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File photo / COURTESY FRANKLIN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
MaineHealth Franklin Hospital in Farmington has plans on the drawing board for a two-year renovation and expansion project
MaineHealth Franklin Hospital in Farmington has plans on the drawing board for a two-year renovation and expansion project.
The goal of the renovations is to expand and modernize its facility in order to streamline services, according to a news release.
The renovation is designed to address a surging demand for emergency services, enhance the patient experience and expand vital services.
The project marks “a significant investment” by MaineHealth in the hospital’s infrastructure and capacity, the hospital said.
The cornerstone of the project is full modernization of the emergency department, which will be performed in phases over two years. Planning for the project is underway, with a goal to begin construction this winter.
The phased approach is expected to ensure minimal disruption to patient care while allowing for the department’s modernization to accommodate growing patient volumes.
The new department will include additional patient rooms, dedicated behavioral health spaces and a fast-track triage room for low-acuity emergency department visits.
Since 2018, Franklin’s emergency department has experience a significant increase in the demand for emergency medical services. In 2018, there were approximately 13,000 to 14,000 patients annually. This year, the department served nearly 20,000 patients.
“The phased approach for the emergency department modernization ensures that patient care remains our top priority throughout the renovation process,” said Barbara Sergio, the hospital’s president.
Backed by U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, MaineHealth Franklin Hospital has applied for Congressionally directed spending funds to support the project.
The project cost has been estimated at $11 million.
The hospital recently completed the renovation of its cancer care and IV therapy space.
The $3.5 million project allows the hospital to increase patient access by up to 30% and create a more welcoming and comfortable environment for patients and families utilizing these services, the hospital said.
The new space also streamlines services by centralizing all aspects of consultation and treatment.
“These enhancements will go a long way in improving patient experience and care offerings for our community members undergoing oncology and infusion treatments,” said Sergio.
Other hospitals are tackling emergency department capacity and upgrades. Earlier this year, Mount Desert Island Hospital in Bar Harbor was awarded $5 million in congressionally directed funds to renovate, expand and add equipment to its emergency department; and Millinocket Regional Hospital was awarded $9.9 million to construct and equip an expanded emergency department.
And a number of hospitals and health care centers have additional projects in the pipeline, including new machinery, systems, dental, medical and behavioral health centers and Islesboro’s purpose-built clinic.
In 2021, Northern Light Mercy Hospital opened its new emergency department in Portland.
MaineHealth is a not-for-profit, integrated health system. MaineHealth includes a Level 1 trauma medical center, eight additional licensed hospitals, pediatric care services, a behavioral health care network, diagnostic services as well as home health, hospice and senior care services.
With more than 2,000 employed providers and 23,000 care team members, MaineHealth provides preventive care, diagnosis and treatment to 1.1 million residents in Maine and New Hampshire.
MaineHealth hospitals include MaineHealth Behavioral Health at Spring Harbor in Westbrook, MaineHealth Franklin Hospital in Farmington, MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital in Damariscotta, MaineHealth Maine Medical Center in Portland, Biddeford and Sanford, MaineHealth Memorial Hospital in North Conway, N.H., MaineHealth Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick, MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital in Rockport, MaineHealth Stephens Hospital in Norway and MaineHealth Waldo Hospital in Belfast. MaineHealth also includes the MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital in Portland, MaineHealth Behavioral Health in Westbrook, MaineHealth Home Health and Hospice in Saco, the MaineHealth Institute for Research in Scarborough, the MaineHealth Medical Group and MaineHealth NorDx in Scarborough. MaineHealth affiliates include Maine General Health in Augusta and Waterville and St. Mary's Health System in Lewiston. It is also a significant stakeholder in the MaineHealth Accountable Care Organization in Portland and a joint venture partner in the New England Rehabilitation Hospital in Portland.
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