Jim Cyr

Central Maine Healthcare (CMH) and New England Cancer Specialists (NECS) recently marked the one-year anniversary of their agreement to enhance medical oncology and infusion services in the central Maine region.

The agreement was signed last year at CMH’s state-of-the-art Cancer Care Center, and according to John Hamilton, senior vice president, Service Line Operations, the relationship between the two is exceeding the already lofty expectations that existed going into the agreement.

“The total visit volume for all three CMH hospital’s cancer care services greatly exceeded projections,” Hamilton said.  “This unexpected influx of new patients was driven, in part, by CMMC being the only provider of cancer care in the region, but also speaks to the growing need for cancer care in the communities CMH serves.”

Central Maine Healthcare and NECS are currently recruiting additional providers to prepare for future growth.

Under the co-management agreement, NECS oversees operations and development of the cancer care program’s hematology and oncology practice and oncology infusion centers at CMMC, as well as CMH’s two critical access hospitals, Bridgton Hospital and Rumford Hospital.

Maine is among the U.S. states with the highest cancer mortality rates. Androscoggin County, where CMMC is located, has an elevated incidence of cancer, particularly lung cancer.

“Having this partnership and the support of NECS has empowered us to deliver exceptional cancer care to patients across central and western Maine,” said Nicholette Erickson, MD, oncologist at New England Cancer Specialists. “We are extremely proud of this collaboration and the life-changing impact we’ve been able to achieve together so quickly in these communities.”

“Our patients are benefiting greatly from this arrangement,” said Tim Counihan, MD, chief of surgery and the Oncology Institute at Central Maine Healthcare. “They are able to get the important care they need close to home, and at the same time have access to the resources of some of the best cancer specialists in the country.”

Central Maine Healthcare has achieved full accreditation from the Commission on Cancer which is awarded only to those institutions that provide patients with comprehensive, state-of-the-art services from a multi-specialty team coordinating all aspects of cancer care.

Pictured: physicians and leaders from New England Cancer Specialists and Central Maine Healthcare at the Dec. 2023 signing event

Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) is partnering with the American Red Cross and LifeFlight of Maine to host quarterly blood drives that will be held at the Lewiston hospital.

The first will be held on Jan. 20 on the CMMC campus at the A,B,C Conference Room, 12 High Street, from 10 a.m.-2:45 p.m.

Donations will be made by appointment only.

There will be different themes for each of these blood drives. The theme for the first is “Grateful.” Those who attend will be encouraged to sign a “Grateful Board” that will be on display at the blood drive.

“This is a meaningful way for the people of central Maine to help ensure we have adequate blood supplies on hand,” said Jennifer Bodger, senior vice president, Operations, Central Maine Healthcare. “As we have seen in recent years, we can never know when the demand for blood will spike. That is why we decided to hold these blood drives on a regular basis and attach themes to them that underscore the importance of donating.

“I would like to thank our partners at LifeFlight of Maine and the American Red Cross for helping make this happen.”

To make an appointment to donate, please click here or scan the QR code below.

The Central Maine Healthcare (CMH) Board of Directors and Prime Healthcare Foundation (PHF) announced today that they have reached an agreement for PHF to become the sole corporate member and parent company of Central Maine Healthcare, pending regulatory approvals.

Under the agreement, Prime Healthcare Foundation, headquartered in Ontario, California, a 501(c)(3) public charity founded in 2006, affiliated with Prime Healthcare and operating 14 not-for-profit hospitals in six states, would become the owner of all CMH services and facilities, which will retain their current names and local leadership. PHF will offer substantially all CMH team members positions at comparable wages and benefits, and they will honor provider and physician contracts.

CMH Chairman of the Board Devore Culver, said PHF was chosen after a thorough evaluation of the system’s mission, vision, and values, and a review of their track record of investing in hospitals to improve healthcare, especially in vulnerable communities throughout the country. “I was convinced Prime Healthcare Foundation would be the right partner for Central Maine Healthcare after meeting with their senior leaders and visiting its hospital in Woonsocket, RI,” he said. “We saw first-hand how Prime cares about people, invests in technology, and values community partnerships to secure the vibrant future of critical healthcare resources.”

 “Prime Healthcare Foundation has made a tremendous commitment to investing in our people, our facilities and equipment, and to improving access to quality healthcare throughout central Maine,” said CMH Chief Executive Officer Steve Littleson. “As part of Prime Healthcare Foundation, we will now have the capability and the resources to attract and retain top talent, improve quality and access to care, and address unmet healthcare needs across Central Maine.”

Prime Healthcare Foundation has provided more than $3.4 billion in charity care and sponsored local and global initiatives to promote health, support medical education, provide humanitarian aid, expand access to quality compassionate care and address healthcare disparities nationally and globally.

“Prime Healthcare Foundation is a steward of a mission to improve lives and uplift communities by ensuring access to the highest quality, compassionate care when people need it the most,” said Kavitha Bhatia, MD, President and Chair of the Prime Healthcare Foundation. “We look forward to welcoming the CMH staff, physicians, patients, and communities to the Prime family. Through our dedication to health equity, clinical quality and patient-centered, physician-led care, we are deeply committed to ensuring the CMH legacy continues for generations to come.”

The CMH facilities will have access to Prime Healthcare’s resources and nationally recognized leadership team that currently operates and manages 44 tax-paying and not-for-profit hospitals, more than 300 outpatient locations, and nearly 45,000 employees and affiliated physicians dedicated to providing the highest quality healthcare.

Rebecca Brakeley, MD, CMH’s interim chief medical officer, said, “Prime Healthcare Foundation’s nationally recognized commitment to quality and patient safety, as well as expanding access to medical education, is shared by our 600 medical staff providers who are and will remain dedicated to caring for people in our communities.”

Terms of the agreement include a commitment by Prime Healthcare Foundation to invest $150 million in facility improvements including investments in technology and infrastructure across the system. Charity care and community benefit programs will continue, preserving CMH’s role as a valued community partner.

“We know our team members, patients, and community supporters will have a lot of questions,” said Littleson. “Over the next several months, as we pursue regulatory approvals, we commit to communicating as much as we can, as soon as we can. Until we receive final approvals, our team members will remain focused on taking care of our patients and each other. We appreciate the support of our team members, our patients, and our community as we make this exciting partnership a reality.”

“The people we serve, and our team members who care for them, can look forward to a bright future, full of optimism about what we will do together to provide state-of-the art care in state-of-the-art facilities across central Maine.”

The first baby of 2025 was born at Central Maine Medical Center CMMC on New Year’s Day. The baby boy was born at 2:34 a.m. on Jan. 1 and weighed in at seven pounds, 14 ounces and was 20 inches long. 

The boy’s mother is Liliana Kimbela of Lewiston. She has not given her boy an official name yet and, for now, is calling him “Baby Boy Kimbela.”

“What a great way to start the new year, not only for the family of the newborn, but for all of us here at CMMC,” said Tasha Duval, DO, chief of obstetrics and gynecology at Central Maine Healthcare. “Our team members in maternity are committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment to have a baby, and we look forward to welcoming many more newborns at CMMC in 2025.”

When a baby is born at CMMC, a chime that is heard around the hospital is played to share the good news.

In 2024, about 750 babies were born at CMMC.

Late last year, U.S. News & World Report once again recognized CMMC as “High Performing in Maternity Care.” Earlier this year, Newsweek also named CMMC one of the best hospitals in the nation for maternity.

Additionally, CMMC received a near-perfect 97 (out of 100) score on the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition & Care survey which evaluates categories such as immediate postpartum care, breastfeeding education and support after patient discharge. The national average score was 82.

A Rumford Hospital nurse is the recipient of the DAISY Award. Penny Savage, RN, works in the hospital’s Emergency Department.

The DAISY Award is an international program that recognizes nurses for their compassionate care and the difference they make in patients’ lives.

Savage was nominated by Merideth Alanskas, RN, ED nurse leader and Tina True, RN, supervisor at Rumford Hospital.

Her fellow team members nominated her for her actions on two separate occasions that involved motor vehicle accidents and multiple victims. She helped the families that were impacted find alternate transportation and living arrangements in the area. On one occasion, Savage loaned one of the families her own car.

“She worked collaboratively with the team and family to make them safe and as comfortable as possible,” True said. “I am always proud to work with her.”

“Penny’s charitable actions on behalf of these families in need exemplify what the DAISY Award is all about,” said Stephany Jacques, RN, president of Rumford Hospital. “She always goes the extra mile for patients in her care and sets a great example for her fellow team members. The River Valley community is very fortunate to have her.”

Photo: DAISY Award winner Penny Savage, back row, fifth from right, with team members from Rumford Hospital

Central Maine Orthopedics is pleased to introduce its newest provider, Bruce Hamilton-Dick, MD.

Dr. Hamilton-Dick went to medical school at Albany Medical College and completed his residency at Albany Medical Center.  He also did a fellowship at the University of Massachusetts in Orthopedics/Sports Medicine.

Dr. Hamilton-Dick is particularly passionate about musculoskeletal care and quality of life for his patients. “My job is to help people get old in the youngest way possible. And you can’t be a bystander in that game. You have to be all-in, and I want to be on your team,” he said.

“Dr. Hamilton-Dick is an excellent addition to our staff,” said Lauren Adey, MD, chief of Central Maine Orthopedics. “He brings nearly four decades of experience with him, specializing in both sports medicine and general orthopedics. This will be of tremendous benefit to our patients.”

Dr. Hamilton-Dick is certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery.  He was a physician for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.

Central Maine Orthopedics has been named a Cigna Center of Excellence for hip and knee replacement. It has also been named a Blue Distinction Center by Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) has once again been recognized as “High Performing in Maternity Care” by U.S. News & World Report.

U.S. News began evaluating maternity care hospitals in 2021, rating hospitals that provide labor and delivery services and submit detailed data to the publication for analysis. For the 2025 edition, 817 hospitals, an all-time high, submitted maternity data for evaluation. These public ratings assist expectant parents, in consultation with their doctors, in making informed decisions about where to receive maternity care for uncomplicated births.

According to the publication, just half of the hospitals evaluated for the 2025 ratings edition have been named Best Hospitals for Maternity Care.

Hospitals rated “Best” for Maternity Care by U.S. News:

• Are high performing in breastfeeding metrics.
• Have C-section rates 22% lower compared with maternity care hospitals not recognized by U.S. News.
• Have severe unexpected newborn complication rates 44% lower compared with maternity care hospitals not recognized by U.S. News.
• Have episiotomy rates 33% lower compared with maternity care hospitals not recognized by U.S. News.
• Have breast milk feeding rates 12% higher compared with maternity care hospitals not recognized by U.S. News.
• Are 13% more likely to report race/ethnicity data for both C-section and severe unexpected newborn complications compared with maternity care hospitals not recognized by U.S. News.

“What an honor it is for our Maternity Department to once again receive this recognition,” said Rebecca Brakeley, MD, chief of Women’s and Children’s Health at Central Maine Healthcare. “Few life events are as significant as childbirth, and the people of central Maine are very fortunate to have such dedicated and skilled healthcare professionals available to them when the time comes. U.S. News & World Report is acknowledging what the people of Maine already know: CMMC is a great place to have a baby!”

When a baby is born at CMMC, a chime that is heard around the hospital is played to share the good news.

Earlier this year, Newsweek also named CMMC one of the best hospitals in the nation for maternity.

Additionally, CMMC received a near-perfect 97 (out of 100) score on the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition & Care (mPINC) survey which evaluates categories such as immediate postpartum care, breastfeeding education and support after patient discharge. The national average score was 82.

Pictured: Elaine Law, RNC, 30-year NICU nurse at the CMMC Maternity Department and dedicated nurse leader emeritus

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Central Maine Healthcare is pleased to welcome a new orthopedic surgeon. Saad Mohammad, DO, is an orthopedic trauma surgeon who will be working at CMMC.

Dr. Mohammad earned his undergraduate degree at Salisbury University in Maryland and went to medical school at the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York City. He completed his residency at McLaren Macomb Hospital in Michigan and a fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Dr. Mohammad said he chose orthopedics largely for the opportunity to help and heal people at the most vulnerable period of their lives.

“Everyone deserves basic healthcare, regardless of status,” Dr. Mohammad said. “This is why I treat everyone with respect and humility.”

“The people of central Maine are very fortunate to have someone of Dr. Mohammad’s caliber here,” said Lauren Adey, MD, chief of Central Maine Orthopedics. “He brings a wealth of expertise in orthopedic care, and his commitment to delivering compassionate, patient-centered treatment aligns perfectly with our mission to provide the highest quality healthcare for our patients.”

Central Maine Orthopedics has been named a Cigna Center of Excellence for hip and knee replacement. It has also been named a Blue Distinction Center by Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

Central Maine Healthcare is pleased to introduce Nicholas Knowland, MD. Dr. Knowland is a cardiothoracic anesthesiologist who will be treating patients at CMMC, spending most of his time in the operating room.

Dr. Knowland has deep Maine ties, having grown up in South Portland. He graduated from McGill University in Montreal. He attended medical school at Tufts University as part of the Tufts School of Medicine’s Maine Track. He did his residency at Loma Linda Medical School in California and completed a fellowship in cardiothoracic anesthesia in White Plains, New York. 

“Dr. Knowland is an incredible addition to our anesthesiology department,” said Steven Constantino, MD, chief of anesthesiology at CMMC. “He has already made quite the impression on many of our team members, and we look forward to him continuing to develop relationships with our surgeons and patients for years to come.”

“I want to be part of the team at CMMC that’s helping ensure our patients have the optimum setup for both getting the surgery they need and recovering from it when the time comes,” Dr. Knowland said.

Dr. Knowland is an avid soccer fan, having played semi-pro soccer in Canada, himself, and is a passionate Manchester United fan. He says it’s great to be back in Maine and looks forward to skiing at Sugarloaf again. 

Central Maine Healthcare is happy to welcome Gaurav Kakked, MD.  Dr. Kakked is a gastroenterologist who will be seeing patients at Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) in Lewiston.

Dr. Kakked is very excited to join the team at CMMC, specifically because of the high number of interventional endoscopic ultrasound procedures performed at the hospital.

“Some of the procedures that are being done here at CMMC match what is being done at large academic centers in major cities. People aren’t aware of this. The caliber of care and people here is very impressive.”

Dr. Kakked attended Gujarat University in India. He did his residency at Mount Sinai in New York and completed a gastroenterology fellowship at Willam Beaumont Hospital in Michigan. Dr. Kakked also completed an advanced endoscopy fellowship at Rush University in Chicago. 

“We are very fortunate to have Dr. Kakked with us here at CMMC,” said Kanishka Bhattacharya, MD, chief of gastroenterology at Central Maine Healthcare. “His expertise in interventional endoscopy will complement a team that is already performing these new and cutting-edge procedures for our patients in Maine.”

Central Maine Healthcare’s board-certified gastroenterologists provide expert care for all types of gastric problems, from everyday stomach ailments to complex intestinal, swallowing and inflammatory conditions. They work closely with our patients to create a tailor-made treatment plans.