Community

Spectrum Health United & Kelsey Hospitals Respiratory Therapy Manager Appointed to Michigan’s Board of Respiratory Care

Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointment of Jeremy Bainbridge of Grand Rapids to the Michigan Board of Respiratory Care.

The 11-member board assists the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs in overseeing the licensure requirements and standards for Michigan’s respiratory therapists.

“Jeremy brings diverse experiences to this board and I am thankful for his willingness to serve the Great Lakes State in this role,” said Snyder.

Bainbridge is manager of cardiopulmonary services at Spectrum Health, where he has worked since 2004. Previously, he held the positions of clinical specialist, adult lead therapist, comprehensive respiratory therapist and respiratory care assistant. Bainbridge holds associate degrees in liberal arts and respiratory care from Northwestern Michigan College and Muskegon Community College, respectively, and a bachelor’s degree in general studies from Western Michigan University. He will represent respiratory therapists and replaces Randall Kehr.

“Jeremy has long been an advocate for patients in our community and statewide through ongoing advocacy efforts locally and in Lansing,” said Brian Brasser, Chief Nursing and Operating Officer, Spectrum Health Kelsey Hospital, Chief Nursing Officer, Spectrum Health United Hospital. “His leadership will no doubt be well-served on this committee.”

Helene Wiltse of Freeland was also appointed and will represent the general public and replaces Ilene Hartman-Abramson.

Appointees will serve four-year terms that commence Jan. 1, 2013 and expire Dec. 31, 2016. Their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

To read Governor Snyder’s press release regarding this appointment, please visit http://michigan.gov/snyder.

About Spectrum Health
Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system in West Michigan offering a full continuum of care through the Spectrum Health Hospital Group, which is comprised of nine hospitals including Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, a state of the art children’s hospital that opened in January 2011, and 183 service sites; the Spectrum Health Medical Group and West Michigan Heart, physician groups totaling more than 700 providers; and Priority Health, a health plan with 600,000 members. Spectrum Health is West Michigan’s largest employer with 19,000 employees. The organization provided $204 million in community benefit during its 2012 fiscal year.