Aspirus Ironwood Hospital nurses will rally at 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at US-2 and Oak Lane, protesting the planned closure of the OB unit at the end of 2025 and seek a fair union contract. Aspirus will still offer pre- and post-natal care. local Michigan Nurses Association president, RN Sarah Trudgeon criticized Aspirus for rejecting $1.2 million in state funds to protect OB services. Nurses have been without a contract since August 2nd. The Michigan Nurses Association has confirmed this is not a work stoppage. Aspirus cites national and regional OB/GYN shortages for it’s decision. The nearest alternative for labor and delivery is Tamarack Health in Ashland, about an hour away.