LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — Michigan State University (MSU) Health Care and University of Michigan (U-M) Health-Sparrow have announced the formation of the Neuro Care Network—a joint operating agreement designed to provide neurological services to the mid-Michigan community. This collaboration promises to enhance patient care by offering both “inpatient and outpatient neurology, neurosurgery, electrodiagnostic, and infusion services” locally.

Seth Ciabotti, CEO of MSU Health Care, explained the importance of this partnership in a statement: “MSU Health Care provides neurology services to thousands of local patients each year, and we expect that number to continue to grow,” Ciabotti said. “The Neuro Care Network enables patients to receive this high level of care as well as additional services.”

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Three U-M Health neurosurgeons will assume full-time roles at U-M Health-Sparrow in Lansing right away, according to the Detroit Free Press. The collaboration will also expand the referral system and open new opportunities for medical research between the two organizations.

Margaret Dimond, president of the U-M Health Regional Network, spoke about the partnership’s potential to provide more complete care. “With this agreement, our top research institutions are aligned on expanding our clinical work and seeking more opportunities for research in the neuroscience area,” Dimond said at a news conference on July 18.

One of the driving factors behind the formation of the Neuro Care Network is the projected shortfall in neurology specialists. Specifically, the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis projects that by 2031, Michigan will only have 88% of the neurology specialists needed, which is below the national average. In turn, the partnership strives to address this by identifying  “community needs” and recruiting specialists to ensure “mid-Michigan residents have convenient access” to essential neurology services.

The Neuro Care Network is expected to announce new service lines as the collaboration progresses, further enhancing the scope and quality of neurology care available to mid-Michigan residents.

“As our population ages and the rates of neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s, stroke, and dementia increase, the demand for neurology specialists will continue to outpace the supply,” Dr. John Goudreau, neurologist and interim chair of the MSU Department of Neurology and Ophthalmology, said. “Working collaboratively strengthens our position to recruit top neurological talent and care for our patients.”