Portland-based MaineHealth has received state approval for York Hospital in York, Maine, to join the health system, a transaction that would bring MaineHealth’s hospital count to 10.
The organizations expect the transaction to close Oct. 1.
The approval follows a review through Maine’s certificate-of-need process and by the state attorney general, according to an Aug. 10 news release from MaineHealth and York Hospital.
York Hospital will become part of MaineHealth’s Southern region. The organizations said they plan to maintain inpatient services at the hospital while strengthening primary care and expanding patients’ access to specialty services across MaineHealth’s network.
“With this approval, we can begin the important work of bringing our teams together — listening, learning and building on the strengths that already exist — to better serve patients and communities,” Andy Mueller, CEO of MaineHealth, said in an Aug. 10 news release.
MaineHealth and York Hospital leaders said they will work together in the coming weeks on the transition, including efforts to maintain continuity of care and support employees as the organizations integrate.
The deal comes as York Hospital and other hospitals face rising labor and supply costs as well as reimbursement pressures. MaineHealth said joining the larger system will give York Hospital access to additional resources, infrastructure and clinical support intended to improve its long-term financial sustainability.
Patrick Taylor, MD, CEO of York Hospital, said the affiliation will allow the hospital to retain its community focus while gaining support from MaineHealth.
“This approval allows us to move forward with a partner who shares our commitment to ensuring patients in our region continue to receive excellent care close to home,” Dr. Taylor said.
MaineHealth currently includes a Level 1 trauma medical center and eight additional hospitals, according to its website. The nonprofit system also operates pediatric, behavioral healthcare, diagnostic, home health, hospice and senior care services. It employs more than 2,000 providers and approximately 24,000 care team members, serving 1.1 million residents across Maine and New Hampshire.
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