Cindy Wade (Courtesy photo)
When I look back at my 35-plus years in healthcare, there are three important threads that weave through the entire journey: a commitment to excellence; increasing access to services; and the need for change, prompted by the external forces of the times.
Much of what has transpired has been positive, while some actions were necessary but difficult. The reason MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital is still providing high-quality care for our patients and nursing care residents is our willingness to make hard choices to preserve the availability of patient services in Lincoln County.
Nationally, we are again at a crossroads when it comes to caring for our patients. Workforce shortages, dwindling access to services, our aging population, and long wait times for most care needs are significant barriers impacting healthcare today.
We are fortunate to be a part of the MaineHealth system, as it affords us the opportunity to adapt and find ways to provide care for our communities. The same cannot be said for several hospitals and post-acute care settings in Maine that have either drastically reduced services, closed entirely, or been sold.
Their fate affirms the need to do things differently.
In the MaineHealth structure, MaineHealth Mid Coast Hospital, Lincoln Hospital, Pen Bay Hospital, and Waldo Hospital comprise the coastal region. For the last two-plus years, we’ve been taking steps to discover opportunities to integrate care delivery across our region. The goal is utilizing all of the assets across the region wisely to improve patient access and continue providing high quality care.
This approach has created care teams with more flexibility and has begun to establish an environment that allows for process standardization. We’ve reduced reliance on costly contracted providers, made off-hours call easier for providers, and filled schedule vacancies across the region to get patients seen sooner.
For example, working with MaineHealth Mid Coast Hospital has helped 300 patients receive colonoscopies sooner by offering appointments in Damariscotta.
Another example of integration was bringing Pen Bay and Lincoln primary care practices to one location in Waldoboro, increasing primary care access and creating one unified care team.
It is clear that we can do more for patients by strengthening our partnership with MaineHealth Mid Coast Hospital. We’ve been working together to deliver high-quality care and share expertise. This partnership creates opportunities for standardization, shared knowledge, and improved quality.
We have begun analyzing the value of integrating some services across the region. Though no formal decision has been made, we are considering integration of labor and delivery and general surgery services. As part of our OB/GYN assessment, we will be hosting community forums in Damariscotta and Boothbay Harbor to share information and listen to feedback. The dates, times, and locations have not been set, but we look forward to the opportunity to connect with the community.
Being part of MaineHealth strengthens our ability to sustain high-quality care close to home. It also gives us the scale to adapt thoughtfully — so we can protect access and keep services viable for years to come.
Change can be difficult, but the healthcare landscape demands it. As we continue our discovery of care integration opportunities, we will keep listening to our communities, offer clear communication, and stay focused on what matters most: safe, timely, and effective care for our patients and residents.
(Cindy Wade is the president of MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital.)
