Sept. 18, 2021 The Alpena News headline reads “No vaccine mandates at Alpena hospital for now.” “Just because the president says or does something; doesn’t mean we’ll react accordingly to it,” Chuck Sherwin, President of MidMichigan Medical Center said. “We’ll wait to receive the MIOSHA recommendations and decide what appropriate action to take is.” Sherwin states if a mandate is implemented, it is possible a shortage of nurses could become more severe.” As of Sept. 17, Sherwin quoted that 65% of the employees were vaccinated and about 85% of the doctors had received their vaccines.

Keep in mind that at the same time Henry Ford, Beaumont, and Munson Medical hospitals were requiring vaccine mandates for their employees

The question comes to bear…how did that work out for you Mr Sherwin?

Fast forward to 12-17-21 The Alpena News headline “Overwhelmed and overrun” That is how MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena President Chuck Sherwin described the current condition at the hospital as it continues to fill up with COVID-29 patients–most of whom are unvaccinated”… “I have never in my career seen (staff) shortages like this one”, he said. “We have had shortages before, we might be down on nurses or employees in other departments; but not as widespread as it is now.” As of Wednesday, 35-40 employees, some because of COVID and others because of other medical issues–are on leave.

Mr. Sherwin I’m curious as to what percentage of your employees are still not vaccinated. I’m disappointed that millions of dollars are being spent on the hospital upgrades; but instead of leading by example in your community when it comes to protecting your staff and your patients by mandating vaccines, you decided to turn your back on science and politicize COVID (“Just because the President says…)

DIANA ESTLACK

Alpena