Members overwhelmingly approve agreement to safeguard patient care, ensure stability

http://www.minurses.org/news-and-events/p/openItem/5405

LANSING, Mich. - Sparrow Hospital and the Michigan Nurses Association, which represents nearly 2,200 nurses and health care professionals who provide care to mid-Michigan patients and families every day, have finalized modifications to a contract that would have expired this year.

An overwhelming majority of voting members of the Professional Employee Council at Sparrow Hospital (PECSH) on Thursday approved the contract modification, which extends the current contract through October 2017. 

"Concluding the contract work allows all of us to keep the focus on what matters most: taking care of the patients who put their health and their lives in our hands,” said Jeff Breslin, RN, President of PECSH as well as the Michigan Nurses Association. “It was essential to us that any agreement maintain the resources we need to provide the best patient care possible, especially staff-to-patient ratios.”

By agreeing to a contract modification now, Sparrow and MNA/PECSH members are provided a sense of security and stability as we negotiate through this tough economy.

“Like all our members, the nurses and other health care professionals at Sparrow are patient advocates first and foremost,” said Michigan Nurses Association Executive Director John Karebian. “Our members’ productive relationship with Sparrow management has enabled them to advocate effectively, which translates to better, safer care for patients. We’re pleased to be able to move forward in this positive way.”

Dennis Swan, Sparrow President and CEO, said:

"For 25 years, Sparrow and MNA have worked closely together to put patient needs first and provide the best care possible to everyone, every time.  The success of our work is reflected in our selection as a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network and receiving the Nurse Magnet designation. Approval of this contract allows us the ability to focus our efforts on transforming care in mid-Michigan and improving the health of our communities by providing quality, compassionate care to everyone, every time.”