Major Maine Hospital Announces Permanent Closure

As is the case with many industries, the last few years have not been kind to our hospitals and medical centers.

Beginning with the financial and staffing stresses of the pandemic years, we have seen many Maine medical centers and hospitals adjust the way they operate.  In many cases, this has led to the elimination of certain services.  In other, more extreme cases, this has caused the complete closure of some hospitals.

In January, we reported that Northern Light Inland Hospital in Waterville was going to be closing their birthing facilities.  At that time, it was explained that the end of birthing and maternity service may only be temporary.  It had been explained that they were taking a close look at how the hospital operated and that an alternative to the childbirth services might soon be launched.

Based on the news we got earlier today, it does not look like that is the case.

According to an article in the KJ, Northern Light Inland Hospital will completely close this May.

Non-profit Northern Light Health, which operates the hospital, announced on Thursday that the hospital will close permanently on May 27th.  All associated clinics will also close.

According to the article, the reasons given for the closure include higher operational costs and low reimbursement rates.  Additionally, it has been a struggle for the hospital to hire and keep employees.

Located in Brewer, Maine, Northern Light Health operates hospitals across the state.  Other Northern Light hospitals include Northern Light Acadia Hospital, Northern Light AR Gould Hospital, and Northern Light Blue Hill Hospital.

The article explains that the closure will not affect the Northern Light Continuing Care facility ibn Waterville.  Northern Light does not plan to close any other Maine hospitals.