Petoskey hospital backs off merger with Spectrum
Elizabeth Slowik

Citing difference in approaches to care that would be too wide to overcome, Northern Michigan Regional Health System in Petoskey has decided against joining Spectrum Health.

The two hospital systems had been in talks since March 2009.

In a written statement, Northern Michigan President & CEO Rezzie DeVet said the hospital’s board of trustees voted recently voted to end negotiations.

“Differences between the two organizations existed in the vision for the delivery of local health care series, leadership structure and board of trustee models,” DeVet said. “Although we are terminating our agreement, we will continue our long-standing history of collaboration with Spectrum Health on projects that increase access to health care services for patients in our region.”

Earlier this year, DeVet told the Business Journal that the Petoskey hospital wanted more time to examine how it might affected by Spectrum’s attempts to bring Munson Healthcare in Traverse City into its system.

“We recognize that this process often takes a great deal of time, and may have starts and stops, so we respect Northern Michigan Regional Health System’s decision,” according to a statement released by Spectrum Health . “We look forward to maintaining our ongoing relationship with Northern Michigan through collaborations such as Value Health Partners and Partners in Children’s Health.”

Northern Michigan will continue to participate with Spectrum’s Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital network and Value Health Partners, and will continue to accept Priority Health coverage.

Northern Michigan board Chairman Dave Buzzelli said that the trustees were disappointed about failing to reach an agreement.

“We continue to be dedicated to providing excellent health care in northern Michigan and will see opportunities to accomplish that goal.”