West Shore Medical Center has officially joined Munson Healthcare as the sixth fully integrated hospital in the Munson Healthcare system.
West Shore Medical Center has officially changed its name to Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital, reflecting a new level of coordination and collaboration with the Munson Healthcare system. Other fully integrated hospitals in the system are Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital, Munson Healthcare Charlevoix Hospital, Munson Healthcare Grayling Hospital, Munson Medical Center, and Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital. The agreement includes the full integration and name changes for the ambulance service, medical practices, and outpatient clinics in Manistee, Bear Lake and Wellston formerly owned and operated by West Shore Medical Center.
“While our name has changed, we are excited that the residents of the Manistee region will continue to enjoy access to quality health care for years to come,” said John Hoch, board chair of the Manistee Hospital Board of Trustees. Under the final agreement, Munson Healthcare agrees to sustain and enhance facilities and services, in accordance with an approved capital plan.
“Munson Healthcare remains committed to keeping care as close to home as possible,” said Ed Ness, president and CEO of Munson Healthcare. “Manistee Hospital has a strong reputation in the community that reflects their dedication to putting their patients at the center of everything they do. Our goal is to continue to support them as we have been for the past 19 years, while also bringing new benefits such as joint planning, shared physician recruitment activities, an integrated IT structure, and access to broader regional networks of care.”
As a part of the integration, Manistee Hospital will gain a seat on the Munson Healthcare Board of Directors, while one seat on the Manistee Hospital Board of Trustees will be added for a Munson Healthcare representative.
Manistee Hospital CEO James Barker said much work by hospital staff over the past several months has prepared the organization for the integration and a smooth transition.
“We believe this integration will allow us to be more responsive to the needs of our Manistee community,” he said. “It gives us stability in a challenging time for the health care industry and also provides a stronger connection for higher level care offered at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. We see this as a win for both communities.”
Manistee Hospital can now be found online at munsonhealthcare.org/manisteehospital.