Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and no weekends. I, with our population, would like to increase that contract to 12 hours [a day] Monday through Friday, and 5 hours on Saturday and 5 hours on Sunday,” said Hassel.
Hassel commented that the current budget should cover the increase in the contract, barring any large medical issues.
He added that there is a benefit of having a nurse there for longer hours.
“The nurse personally will do the medication disbursement. My staff would not have to do that. That’s kind of a liability thing.”
He mentioned that the increase in hours will allow the nurse to see all of the inmates requesting to be seen by the nurse.
County Attorney Jim Clevenger hasn’t reviewed the contract, but the commissioners approved the contract with a unanimous vote pending his review.
