Philanthropist Donald Sussman pledges $2M to modernize Blue Hill Hospital

Courtesy / WBRC Architects Engineers A rendering shows what part of Northern Light Blue Hill Hospital may look like after a planned $19 million modernization project.

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By Staff

Northern Light Blue Hill Hospital has received a $2 million pledge from philanthropist S. Donald Sussman to support a planned modernization of the 25-bed hospital campus.

Northern Light intends to replace one building and make upgrades to another. As Mainebiz reported in June, plans call for a new 21,200-square-foot facility, a 24/7 full-service emergency care unit, private inpatient rooms and new space for laboratory, imaging and ancillary services.

The estimated cost of the project, including construction and new equipment, is $19.3 million.

Blue Hill Hospital and Brewer-based parent Northern Light Health, the state’s second-largest health care system, in June launched a fundraising campaign, dubbed “Keeping Our Promise,” to support the project. Groundbreaking is expected in the spring.

Sussman, a former hedge fund manager who has a home on nearby Deer Isle, said in a news release this week, “Maine is a very special place because it has a very special sense of community, and Mainers deserve the best health care possible when they fall ill. I am pleased to be able to contribute to Northern Light Blue Hill’s ability to provide top-quality health care in modernized, renovated facilities to all who need it.”

Hospital President John Ronan said, “We are deeply appreciative of Mr. Sussman’s extraordinary generosity. His continued trust and support of the health care we provide throughout the Blue Hill peninsula and beyond is remarkable.”

Sussman provided significant support to the hospital’s last campaign. The Sussman Health Center, which will be renovated as part of the project, is named after him. The modernized campus will also be named in honor of his gift, according to the release.

Ruth Calas, director of philanthropy, added, “This lead gift presents the hospital with an amazing opportunity. Mr. Sussman’s interest in rural healthcare is to be commended, and his financial support will certainly make a difference in our ability to provide quality healthcare for the peninsula well into the future."