The following letter was provided by Kevin Kalchik, M.H.A., C.P.A., president, MyMichigan Medical Center Sault and Lydia Watson, M.D., president and CEO, MyMichigan Health.
After our 14th session of contract negotiations, we are disappointed an agreement between MyMichigan Health and the Michigan Nurses Association (MNA) nurse’s union at MyMichigan Medical Center Sault was not met. The strike notice issued to MyMichigan from the MNA on April 3, 2024, will go into effect on Monday, April 15, at 6:45 a.m. The strike is expected to end on Saturday, April 20, at 6:45 a.m.
We want to assure you, our community, that as a result of the strength that our health system brings, MyMichigan Medical Center Sault is prepared for the five-day strike.
While some services or procedures may be delayed, most patient care and services will remain available. The safety and care of our patients remain our top priorities. We have staffing and security in place and are fully prepared and equipped to continue to deliver the excellent care our community has come to expect.
We are fortunate to have nurses from across the MyMichigan Health system, many of whom are traveling to the Sault, to fill in while the nurses in the Sault are striking. These nurses have years, and in many cases, decades of experience serving our communities. We have every confidence in the clinical expertise of our fellow MyMichigan nurses and their ability to work alongside our dedicated nursing leadership, physicians and other staff. This collaboration of those coming to serve our community is testament to the power of our health system working together and it shows MyMichigan’s commitment to maintaining and improving health care in the Sault and Eastern Upper Peninsula.
Know this: MyMichigan cares deeply for our staff, community and patients, and will continue to do all we can to meet the health care needs for all. That will never waiver. We remain hopeful that this situation can be resolved. You, your family, your friends, your loved ones and neighbors - you depend on us and we will not let you down.
Sincerely,
Kevin Kalchik, M.H.A., C.P.A., president, MyMichigan Medical Center Sault
Lydia Watson, M.D., president and CEO, MyMichigan Health