Congressman Andy Levin (MI-09), whose district includes Beaumont Health's flagship hospital in Royal Oak, released the following statement after the announced merger of the hospital system with West Michigan's Spectrum Health:
"As our communities and health systems continue to recover from what we hope is a once-in-a-century pandemic, I will evaluate this proposed merger with great care. I am committed to preventing spikes in health care costs and worse patient outcomes, as evidence indicates can happen following mergers. I will not accept inferior care for my constituents in the name of consolidation of competition or growth of revenue.
"I am cautiously optimistic about certain aspects of this new partnership. Spectrum Health appears to have fewer labor complaints against their management. I hope the leadership of the proposed new entity takes seriously their obligations to their workers including ensuring they are protected in the workplace and respecting their freedom to form a union and bargain collectively if they choose."
"The departure of Beaumont CEO John Fox and the end to the speculation that Beaumont will be acquired by a larger, out-of-state entity is also welcome news. I look forward to meeting Tina Freese Decker, working to understand the proposed broader leadership structure and connecting with those involved in order to make sure that my constituents have access to the highest quality care, lower costs and better workplaces."
Source:https://andylevin.house.gov/media/press-releases/levin-statement-beaumont-spectrum-merger
