Lansing, Mich. -- Sparrow Hospital and the Michigan Nurses Association jointly announce that they reached a tentative agreement Oct. 25 on a new contract for Sparrow’s 1,900 registered nurses and other healthcare professionals.

Both parties are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement on a three (3) year contract that recognizes the importance of MNA members to Sparrow Hospital as well as guarantees continuation of Sparrow’s tradition of delivering quality, compassionate care to patients.

“Sparrow and the MNA represent a strong and healthy partnership with a focus on providing quality care to the people of mid-Michigan,” said Dennis Swan, President and CEO of Sparrow Health System. “Our relationship is one built on a foundation of trust – between Sparrow Hospital and the members of the MNA and between patients and caregivers. This tentative agreement reflects our positive relationship.”

“PECSH/MNA has been, and will remain, committed to supporting our nurses and health care professionals in providing our patients the very best health care available.  Sparrow and PECSH/MNA have been working together for twenty (20) years (since 1988) for the benefit of our community”, stated Jeff Breslin, PECSH President.

“We are very pleased that we were able to reach an agreement that acknowledges the excellent work of our nurses and other health care professionals", said Tom Ostrander, Vice President of Human Resources.

“Throughout the bargaining process, providing the very best care to Sparrow patients has been our primary focus. The willingness of both sides to work together in a spirit of partnership benefits everyone,” said Elizabeth Henry, Chief Nursing Officer.

The agreement includes a competitive wage and benefit package, additional retirement options, increased resources for professional development and other enhancements that will solidify Sparrow’s position as the region’s employer and provider of choice.

The MNA bargaining committee will recommend to its membership the ratification of this tentative agreement.  Upon ratification, the new contract will be effective November 1, 2008.

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The Michigan Nurses Association is the largest, most effective union for RNs in Michigan. As the voice of all registered nurses in Michigan, MNA advocates for nurses and their patients at the State Capitol, in the community and at the bargaining table.  MNA is a constituent member of the United American Nurses and the American Nurses Association and an affiliate of the AFL-CIO.