Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems, based in Brewer, has announced plans to open health care clinics in Wal-Mart stores in Maine.
The announcement was made at yesterday’s annual meeting of EMHS corporators, according to the Bangor Daily News. Talks are still under way with Wal-Mart, but EMHS President and CEO Michelle Hood told the paper the clinics could open by the end of the year. The clinics would appear in some Wal-Mart stores in the EMHS service area and would be staffed by workers from EMHS affiliates. A spokeswoman from the Arkansas-based retailer said the company was making no announcements about clinics in Maine. Wal-Mart stores in other states have in-store health clinics, but so far, none have been developed in New England, according to the spokeswoman. There are 24 Wal-Mart stores and one distribution center in Maine.
EMHS is the parent organization of a number of hospitals in eastern, central and northern Maine, including Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, The Aroostook Medical Center in Presque Isle and Inland Hospital in Waterville.