HERE’S A FASCINATING behind-the-scenes look at the politics and economics of LifePoint Health which, of course, is building Marquette’s new hospital in partnership with Duke University Health System.
We discovered it in Modern Healthcare, a hard copy and online journal that closely follows news in the healthcare business.
This is the story, according to the magazine:
LifePoint Health CEO Bill Carpenter was explaining to analysts at a recent conference why the departure of a physician at one of its hospitals (and we’re told it was UP Health System Marquette) greatly damaged second quarter earnings.
Quoting the article: “Carpenter explained…that one high-powered specialist at a hospital he has refused to name cost LifePoint about $10 million when they had to let him go during the second quarter.
“The physician had behaved in a way that caused some fellow physicians to quit, and another group to threaten to leave, Carpenter said. That’s when LifePoint entered negotiations with the physician to part ways, he said.
“It took two local physicians to replace the physician’s volume, though the impact wasn’t too significant since the hospital is the only one in its particular market.
“But a hefty severance and costs of physician recruitment pulled second quarter earnings down by $10 million.”
Why do we think this occurred in Marquette? A well-placed analyst said he’s certain it did.
UP Health System Marquette won’t confirm the report, but a spokesman says it does illustrate how hospitals are concerned with the morale and welfare of its employees even when there’s a substantial economic cost.
By the way, the same article describes LifePoint as having a three year plan “to buy non-urban hospitals and invest in physicians, technology and quality to move their margins from the single digits into the mid-teens…”
Kinda makes you feel all warm inside, doesn’t it?
YEAH, YOU COULD say that microbreweries are a growth industry. By our count, there are now three in Marquette, two in Munising, two in Ishpeming, and one in Harvey. And talk of yet another.
The newest is in Munising. The East Channel Brewing Company opened with a soft launch last week to packed crowds on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Six brews on tap. No food served but you’re welcome, even encouraged to bring food in from an outside restaurant.
It’s open five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday.
The co-owners are Ted Majewski and Joe DesJardins, who’s the nephew of the mayor, Rod DesJardins.
Rod says he doesn’t have any ownership in the place but promises to be a frequent patron.
MARQUETTE MAY HAVE its first and only certified sommelier. Maybe the first ever in the U.P.
Marcella Krupski of Everyday Wines and the soon-to-be Zepyhr Bar, has passed the second level of sommelier testing in Michigan.
It’s a pretty big deal–although maybe not for beer-loving Yoopers–because it requires comprehensive and detailed knowledge of wine-making, varieties, pairings with food, and wine-tasting.
Anybody who’s ever encountered her at Everyday Wines can vouch for her remarkable knowledge of wines. She’s the one who can tell you how some obscure little Bordeaux blend from southwest France, with just a hint of blackberries and dark chocolate, would be a perfect complement to your meal of lamb and potatoes.
Or how some as yet undiscovered Italian Pinot Grigio, with a lightly lemony taste, might be the best white wine you’ll drink this year.
A treasure for us wine-drinkers.
SPEAKING OF THE Zephyr Bar (Marquette’s first wine bar that will also offer a wide selection of beers…which kinda makes it a “bar,” right?), opening date is still uncertain.
Likely October, according to owner Dan Rutz.
They’ve gotten their certificate of occupancy, the Liquor Control Commission has approved their liquor license though some paperwork still needs to be finalized, and the Health Department, after some initial checks, still has to conduct one final inspection right before opening.
The space is set, the staff is hired although it needs to undergo a little more training, and now the permits are just about completed.
So….October. With luck, maybe a bit sooner.
Huge anticipation.
As for the cute, little patio that’s been set up for outside imbibing and dining? Not likely to be used much this year unless we get an extended Indian summer.
AS IF MARQUETTE needs a little more recognition…
This, the latest from the website, onlyinyourstate.com. “10 Small Towns that Offer Nothing but Peace and Quiet.”
Yep, Marquette is one of them. We’d take exception to the phrasing “Nothing but peace and quiet” because we’ve got a little more to offer than that, but let’s not quibble.
Quoting: “…No matter how you spend your time in Marquette, you’ll leave feeling more relaxed than you were when you arrived…”
Also on the Top 10 list are Escanaba, Harbor Springs and Charlevoix.
REASON NUMBER 142 why we love the U.P:
Marquette homebuilder Brian Pesola shops at Menards over the weekend, then drives home to discover that he’s lost his wallet.
A bit of panic. Retraces his steps. Nothing.
Stops at the Service Desk. “By some chance, has anything been turned in?”
“Well, as a matter of fact, yes. This wallet.” All the cash and credit cards are still inside. Nothing removed.
The finder didn’t leave a name. Wasn’t looking for credit, congratulations or thanks. It’s just what we do.
Nevertheless, a relieved Pesola says, “Thanks” to whoever you are.
You got news? Email briancabell@gmail.com