News

As federal lawmakers consider drastic cuts to Medicaid, Munson Healthcare is calling for immediate action to protect this essential program, which provides critical healthcare services to more than 2.6 million Michigan residents, including 75,000 of our most vulnerable Northern Michigan residents.

Me...

For a second consecutive year, Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital (POMH) announced that it has been named a 2024 Human Experience (HX) Guardian of Excellence Award® winner by Press Ganey, the global leader in healthcare experience solutions and services. This award is part of Press Ganey’s annual...

Munson Healthcare (MHC), in partnership with Harm Reduction Michigan (HRMI), has installed 25 NARCAN® (Naloxone) Distribution Boxes at facilities across the health system to continue supporting a statewide trend of declining overdose deaths. 

Supported by a grant from the Health Resource and Service...

Certified application counselors are available at several Munson Healthcare facilities to help individuals enroll in the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance Marketplace for 2024-2025.

The enrollment window began Nov. 1 and closes Jan. 15. Open enrollment remains important for anyone not covered by...

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation’s Anchor and Heart Endowment has awarded a $110,325 grant to Munson Healthcare Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital, supporting the Paul Oliver Living and Rehabilitation Center (POLAR).

As a long-term care community located within the hospital, POLAR aims to...

Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital (POMH) is giving thanks to Ted Greene for a recent $500,000 gift to ensure the hospital’s radiology services and equipment remain on the leading edge in the years to come. 

Family, along with Munson leaders and board members gathered for a ceremony last week (July 3) to...

Northern Michigan is recognized nationally as a summer tourist destination which means a bump in population of 42 percent or more and increased demand for healthcare services across the area Munson Healthcare serves.  

While more and more patients are seeking out virtual care options, many continue...

Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital (POMH), in conjunction with the Betsie Hosick Health & Fitness Center, will host a free, 10-week exercise program aimed at newly diagnosed cancer patients, those who are undergoing treatment, in remission, and cancer survivors two years post treatment. The Journey...

Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital (POMH) announced that it has been named a 2023 Human Experience (HX) Guardian of Excellence Award® winner by Press Ganey, the global leader in healthcare experience solutions and services. This award is part of Press Ganey’s annual ranking of the top hospitals and...

Munson Healthcare (MHC) announced today that Jennifer Standfest, MSN, RN, NE-BC, has been named the system’s Chief Nursing Officer. 

"As we continue to transform our internal culture, create more patient centric experiences, and implement our strategic plan, it will be critical to have a positive...

Munson Healthcare Empire Family Practice is pleased to welcome Daniel Hadley, M.D., to the medical staff. 

Dr. Hadley is a Michigan native. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and then attended and graduated from medical school at Indiana University School of...

Munson Healthcare will offer low-dose CT scan screenings as part of National Lung Screening Day on Nov. 11.

Munson Healthcare Director of Radiology Branden Hill said the screenings at health system hospitals emphasize the importance of lung health for residents in the region.

“Lung cancer remains...

Munson Healthcare President and CEO Ed Ness recently announced the appointment of Michael Saad as chief information officer (CIO) for the health system.

Saad joins the health system from the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, Tenn. where he served as senior vice president and...

Munson Healthcare Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital today announced that they have pulled the Betsie Hosick Health and Fitness Center off the market and will continue operating the community fitness center.

From the outset, Munson Healthcare stated a desire to secure a strategic partner that would lead...

Munson Healthcare is harnessing the power of art to address mental health in the community.

Northern Michigan’s largest non-profit healthcare system today launched a “Voices for Youth Mental Health Art Contest” to allow those of all ages to express their feelings, wisdom, and hope on issues related...

Munson Healthcare Frankfort Specialty Clinics is hosting an open house today from 5 - 7 p.m. 

The clinic is located at 917 Main St. in Frankfort. The public is invited to attend.

The open house will include a tour of the clinic, light refreshments, and a meet and greet with several of the clinic’s...

Back-to-school season for many is an exciting time for children to reconnect with friends, meet new ones, and experience opportunities for growth and learning.

It is also a time when parents dread the viruses and bacteria that come with school being back in session. Germs take advantage of young...

Munson Healthcare Foundations and Iron Fish Distillery are teaming up to present a family friendly concert Thursday, Aug. 24, to benefit Munson Healthcare Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital.

The band, Breathe Owl Breathe, a self-described “spirit rock band” will perform from 7 - 9 p.m. in the Barn at...

As a nationally-recognized summer tourist destination, the population swells this time of year across the northwest lower peninsula’s 10-county area by 78 percent – according to a study by Networks Northwest. This also means an increased demand for healthcare services, which equates to a 42 percent...

Munson Healthcare is pleased to announce the appointment of Megan Brown as the health system’s new Chief Marketing and Communications Officer. She will lead internal and external marketing, communications and public relations for the health system which includes eight hospitals across northern...

Munson Healthcare is pleased to welcome Sara Hoye, F.N.P.-BC, to Frankfort Medical Group as a Family Medicine provider. 

After years of emergency nursing, Hoye wanted to expand professionally and chose to become a family nurse practitioner because of the diversity it offers. She graduated Kaplan...

Munson Healthcare (MHC) will join nine other health systems across the state in relaxing its masking and visitation policies effective Friday, April 14. Universal masking will no longer be required for everyone in Munson Healthcare hospitals and clinics.

Munson Healthcare Chief Safety and Quality...

North Flight Aero Med, a service of Munson Healthcare and Corewell Health, announced today it is adding a Beechcraft King Air B-250 airplane to its fleet.  This aircraft will become the new primary airplane for the air ambulance operator in northern Michigan while its current King Air B-200 is...

Munson Healthcare Chief Medical Officer Christine Nefcy, M.D., FAAP, and President of Ambulatory Services and Business Development Ellen Smith today announced the appointment of Dino Recchia, M.D., FACC, as Heart and Vascular Service Line Medical Director for the health system.

“Dr. Recchia will...

Munson Healthcare South Region President Peter Marinoff announced the interim leader for Manistee and Frankfort hospitals will now step into a permanent role.

“I am happy to announce that Kelly Tomaszewski has been named community president at Manistee Hospital and Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital,”...

Munson Healthcare leadership recently announced the appointment of radiation oncologist David Heimburger, M.D., as the Physician Chief for Oncology in the health system. He replaces David Gordon, M.D., who retired in November.

“Dr. Heimburger has served as the Radiation Oncology Program Director...

Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital leadership announced today that the hospital is seeking an outside organization to own and operate the Betsie Hosick Health and Fitness Center.

The health and fitness center has been a part of the hospital’s operations for nearly 15 years. During that time, the fitness...

Certified application counselors are available at several Munson Healthcare facilities to help individuals enroll in the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance Marketplace for 2022 - 23.

The enrollment window began Nov. 1 and closes Jan. 15. Open enrollment remains important for anyone not covered...

Munson Healthcare (MHC) President and CEO Ed Ness recently announced changes to the health system’s senior leadership team with the promotion of Laura Glenn to chief operating officer and the appointment of Shelley Spencer to chief human resources officer.

Glenn, who joined MHC in 2017, most...

Munson Healthcare Executive Director of Women’s and Children’s Services Joan Rickli announces the appointment of Jacques-Brett Burgess, M.D., as Service Line Medical Director, Pediatrics for the health system.

The new part-time administrative position is part of Munson Healthcare efforts to...

Munson Healthcare was recently recognized by Forbes as among “America’s Best Employers by State” for 2022, ranked third among healthcare employers and 37th overall in the state of Michigan.

Forbes and the market research company Statista generated the list after anonymous surveys of 70,000...

Munson Healthcare Hospice is hosting its annual Memorial Butterfly Release event in three northern Michigan communities during July.

Munson Healthcare Hospice Bereavement Coordinator Erin Gray said the release is something Munson Healthcare Hospice looks forward to sharing with the region’s...

Munson Healthcare Chief Medical Officer Christine Nefcy, M.D., FAAP, recently announced appointments of two health system physician leaders to regional chief medical officer (CMO) roles.

Munson Healthcare Grayling Hospital Chief Medical Officer Aditya Neravetla, M.D., has accepted an expanded role...

Munson Healthcare Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital’s Laboratory Services recently received accreditation from the Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists following an on-site inspection.

The College of American Pathologists is recognized by the federal government as being equal...

Munson Healthcare President and CEO Ed Ness received a double dose of honors from the Michigan Health and Hospital Association (MHA) this week with the 2022 Healthcare Leadership Award and the 2021 Grassroots Champion Award.

The MHA met on Mackinac Island for its annual meeting. Ness was one of...

Northern Michigan residents considering bariatric surgery are invited to attend a free virtual informational seminar on Monday, June 13, from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Michael Nizzi, D.O., F.A.C.O.S., medical director of Munson Medical Center’s Bariatric Program, will discuss surgical benefits and explain...

Munson Healthcare encourages the residents of northern Michigan to enjoy the Memorial Day holiday weekend while recognizing that COVID-19 remains a concern.

Munson Healthcare Chief Medical Officer Christine Nefcy, M.D., FAAP, said positivity rates in the region remain high in some counties and...

Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital President and CEO James Barker has announced his retirement effective July 15.

Barker has served as the president of the hospital for the past 11 years.

“I feel blessed to have worked with the physicians, staff, and leadership of the south region hospitals, and...

Munson Healthcare has named Peter Tucker, M.D., as the medical director for the primary care service line.

A new position, Dr. Tucker’s role will be to provide visionary and strategic physician perspective on the direction of healthcare delivery. He will work closely with Munson Healthcare...

Cardiologist Kristen Maurice, D.O., will discuss the “Long-term Cardiovascular Manifestations of COVID-19” as part of the virtual meeting of the Long COVID Support Group from 5 - 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 5. The public is invited to join the presentation.

Registration is required by going to muns...

Munson Healthcare System Director of Safety and Security John Bolde recently was selected by the Michigan Safety Conference for the “Daryl C. Hill Safety Professional of the Year” award honoring a Michigan safety or health professional who has made a positive impact on safety and health in the state...

Munson Healthcare, along with other national, state and community organizations, are leading a massive effort to highlight the importance of advance care planning in recognition of April 16 as National Healthcare Decisions Day.

As a participating organization, Munson Healthcare is offering free...

Spring brings new services and opportunities for the residents of Benzie County to stay close to home for their healthcare.

Munson Healthcare Paul Oliver Hospital President James Barker said the busy COVID-19-dominated winter has now transitioned to fewer COVID-19 patients and a chance for hospital...

Munson Healthcare has further reduced its operational response to the COVID-19 pandemic from Pandemic Level Orange to Yellow status effective Thursday, March 17. The move comes as infection rates decline in the community and lower numbers of COVID-19 patients are in health system hospitals.

The...

Munson Healthcare today announces revisions to its visitation policies as the continued COVID-19 surge brings added concerns for virus transmission and the need for patient and healthcare team safety.

Effective immediately, all inpatients, including those who have tested positive for COVID-19, will...

As COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations rise across the region, Munson Healthcare is activating protocols for Pandemic Response Level Red for the first time in the organization’s history.

While COVID-19 numbers are on the decline across the nation as a whole, this is not the case in Michigan...

Munson Healthcare’s East and South Region presidents today jointly announced the appointment of Cristen Brandsma to Director of Surgical Services, Community Hospitals. 

East Region President Kirsten Korth-White and South Region President James Barker said Brandsma will oversee surgical services...

Munson Healthcare is opening a new provider specialty clinic in Frankfort starting Aug. 18. 

Munson Healthcare Frankfort Specialty Clinics will bring providers in the following specialties to Benzie County:

The Michigan Lean Consortium presented Munson Healthcare’s Vaccination Team with a 2020 Best in Healthcare Continuous Improvement award for the system’s tireless efforts to help vaccinate the communities it serves against COVID-19. The award was announced at the 9th Annual MLC Healthcare Symposium...

Munson Healthcare President and CEO Ed Ness announced today that Alicia Maitland has been named chief financial officer for Munson Healthcare.  She will be taking over the role from Mark Hepler who is retiring at the end of month.

Maitland joined Munson Healthcare in August of 2012 as the director...

Today, Munson Healthcare is officially moving our pandemic response stage from orange to yellow due to fewer COVID-19 cases both in Michigan and locally. As part of this change, we have modified our visitation policy so that all patients can have one visitor/support person at a time (18 years and...

Two Munson Healthcare hospitals received the top grade from The Leapfrog Group for Spring 2021. The twice yearly report card from the hospital quality organization was released today.

Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital and Munson Healthcare Grayling Hospital both received “A” marks while Munson...

Munson Healthcare will allow one vaccinated visitor per patient per day at its Munson Healthcare hospitals and clinics effective Friday, April 16. The effectiveness of vaccines is allowing the expanded policy, despite the current COVID-19 surge. 

Munson Healthcare Chief Medical Officer Christine...

Munson Healthcare is limiting visitor access to Munson Healthcare facilities effective Monday, March 29, due to a spike in community spread of the COVID-19 virus and its variants, and because more residents with the virus are requiring hospital care in northern Michigan. 

The number of patients...

Munson Healthcare President of Community Hospitals and System Integration Tonya Smith announced today that Peter Marinoff has been named community president of Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital.

Marinoff took on the role of interim community president in Cadillac in July of 2020. He took over...

Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in computed tomography (CT) and mammography as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

The ACR review assesses image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment...

Northern Michigan residents considering bariatric surgery are invited to attend a free virtual informational seminar on Monday, March 8, from 5:30 – 7 p.m.

Michael Nizzi, D.O., F.A.C.O.S., medical director of Munson Medical Center’s Bariatric Program, will discuss surgical options and explain how...

Certified Application Counselors are available at several Munson Healthcare facilities to help individuals enroll in the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance Marketplace for 2021.

President Joe Biden signed an executive order creating an emergency enrollment window that continues through May 15.
...

Northern Michigan residents considering bariatric surgery are invited to attend a free virtual informational seminar on Monday, Feb. 8, from 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Michael Nizzi, D.O., F.A.C.O.S., medical director of Munson Medical Center’s Bariatric Program, will discuss surgical options and explain how...

This has been a challenging year for many healthcare organizations due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Munson Healthcare is no exception. When COVID-19 cases first reached northern Michigan in March, Munson Healthcare saw a tremendous response from community members – from donations to words of...

This year’s flu season coincides with the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing the public’s risk for developing a respiratory illness with potentially serious complications. 
Fortunately, a safe, effective vaccine already exists for the seasonal flu and is updated each year in anticipation of the most...

Munson Healthcare is limiting access to its facilities and changing masking policies at hospitals in light of the current COVID-19 surge in northern Michigan. The number of patients with the pandemic virus who have required inpatient care has tripled during the past two weeks.

Munson Healthcare...

Northern Michigan residents considering bariatric surgery are invited to attend a free virtual informational seminar on Monday, Nov. 9, from 5 - 6:30 p.m.

Michael Nizzi, D.O., F.A.C.O.S., medical director of Munson Medical Center’s Bariatric Program, will discuss surgical options and explain how...

Certified Application Counselors are available at several Munson Healthcare facilities to help individuals enroll in the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance Marketplace for 2021.

The enrollment window begins Nov. 1 and closes Dec. 15. Open enrollment remains important for anyone not covered by...

Stroke intervention team is using revolutionary new technology to save minutes and save lives across Northern Michigan.

Munson Healthcare is attracting new talent and investing in the latest technology to transform stroke intervention care across nine integrated and affiliated hospitals in Northern...

The College of American Pathologists (CAP) has awarded accreditation to the Munson Healthcare Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital Laboratory based on results of a recent on-site inspection. Paul Oliver is now one of is one of more than 8,000 CAP-accredited facilities worldwide. The accreditation is valid...

New technology at Munson Healthcare Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital allows radiologists an improved method to screen patients for breast cancer, allowing for increased detection of early breast cancer with decreased “false alarms.” 

The hospital now offers the option of 3D tomosynthesis mammography...

Peter G. Tucker, M.D., has joined the staff of Munson Medical Center as a board-certified specialist in hospice and palliative medicine. Dr. Tucker practices with Munson Hospice & Palliative Care at 1105 Sixth St., Traverse City. Dr. Tucker also provides telemedicine services for other hospitals in...

Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital now has more capacity for inpatient care.

“Why would I go to Paul Oliver when they’re just going to send me to Munson Medical Center? We’ve all heard it,” said Nancy Smith (Reye), M.D., chief medical officer for Munson Healthcare Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital. “And for...

Last week marked over two months since Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital (POMH) and the entire Munson Healthcare (MHC) system began preparing for the onset of Covid-19 in Northern Michigan. Since that time, many things have changed in the way healthcare is provided in our communities.

“At Paul Oliver...

Sharon Grajcar, Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital Auxiliary president, announced plans at a meeting in mid-April to disband in September.

“Like many other service organizations, we’ve seen declining interest in volunteering, particularly for event planning” explained Grajcar. “This problem is not...

Munson Healthcare President Ed Ness and Skilled Manufacturing CEO Dodd Russell.

Munson Healthcare (MHC) is thanking a local CEO as well as General Motors  for their help in acquiring a substantial supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including masks, gloves and face shields, which are...

In response to confirmed community cases of COVID-19 in the region, Munson Healthcare is enhancing visitor restriction policies and enforcing masking for all patients and visitors in clinical care areas.  

UNIVERSAL MASKING
Effective, Saturday, April 4, Munson Healthcare will be implementing...

Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital confirms today it reported its first COVID-19 death to District Health Department #10.

“This is a heartbreaking day for this family and our community,” said Tonya Smith, president and CEO of Cadillac Hospital. “The reality of this illness has now reached into...

In response to the global shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and hospital supplies, Munson Healthcare has identified four ways the community can unite in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Community support is critical to help Munson Healthcare provide patient care, protect health care...

Health care institutions across the country and around the world are currently experiencing a shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other supplies because of a dramatic increase in demand due spread of COVID-19. Munson Healthcare is taking steps in its processes and protocols but...

In continuing efforts to reduce COVID-19 transmission and ensure patient and staff safety, Munson Healthcare is modifying select lab and Radiology services throughout the region. This follows guidance by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American College of Radiology...

Northern Michigan residents considering bariatric surgery are invited to attend a free informational seminar at Cowell Family Cancer Center in Traverse City on Tuesday, Feb. 11, from 6 - 7:30 p.m. The session will also stream live to Munson Healthcare facilities via REMEC Telehealth video.

Michael...

Emergency medicine physician Monica Johnson, M.D., recently joined Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital as director of the Emergency Department.

Dr. Johnson brings 25 years of experience mainly in rural emergency medicine and understands the importance of a critical access hospital. Her new role is...

Nurse practitioner Karen Volas, F.N.P.-C, values the scenery, lifestyle, and the people of Leelanau and Benzie counties.

The 19-year nursing veteran is in her sixth year providing care as a family nurse practitioner. She recently joined Munson Healthcare’s Empire Family Care provider team of Cyrus...

Helping area youth overcome the adversity and challenges that come with life is the focus of the seminar “Building Community Resilience” set for Sept. 25 at Benzie Central High School’s Auditorium.

The program will feature a short film, expert panel discussion and question-and-answer opportunities...

Munson Healthcare continues to work for solutions to the current opioid epidemic in northern Michigan.

In 2018, Munson Healthcare received a three-year $1.5 million grant from the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration that has allowed the health system to expand opioid use...

Both Munson Healthcare Grayling Hospital’s Crawford Continuing Care Center and Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital’s Living and Rehabilitation Center recently received 2019 Women’s Choice Award for Best Extended Care Nursing Home.

To achieve the recognition the facility must be rated as four or five...

Providing preventative and accessible mental health and substance abuse services is an essential regional need, according to results of the 2019 Community Health Needs Assessment known as MiThrive. Also identified as a strategic priority for Munson Healthcare: addressing basic needs of living to...

Munson Healthcare President and CEO Ed Ness was elected chair-elect of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association Board of Trustees. His term began July 1.

The board directs the greater Lansing-based association’s statewide representation of hospitals and health care providers. Ness will serve the...