IRON MOUNTAIN — Dickinson County Healthcare System has hired a pediatrician to join its family medicine team, CEO Chuck Nelson said.

At the conclusion of a site visit this past weekend, Dr. Michael Carpenter a signed a contract to join the Dickinson Primary Care Center. Credentialing has already begun and the anticipated starting date is mid-February, Nelson reported at a DCHS board meeting Tuesday.

Nelson also reminded the group of Dr. Ellen Bianchi, obstetrician-gynecologist, who will begin seeing patients Dec. 16. Expansion of care is part of a “Focus Forward” movement initiated by Nelson that is designed to engage the community as a partner in the future success and growth of DCHS.

“We have some exciting developments in the areas of hospice and cancer care that the community will be interested in as we continue to move forward,” Nelson said. “Conversations are ongoing about the future of our hospital and we are exploring opportunities to help advance the agenda of Dickinson County health care.”

Nelson met recently with state Sen. Curt VanderWall, R-Ludington, to discuss health care regulations in Michigan, particularly the certificate of need program. VanderWall chairs the Senate’s Health Policy and Human Services Committee.

“I also met with Peter Schonfeld (senior vice president) from the Michigan Hospital Association to talk about various benefits that we can achieve through our cooperative with the MHA. We also began a dialogue with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan about how they can lend support and assist our organization in the future,” Nelson said.