For Sparrow's new president, job is a homecoming to Michigan
LANSING — Margaret Dimond, newly-announced president of the E.W. Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, said she plans to focus on improving the “patient experience” and guiding the institution through its ongoing deal with Michigan Medicine.
The Dearborn native spoke about her new role Friday, saying that she’s been interested in health care all her adult life and arguing her professional experience makes her especially qualified to guide the hospital as it gets enveloped within one of the state's largest health systems.
“It's my home to be in health care,” Dimond, 64, said. “I have a history of bringing hospitals into systems. I was the chief executive officer and president of Karmanos (Cancer Hospital), was sent to bring Karmanos into the McLaren (Medical Group) system, and also was hired to bring Crittenton Hospital into the Ascension system.”
Speaking via Zoom from Naples, Florida, where she is chief administrative officer of Naples Community Health Physician Group, Dimond discussed her plans for the Lansing hospital founded more than 100 years ago as the health care system experiences financial losses and understaffing during a pivotal chapter in its history.
“It's very complex. But again, it's very doable,” Dimond said. She has degrees from both Michigan State University and the University of Michigan.
"We are incredibly pleased to have someone of Margaret’s caliber join our team,” said James Dover, president and CEO of the Sparrow Health System. “She brings a unique set of skills and trailblazing leadership that will only enhance the extraordinary work of our caregivers."
Interim president Denny Martin will return to his full-time role as chief medical officer of the E.W. Sparrow Hospital once Dimond relocates to Lansing.
She also addressed the possibility of layoffs for Sparrow or Michigan Medicine staff once the deal is complete.
"I wouldn't say that there would be layoffs – the U-M system and Lansing are in two different geographic areas," said Dimond. "I think the partnership is to strengthen the Sparrow system. If you look in Michigan, there are very few independent hospitals anymore."
Dimond, who is expected to start in May, has held numerous health care positions throughout Michigan. She previously served as president and CEO of McLaren Medical Group, Karmanos Cancer Hospital, McLaren Oakland Hospital in Pontiac, and Ascension Crittenton Hospital in Rochester. Dimond also served as vice president of ambulatory services for Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit and vice president and chief operating officer of the Henry Ford Hospital Warren Campus.
Dimond foresees the future of health care being four or five large systems in each state. Sparrow, she said, was “very innovative” in furthering its partnership with U-M.
Dimond said she has plans to attract and retain staff as health care systems across the nation struggle with filled beds and understaffing after three years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I don't view them as challenges. I view them as opportunities,” she said.
Dimond said she hopes to strengthen or establish relationships for nursing programs with local colleges including MSU, Lansing Community College and Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek.
She praised the hospital’s current efforts to both attract and retain staff.
“I would be joining a team that already has some significant goals and some early achievements,” she said. “I think my role as a team member working with my colleagues is really to be visible, create a sense of culture that includes belonging.
"People stay at a place because they like who they work for or who they work with.”
She added that she would be looking into key partnerships to expand Sparrow’s areas of expertise, as well as ensuring that the patient experience continues to improve the hospital's reputation.
Dimond will serve as the 127-year-old hospital's first female president, an achievement she said she’s honored to hold.
“When I looked at the history of Sparrow Hospital, a group of women actually started the campaign for a hospital in Lansing,” she said. “With those strong women in mind, I'm very proud to to be appointed with this position.”
In 1896, 114 women organized the Women’s Hospital Association and opened the first City Hospital on West Ottawa Street. On donated land, E.W. Sparrow Hospital opened on Michigan Avenue in 1912, with the Women’s Hospital Association responsible for patient care, according to Sparrow’s 125th anniversary celebration.
Dimond's educational background includes a doctorate in philosophy from MSU, a master's degree in public administration from the University of Michigan, a master's in social work from Boston College and a bachelor's degree from St. Mary's College. She also served as assistant dean for the MSU College of Human Medicine and Physician Practice plan.
Contact Sheldon Krause at skrause@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @sheldonjkrause
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: For Sparrow's new president Margaret Dimond, job is a Michigan homecoming
