Ellsworth hospital seeks to join Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems

Maine Coast Memorial Hospital in Ellsworth has signed a letter of intent to begin the process of joining Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems in Brewer. If an agreement is reached, the 64-bed facility would become the ninth hospital in the EMHS system.

The letter of intent, signed on Aug. 4, allows both organizations “to explore and evaluate a structure for an optimal relationship between Maine Coast Memorial Hospital and EMHS,” according to a press release.

“Change is occurring at every hospital in the nation. Looking ahead, it will be harder than ever for Maine Coast Memorial Hospital to thrive without a partner,” Adin Tooker, chairman of MCMH’s board of trustees, said in the release. “We made this strategic decision now while we are able to evaluate our choices from a position of strength and have the time to conduct a thoughtful and thorough review on our own terms.”

Charlie Therrien, president and CEO of MCMH, said the prospective affiliation would build on the hospital’s “already successful collaboration in providing accountable care as a partner in the EMHS/Beacon Health Statewide Network.”

No firm decisions or final agreements have been made yet, the EMHS release stated. The two organizations will conduct exclusive discussions and due diligence evaluations over the next 60 to 90 days in anticipation of entering into a definitive agreement, followed by the customary state and federal regulatory approval processes taking approximately six to nine months at a minimum.

“Confidentiality agreements associated with this joint non-binding letter of intent do not allow for public comment at this time,” the release stated.

EMHS, based in Brewer, is an integrated health delivery system that includes eight hospitals, physician practices, long-term care facilities, home health and hospice, and ground and air emergency transport services. MCMH is a full-service hospital serving Hancock and western Washington counties.