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UPHS-Dickinson County Memorial Hospital terminate purchase talks

IRON MOUNTAIN — Dickinson County Healthcare System and UP Health System announced Tuesday that the organizations have terminated their non-binding letter of intent that was signed in July.

The termination came after an inability to reach agreement on the terms of an acquisition, according to a joint written statement given to area media.

With the termination of the letter of intent, DCHS is no longer in exclusive discussions with UPHS and will explore all options for the hospital’s future, including potential alternative arrangements with UPHS.

“We have been transparent with the community and our stakeholders about the financial distress our hospital has faced, similar to many other rural hospitals across the country,” said Bill Edberg, chairman of the DCHS Board of Trustees. “The management team and Board will continue to work diligently to identify the right path forward for the health system. I am hopeful that there will continue to be even stronger support from all stakeholders in helping our community continue to have access to quality healthcare close to home.”

Brian Sinotte, market president of UP Health System, said UPHS is still firmly committed to serving the UP and believes that Iron Mountain and Dickinson County deserve access to quality local care.

“While we are no longer discussing this acquisition arrangement, we will continue to explore collaborative efforts with Dickinson County Healthcare System to provide healthcare in Iron Mountain and Dickinson County,” Sinotte said.

UPHS includes three hospital campuses in the Upper Peninsula: UPHS-Marquette — the system’s tertiary campus — UPHS-Portage in Hancock, and UPHS-Bell in Ishpeming.

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