MyMichigan Medical Centers in Tawas and Standish Mark 19 Months of Progress
In August 2024, Ascension St. Joseph Hospital in Tawas City and Ascension St. Mary’s in Standish began a new chapter following their transition to MyMichigan Health. Now, 19 months later, that change has taken root locally, with projects moving forward, partnerships strengthening and a growing list of accomplishments across both communities.
“Transitions take time, and the past year and a half has focused on listening, learning and moving forward together,” said Mike Erickson, market president of MyMichigan Medical Centers in Tawas, Standish, Saginaw, Towne Centre and Alpena. “Our teams have stepped up in remarkable ways, improving care for patients in these communities. That commitment has strengthened services, built trust and led to real progress in Standish and Tawas, including a strong turnaround in financial performance.”
Advancing Care and Safety
Significant steps have been taken to enhance patient care and safety in both Tawas and Standish. Daily Safety Briefings were implemented across departments, helping teams identify potential concerns early and improve outcomes. Virtual patient monitoring technology has also been introduced.
“A strong culture of safety is essential to delivering high-quality care,” Erickson said. “Daily briefings ensure every team member has a voice and helps us stay focused on patient safety every day.”
Expanding Services and Technology
Investments in clinical services and technology are significantly expanding access to high-quality care close to home. In fact, most recently MyMichigan expanded access to lifesaving stroke care in Tawas and Standish with the launch of a telestroke service in partnership with University of Michigan Health. The collaboration connects patients in northeast Michigan with nationally recognized stroke specialists through secure, state-of-the-art telemedicine technology.
In addition, in both Tawas and Standish, several pieces of advanced equipment has been added including smart pumps, ultrasound machines, cardiac monitors, scopes and cameras, and portable vital sign units has enhanced the ability to deliver timely, efficient care. In Tawas, the addition of a new CT scanner, along with the recruitment of new physicians, has broadened access to orthopedics, oncology, cardiac care, and hospitalist services. General surgery coverage has also been strengthened with the introduction of 24/7 community call, ensuring patients have access to care whenever it’s needed.
Across both locations, the implementation of the EPIC electronic medical record system has improved care coordination and patient experience.
“Epic has allowed us to create more patient- and family-centered workflows while improving efficiency and satisfaction,” said Steven McLean, M.D., emergency department medical director and vice president of medical affairs. “It also makes coordinating care with partners like University of Michigan much easier.”
Investing in Facilities and Access
Both Tawas and Standish introduced 24/7 Grab & Go cafeteria access to better serve patients, visitors and staff. Several structural upgrades and cosmetic improvements in patient care areas have also been completed. These positive changes support convenience and comfort while enhancing the overall care environment.
Strengthening Recruitment and Retention
Over the past 18 months, workforce stability has improved, with fewer open positions and reduced turnover among nurses and staff.
“These improvements reflect a stronger, more stable workforce,” Erickson said. “That stability allows us to better serve our patients and communities.”
Community Impact
Community engagement remains a cornerstone of both Medical Centers. Standish hosted a Kickoff to Summer Health and Safety Day, distributing life jackets and first aid kits. Both communities supported local organizations including Sunrise Community Resource Center, Tawas Wellness Warriors and others.
These efforts were complemented by MyMichigan’s ongoing wellness initiatives such as Lifestyle Medicine, Chronic Disease Self-Management, Food Pharmacies and more. These initiatives focus on prevention, education, safety, and community resilience, informed by the completion of the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) and Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) processes in both Standish and Tawas. Saginaw will be completed by June 30, 2026.
Accolades in Quality and Patient Satisfaction
Standish earned national recognition from The Chartis Center for Rural Health, including Performance Leadership Awards and CMS 5-Star ratings in patient experience. Its Skilled Nursing Facility was also named a Best Nursing Home by U.S. News & World Report.
Tawas received Blue Distinction Center+ recognition for knee and hip replacement, was named a Top 100 Rural and Community Hospital and earned multiple quality and patient experience honors.
“What makes the past 18 months so special is the dedication of our teams and the support of these communities,” Erickson said. “Together, we’ve strengthened local care and built a strong foundation for the future.”
