Munson Healthcare

Three weeks after receiving its first COVID-19 vaccines, Munson Healthcare says 51.3% of eligible workers, more than 5,000 employees, have been scheduled or vaccinated as the hospital system moves to administering the second dose for some.

Hospitals across northern Michigan say they have enough beds, ventilators and PPE for this surge in COVID cases — the most of the pandemic.

Their problem now is having the staff to care for these patients, especially as the virus spreads through communities and healthcare workers themselves fall ill.

Starting Wednesday, restaurants in Michigan are again limited to delivery and takeout, high school and college classes can only be online, and non-professional sports games are cancelled. That’s under an order from Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s public health director.

Northwest lower Michigan is seeing a rapid rise in the number of COVID cases. Until recently, the region has largely avoided COVID spikes.

But as temperatures drop, residents are having to shift practices and behavior. 

In late May when Gov. Gretchen Whitmer lifted the stay-at-home order for northern Michigan, Traverse City local Tyler Harkert braced for a rush of downstaters. 

Cases of COVID-19 in the Traverse City region have been declining this week and the percent of positive tests has also been decreasing.

But public health officials repeat the same refrain: don’t let your guard down. The pandemic is far from over and the upcoming flu season, in-person classes resuming and the cold pushing people in-doors — where risk is higher — remain top of mind.

In the early days of the pandemic Munson Healthcare administrators were in a flurry of panic.

  Last week, hospitals in the Detroit area reported being at full capacity.

The state asked hospitals to make room for any COVID-19 patients that might need to be transferred. It suggested hospitals to increase the number of Intensive Care Unit beds to 10 to 20 percent and prepare an emergency plan.

Now, some northern Michigan hospitals are making room for possible transfers.

Sunday night, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, confirmed there are now 53 cases of COVID-19 in Michigan. 

No cases have been reported in northern Michigan yet, but health officials say it's just a matter of time before the coronavirus hits northern Michigan.

Is northern Michigan prepared?

Hospitals in northern Michigan are bracing for the chance that fewer people will have health insurance in the future. One local hospital leader says that could lead to higher costs for everyone.

Lyn Jenks has served as CEO of Charlevoix Hospital since 2012. She announced her retirement last week.

Jenks has overseen many changes at the hospital. Since the passage of the Affordable Care Act, the federal government views healthcare much differently, and that’s had a big impact on small, rural hospitals.

New federal rules are changing the game for hospitals. Instead of just treating sick people who walk in the door, hospitals are now expected to help solve public health problems.

But while the federal government encourages this big-picture thinking, there’s not really much accountability. At least not yet.

Hospital consultant Ed Gamache says the health care industry is in the middle of a philosophical shift. Local non-profit hospitals are now expected to take the lead on issues of public health.

Leaders at Munson Healthcare say they have a final agreement to buy two more hospitals. Mercy Cadillac and Mercy Grayling are currently owned by a major Catholic health system based in Southeast Michigan, CHE Trinity Health.

The deal is expected to be final February 1st. For now leaders are keeping quiet about the purchase price and other financial details. The sale still needs approvals from the government and the Catholic Church.