Central Maine Healthcare

Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC)today announced it is the first healthcare system in central Maine to offer Aquablation® therapy for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Central Maine Healthcare, which owns CMMC, is shining the spotlight on this advanced, minimally invasive robotic-assisted procedure that uses the power of water to remove obstructive prostate tissue and provide clinically proven, long-lasting BPH symptom relief while preserving sexual function and continence across all shapes and sizes.

BPH is a condition in which the prostate gland enlarges, leading to various urinary symptoms. Without timely treatment, BPH can lead to severe health issues such as permanent bladder or kidney damage, bladder stones and incontinence. Common symptoms of BPH include frequent need to urinate, especially at night, difficulty starting urination, a weak or interrupted urine stream, the inability to completely empty the bladder and dribbling at the end of urination. BPH is a highly prevalent condition, particularly affecting older men. BPH affects one out of every two males between the ages of 51 and 60 and an overwhelming 99% of men with BPH report that the condition negatively impacts their overall quality of life.

Aquablation therapy is the first and only ultrasound guided, robotic-assisted, heat-free waterjet for the treatment of BPH. The system’s real-time ultrasound imaging provides the surgeon with a multi-dimensional view of the prostate enabling personalized treatment planning tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy. The surgeon can specify which areas of the prostate to remove while preserving the anatomy that controls erectile function, ejaculatory function and continence. Once the treatment plan is mapped by the surgeon, the predictable robotic-assisted execution enables prostate tissue to be removed in a precise, targeted and controlled fashion.

“We are proud to be among the first in Maine to offer a solution for men with BPH that provides significant, long-lasting symptom relief with minimal risk to their sexual function or continence compared to other surgical treatment options,” said Christopher Foote, DO, a urologist at CMMC.

“We are focusing on men’s health and Aquablation therapy, addressing the need to deliver durable outcomes that are safe, effective and consistent across all prostate sizes and shapes,” Evan Dunn, MD, head of the urology service line at Central Maine Healthcare. “Aquablation therapy is the next step to furthering our commitment to provide advanced urological care to the people of central Maine. 

Central Maine Healthcare currently performs about 600 robotic specialty procedures annually. Other robotic procedures are used for spine navigation, hip and knee replacement, urologic surgery and others.

Those interested in scheduling an appointment to see if they are good candidates for Aquablation should call (207)795-2171.

Please visit the Central Maine Healthcare website for more information on Aquablation therapy.

Pictured: Christopher Foote, DO, works with Aquablation therapy equipment; Christopher Foote, DO (left) and Evan Dunn, MD

Central Maine Healthcare has announced it will host a “Walk-in Wednesday” hiring event on April 15. This will be the first in a series of these availabilities that will be held monthly. The next one after the April 15 event will be on May 20.

Applicants will be able to meet hiring leaders from within the healthcare system and, in many cases, take advantage of same-day interviews. Applicants are asked to bring their resumes.

Central Maine Healthcare, which includes CMMC, Rumford Hospital, Bridgton Hospital and numerous practices throughout central Maine, is currently hiring registered nurses, licensed practical nurses (LPNs), imaging professionals, respiratory therapists and many other non-clinical positions.

Benefits include tuition reimbursement, medical, dental, vision, 401(k), continuing education and bonuses of up to $15,000 for select positions.

“Walk-in Wednesday is a great opportunity to learn more about careers at Central Maine Healthcare and meet directly with members of our hiring team,” said Tricia Carr, director of human resources at Central Maine Healthcare. “Whether someone is just starting out in healthcare or looking to take the next step in their career, we encourage them to stop by, ask questions and explore the many ways they can make a difference for patients and families across our region.”

Walk-in Wednesday will be held on April 15 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Participants should go to the main entrance of CMMC at 60 High Street.

For a list of current job opportunities, please visit our careers page.

Central Maine Healthcare recently held a graduation ceremony for its latest class of certified nursing assistants (CNAs).All eight graduates successfully passed the healthcare system’s Earn to Learn CNA training program.

The course is an intensive, eight-week, state-approved training that’s free to students and combines classroom learning, hands-on skills labs and real-world clinical experience.

CNAs play a vital role in patient care, often being the first and last person a patient interacts with during their visit. 

“I’m proud to announce all eight of our graduates have also passed the state of Maine CNA exam and have been offered jobs at Central Maine Healthcare,” said Christine Gervais, clinical education instructor at Central Maine Healthcare. “They should all be very proud of what they’ve achieved and the difference they will make in the lives of others.”

Those interested in registering for the next CNA Earn to Learn class, which begins on June 16, 2026,  can email Christine Gervais at gervaich@cmhc.org.

The graduates are (back row, left to right): Dedra Forsythe, Gloriana Emmons, Qwyne Tchiputo, Ciara Norton

(Front row): Albertina Fortes, Success Juwah, Christine Gervais (instructor), Nicole Mihayo, Nsenga Ngoie.

Central Maine Healthcare has namedMarlon Margarejo, MSN, RN, as chief nursing officer (CNO) for Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC). He brings more than a decade of healthcare leadership experience that includes value-based care, acute care operations and nursing.

Most recently, he served as vice president of clinical operations at Cano Health in Miami, where he oversaw care management, quality, home-based services, rehabilitation programs and multidisciplinary clinical teams, serving more than 50,000 members across more than 60 medical centers.

Throughout his career, Margarejo has led measurable improvements in clinical quality, patient safety, operational efficiency, care transitions and nurse leadership development.

He earned his Master of Science in Nursing, Health Care Administration, from South University and his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Miami Dade College.

“I was drawn to Central Maine Healthcare because of its strong commitment to community-centered care and the opportunity to elevate nursing practice across the organization,” Margarejo said. “From day one, I’ve been incredibly impressed by the dedication of the teams and the collaborative spirit among leadership. It’s clear this is an organization with both heart and momentum. 

“I’m focused on empowering our teams through education, innovation and accountability while driving measurable outcomes across patient care and staff engagement. Ultimately, I want every patient and team member to feel the impact of exceptional, compassionate care.” 

Central Maine Healthcare, in conjunction with the American Red Cross, will hold a quarterly Commemorative Blood Drive on Monday, April 13. The Commemorative Blood Drives were established following the Oct. 25, 2023, tragedy as a way to honor the lives of those who were affected. 

The April 13 blood drive will take place on the lower level of 12 High Street at CMMC in the Multipurpose Room from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

“We encourage everyone who is able to consider giving blood,” said Amanda Bellefleur, organizer of the event. “Just one donation can help save multiple lives. It’s a simple act that makes a profound difference for patients in our community who rely on a steady, reliable blood supply.”

Please click here to participate in this blood drive. 

For more information, please contact Amanda Bellefleur at amanda.bellefleur@cmhc.org.

The Diabetes Clinic at Bridgton Hospital has achieved accreditation from the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES), which recognized the program for meeting national standards in diabetes self-management education and support.

The accreditation affirms that the clinic provides high-quality education and resources to help patients better manage diabetes and reduce the risk of complications. Programs accredited by ADCES follow rigorous national standards and offer evidence-based education that supports patients in reaching their health goals.

The Diabetes Clinic provides individualized education for people living with diabetes or at risk of developing the condition. Through one-on-one counseling and group education, patients learn practical skills related to nutrition, medication management, monitoring blood glucose and lifestyle changes.

“Achieving ADCES accreditation reflects the dedication our team has to helping patients successfully manage their diabetes,” said Elaine Drew, RN, program coordinator for the Bridgton Hospital Diabetes Clinic. “Diabetes education gives people the knowledge and confidence to take control of their health, and we’re proud to provide these services to our community.”

The Diabetes Clinic at Bridgton Hospital offers several diabetes management classes throughout the year. Those interested in enrolling should call (207) 647-6064.

A Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) lab technician reached an impressive milestone last month: 50 years on the job-all at CMMC.

Paula Bouffard, an Auburn native, was still attending the University of Maine when she reported for her first clinical shift as a lab technician. At the time, CMMC was Central Maine General Hospital.

“Well, I like what I do,” Paula said. “I enjoy doing the lab work. I liked it then and still do, obviously. It gives me something to do. I’m not bored.”

Paula says she has seen much change at CMH over half a century. The healthcare system has grown. She witnessed entire new wings being added to the hospital. The location of the lab at CMMC has changed several times. When she started, it was where the present-day security office is.

And, of course, technology has changed considerably for the better, she says. “When I first came here, there were no computers. Zero. Everything was done on paper.” Modern day equipment, she says, has improved everything, including accuracy and turnaround times for analyzing bloodwork and getting the results back to providers. 

Paula says clocking out for the last time and retiring isn’t something on her immediate horizon, although she does like to golf and spend time with her five grandkids. “We’ll see,” she said. 

Central Maine Medical Center’s (CMMC) Emergency Department recently held mass casualty incident training to prepare staff for one of the most complex situations a hospital can face.

The simulated scenario involved an explosion at a local mill, sending 18 patients to the hospital by EMS, with injuries ranging from burns and fractures to amputations. Teams focused on the resuscitation of a critically injured 45-year-old woman triaged as a red-tag patient, indicating the highest level of urgency. Although the drill centered on one patient, staff operated as if multiple critically injured patients were arriving at once.

The training included numerous departments and healthcare professionals, including emergency physicians, trauma surgeons, nurses, patient care assistants, nursing educators, radiology, blood bank, phlebotomy and other ancillary services which all participated to reinforce coordination across departments.

“We do this so it becomes muscle memory,” said Meredith Kennedy, director of Emergency Services at CMMC. “When you’re in a high-stress situation, you don’t want to be questioning what comes next. You want your team to move confidently and efficiently.”

Nearly all surviving patients who were victims of the Oct. 25, 2023 mass shootings in Lewiston were treated at CMMC.

Mass casualty trainings are held several times a year, reinforcing the hospital’s commitment to preparedness and patient safety.

Bridgton Hospital and Rumford Hospital will receive a combined $11.5 million in federal funding following passage of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations bill.

Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced the allocations for Central Maine Healthcare’s critical access hospitals as part of nearly $71 million in Congressionally Directed Spending she secured this year for Maine hospitals and health centers. 

“As chair of the Appropriations Committee, I worked hard to secure this important funding,” Senator Collins said. “Mainers who live in the Lakes Region and River Valley should have access to the vital medical services they need. This funding will help secure much-needed equipment and facility upgrades at Rumford Hospital and Bridgton Hospital, helping to expand and improve the quality of rural health care services in those regions.”

“This critical funding will allow Rumford Hospital and Bridgton Hospital to enhance the overall health and wellness of the River Valley and Lakes Region communities,” said Stephany Jacques, president of Bridgton Hospital and Rumford Hospital.  “More specifically, it will allow us to upgrade technology, increase space at the emergency departments and streamline patient care. On behalf of both hospitals, I would like to thank Senator Collins for her ongoing support and advocacy for high-quality care in our rural communities.”