Nurses Seek Clarity in Hospital Transition to Beacon Health System
Amidst the transition of hospital ownership in southwest Michigan, nurses at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo express concerns regarding job security. The impending takeover by Beacon Health System leaves many uncertain about their future roles.
Lori Batzloff, a nurse in the neuro ICU and president of the local union chapter, voiced these concerns, stating, “We’re asking for a guarantee that the nurses that we have now will remain at Borgess after the transition.” She added that the current information available is “unclear, incomplete, and sometimes contradictory.”
Following Ascension’s decision to sell its Michigan hospitals, including a joint venture with Henry Ford Health, four hospitals including Ascension Borgess are set to become part of Beacon Health System. Beacon, based in South Bend, Indiana, announced the acquisition in April, which also encompasses 35 outpatient clinics and an ambulatory surgery center.
According to Beacon Health System’s press release, Ascension Borgess Hospital houses 422 beds and has a workforce of over 2,700. The statement emphasizes a commitment to ensuring a seamless transition for all involved parties.
Internal communications from Ascension Southwest Michigan assure medical staff that reapplying for their current positions is unnecessary. Employment will be transferred to Beacon Health System, contingent upon meeting its employment criteria. However, specifics regarding these requirements remain undefined, prompting concern among staff.
Batzloff expressed unease, stating, “They say as long as you meet Beacon’s employment requirements, you will be able to stay on. But we do not know what those employment requirements are.”
While Ascension has not commented, Beacon Health System issued a statement affirming their dedication to the continued employment of current staff. They also noted their commitment to honoring existing Collective Bargaining Agreements.
Despite this reassurance, the Michigan Nurses Association (MNA) reports a lack of response from Beacon Health System regarding requests for meetings. Moreover, Ascension has withheld the sales agreement, citing the need for the union to acknowledge the document’s potential inaccuracies before release.
Compounding the uncertainty, nurses were informed that non-vested retirement healthcare accounts would be dissolved post-sale, affecting employees’ future financial plans. Batzloff noted that this development has prompted some to consider alternative employment opportunities.
Despite these challenges, there is cautious optimism about potential improvements under Beacon’s management, including enhanced facilities and staffing. Batzloff emphasized the need for clarity, saying, “We would like to meet with them as soon as possible, so we can get some clear answers about how this transition is going to work for the nursing staff.”
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