Health system explores affiliation with new partner

By the end of this year, Northern Michigan Regional Health System could be affiliated with a larger, Michigan based health system. Reezie DeVet, president/CEO of Northern Michigan Regional Health System, confirmed that Northern Michigan Regional Health System and McLaren Health Care, which is based in Flint, have signed a letter of intent to explore a potential partnership. The letter of intent commits both parties to exclusively and confidentially negotiate the terms of an affiliation, precluding discussion with other potential partners.The process to evaluate a relationship is expected to be completed within the next 120 days. If the affiliation does go through, it does not mean that Northern Michigan Regional Health System will be bought by McLaren. Instead, the two health systems will work as partners.