(IRON MOUNTAIN, MI.)-Nearly 200 people attended the public hearing at Bay West Campus. The purpose was to learn what will be involved in putting the healthcare entities of Dickinson County Healthcare System and Bellin Health together as one and at what timetable. Residents were given the opportunity to share their support or voice their concerns regarding the new partnership. John Schon, Administrator-CEO of DCHS explained what led to the this point, and what will be done to resolve the situation. Following the discussions about the situation, the Dickinson County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to move forward to create the team of DCHS and Bellin Health. The final move should take place near July 1st. The discussion between both DCHS and Bellin Health was the explanation of how positive the move will be. It was noted specialists would be available to patients at Bellin in Green Bay as well as DCHS in Iron Mountain. The top physicians will be available as well. The move is believed to be a positive move for both communities. Most in attendance said it would be a time to celebrate since the letter of intent was signed in December. The money battles should be a worry of the past and jobs may be solidified. In December, CEO of Bellin Health, George Kerwin said, employees will not have to reapply for their jobs and they would be hired as part of Bellin once the transaction is finalized. They will operate under Bellin-DC
(Aaron Harper,WJNR,WOBE,WHTO)
aaronharper22@gmail.com