The Chippewa County Board of Commissioners meeting on May 16, 2024, featured significant discussions regarding the staffing challenges and contract negotiations at MyMichigan Health, particularly affecting War Memorial Hospital. Several registered nurses from the hospital voiced their concerns about the ongoing nursing shortage and the impact it has on patient care and community health.

Jill Halsey, a nurse with 28 years of experience at the hospital, highlighted the critical staffing issues, noting that the emergency department often faces long wait times due to a lack of personnel. She emphasized that many nurses are leaving for better pay and benefits elsewhere, which has resulted in increased costs for patients and a strain on hospital resources. Halsey called for a fair contract proposal that would align wages with those of other hospitals in the Upper Peninsula, arguing that the current compensation does not reflect the rising cost of living or the value of their work.

Patty Wills, another registered nurse, echoed these sentiments, sharing her experiences working in the long-term care unit. She expressed concern about the safety of patients when staff from other units are pulled in to fill gaps, as they may not be familiar with the specific needs of vulnerable populations, such as those with Alzheimer's and dementia. Wills urged MyMichigan Health to invest in retaining local nurses by offering competitive wages and benefits, stating that the hospital is a vital part of the community.

Both nurses stressed the importance of maintaining a well-staffed hospital to ensure quality care for patients and to preserve the small-town feel that is integral to the community. They called on hospital executives to recognize the value of their staff and to take action to improve working conditions and compensation.

The meeting underscored the urgent need for MyMichigan Health to address these staffing issues and to negotiate a contract that reflects the realities faced by nurses and the community they serve. The discussions highlighted the broader implications of the nursing shortage, not only for the hospital but for the health and well-being of the entire Chippewa County community.