The Alpena Regional Medical Center has been around for more than a decade. Formerly known as Alpena General Hospital, the 146-bed facility provides medical and surgical services to a large portion of Northeastern Michigan. It is also the center for innovative cancer treatment.
In April 2016, MidMichigan Health System acquired the former Alpena Regional Medical Center. The organization is a non-profit health system that serves twenty-five counties in the Upper Peninsula. With more than 7,200 employees, the organization provides a wide variety of services, including urgent care, home care, specialty health services, and medical offices.
Recently, MidMichigan Medical Center – Alpena has made several changes. It has implemented an integrated system approach to continuous improvement, and engages all members of its care team to achieve excellent outcomes. For example, the hospital has installed a state-of-the-art electronic medical record system, Epic, which streamlines processes and offers faster communication. Additionally, it has upgraded its patient portal. Currently, the hospital has more than 1,000 employees and serves a 24-zip code area.
MidMichigan Medical Center – Alpena is a member of the HMS, or Healthcare Management Society. Since 2011, the hospital has worked with HMS to improve patient safety. Now, the hospital has a full-service cancer center in partnership with Michigan Medicine, which is one of the largest providers of cancer treatment in the country.
In July 2018, Chuck Ross was appointed president of the MidMichigan Medical Center – Alpena. He is a Fellow of the College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and has over two decades of experience in the healthcare industry. Prior to his appointment, he served as Vice President of Business Development and Clinical Services at the hospital.
While the hospital continues to implement change, the level of service and care is strong. According to the President, Diane Postler-Slattery, the health system will retain the quality of care it has earned throughout the years. She noted that the name change is better for the organization and its new identity.
According to Becker’s Hospital Review, the hospital has made the list of the top 100 great community hospitals. This is because it is well-recognized for its quality and leadership. They are committed to serving the communities they serve. Also, it is recognized for overall excellence and patient satisfaction.
The hospital is currently building a $63.5 million patient tower, which will feature 44 medical beds and eight labor and delivery rooms. Additionally, the hospital is constructing five operating rooms, flex rooms, and 18 prep and recovery rooms. Moreover, the health system has been awarded $500,000 from the Alpena Regional Medical Center Endowment Fund to assist in training Epic users.
Along with the hospital, there are several specialized treatment facilities in the area. These include the MediLodge of Green View, a five-star skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility. There are also many cultural and arts opportunities in the area. Visitors will find a number of art galleries, a national marine sanctuary, an independent history museum, and a thriving music and entertainment culture.