The MHA received media coverage the week of Oct. 9 on rural healthcare challenges and legislation proposing state mandated nurse-to-patient staffing ratios.
The Detroit Free Press published an article Oct. 12 on the closure of Kelsey Hospital. Included is a quote from MHA CEO Brian Peters and MHA data regarding critical access hospitals and rural emergency hospitals. The story describes the close relationship and important impact hospitals have within their communities.
“We have to provide new options … new opportunities,” said Peters. “I think all of us — as residents of this state — want to have access to care, whether we’re in the big city or whether we’re on vacation in northern Michigan, or we’re commuting from point A to point B. You never know when you’re going to need health care and we need to have that infrastructure protected into the future.”
Two op-eds opposing one-size-fits-all nurse staffing ratios were also published. The first appeared in Bridge Michigan from MHA CEO Brian Peters, explaining the MHA’s opposition and the dramatic impact the legislation would have on a patient’s ability to access healthcare services.
Rep. Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington) also published op-eds in the Ludington Daily News and Cleburne Times-Review explaining his opposition and the need for nurse staffing solutions that grow the talent pipeline while maintaining the ability to make staffing decisions at the local level.
Members with any questions regarding media requests should contact John Karasinski at the MHA.