United Healthcare Partners Strengthens Hospital Leadership Teams Through Combined Corporate Suite ~
In a continued effort to strengthen healthcare services in Sanilac County, Marlette Regional Hospital and Deckerville Community Hospital, as affiliates of United Healthcare Partners (UHP), are pleased to announce the joining of their hospital leadership teams.
The affiliation between Deckerville and Marlette hospitals began over a year ago working in partnership under one United Healthcare Partners governing Board of Directors. “This decision is a natural progression in the affiliation when you work closely between two facilities with common service offerings and share a common governing board,” shares UHP Board of Directors President Chris Clark. “By consolidating the leadership teams, the hospitals can realize cost savings, integrate best practices, and better address the Region’s health needs.”
The UHP Board of Directors appointed Dan Babcock to serve as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for both facilities. Dan has been with Marlette Regional Hospital for over 20 years and has served as the hospital’s CEO for the last nine years. Dan will have overall responsibility for both hospitals and will continue to advocate for rural health to State legislators in Lansing.
Deckerville’s CEO and Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Angela McConnachie was appointed to serve as the Chief Operations Officer (COO) for both hospitals, a new position for both facilities. Angela has been with Deckerville Community Hospital for over 15 years and has served as and the hospital’s CEO and CNO for the last three- and one-half years. Angela will have responsibility for both hospitals’ ancillary, ambulatory, and support services.
Marlette’s Clinical Services Director Hilda Hebberd was appointed to serve as the CNO for both hospitals. Hilda will have responsibility for nursing services at both facilities including surgical, emergency, acute, nursing home, hospice, and clinical support services.
Deckerville’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Kim Gentner was appointed to serve as the CFO for both facilities. She will be working closely alongside Marlette’s current CFO, Jim Singles, for the next several months as he transitions to retirement this summer. Kim will have responsibility for financial services including billing and health records for both facilities.
“It is United Healthcare’s desire to have both of these hospitals remain independently owned and retain local control over the healthcare services provided at both facilities,” Chris Clark adds. “By having thisnew, united leadership team working together in unison, the community can gain added confidence that the decisions that are made are in the best interest of both hospitals and the communities they serve.”
“We recognize that this is a big change for not only our hospitals, but our communities as well,” shares Dan Babcock, UHP CEO. “We also realize that in order to grow and remain independent, we have to embrace change and move away from the way things have always been done.”
“The full transition to this new arrangement will take time to work through, but we’re excited to join leadership teams in this new capacity,” shares Angela McConnachie, UHP COO. “Providing oversight to like services at both hospital facilities should help us realize efficiencies, cost savings, and improved strategic vision for the benefit of both communities.”
Pictured above is the new leadership team for Deckerville Community Hospital and Marlette Regional Hospital, affiliates of United Healthcare Partners. Left to right: Kim Gentner, CFO, Angela McConnachie, COO, Dan Babcock, CEO, Jim Singles, CFO, and Hilda Hebberd, CNO.
