MIDWEST

LUDINGTON, Mich.— Memorial Medical Center in Ludington is the latest hospital with plans to become a member of Spectrum Health. Memorial Medical, an 80-bed hospital near the shore of Lake Michigan, signed a nonbinding letter of intent to join the not-for-profit system, based about 90 miles south in Grand Rapids. The decision comes after a vote last fall in which Memorial Medical Center’s board of directors decided to investigate possible relationships with larger and more integrated healthcare systems. Memorial Medical Center looked at 27 options before narrowing

said in the release. “We appreciate the patience of our employees and others in the community, as we worked hard behind the scenes seeking the best outcome for all parties.” The organizations set a July 1 deadline to reach a definitive agreement and hope to meet all necessary regulatory approvals in time to transfer ownership by October.

— Rachel Landen the field to several finalists. “Given the rapidly changing healthcare industry, the board recognized it was our responsibility to explore all options to better meet the healthcare needs of our community,” board chair Al Deering said in a news release. Memorial Medical Center President and CEO Mark Vipperman said in the release that Memorial patients “will benefit from expanded services, access to specialists and enhanced recruitment of additional physicians.” Last month, Spectrum Health announced an agreement to acquire Mecosta County Medical Center in Big Rapids, Mich., on July 1.

— Rachel Landen