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Dear patients and friends of Central Maine Healthcare,

I am pleased to share that our systems have been fully restored following the recent system outage. I know this disruption affected many of you, and I am deeply grateful for your patience and understanding.

I fully acknowledge that this event created difficulty for many of our patients and families. The interruption of access to your care team, the patient portal, appointment scheduling, obtaining prescriptions and lack of normal communication was frustrating, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and distress it may have caused. 

Not being able to reach you—and you not being able to reach us—were among the hardest aspects of the outage. We missed speaking with you, hearing from you and supporting you in real time. If you visited us in person at Central Maine Medical Center, Bridgton Hospital, Rumford Hospital or one of our physician practices—thank you. If you connected with us through social media or our temporary website, thank you for staying engaged.

From the moment the outage was detected, our information technology teams—alongside national cybersecurity experts—acted swiftly to contain and assess the situation and begin the process of analysis and secure restoration.

The dedication of our team members and caregivers never wavered. Our doctors, nurses and clinical teams moved quickly—relying on tireless coordination—to ensure you and your family continued to receive the compassionate, high-quality care you deserve. Our emergency departments and physician practices were as busy as ever, and we remained focused on delivering care despite the circumstances.

We also heard from clinicians who found moments of meaning and connection without the computer screens of doctor’s offices—an unexpected silver lining. Some recalled a time when paper systems were standard and shared that knowledge with younger colleagues. But while there was a touch of nostalgia, it was also a difficult path. Our caregivers deserve special thanks for their adaptability,  resilience and  unwavering dedication to patients.

In addition to all of you, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to our 3,200 team members—especially our information technology team—that worked around the clock to restore hundreds of servers and thousands of workstations.

We have emerged a stronger, more secure health system. We are more connected and more committed than ever to taking care of you—whether on paper or online, it’s truly the people that matter most.

Thank you,

Steve Littleson
President and CEO
Central Maine Healthcare

The entire team at Elsemore Dixfield Family Medicine was recently honored for delivering exceptional patient care.

Jessica King, DO, and her team were awarded the 2024 United Hero Award. The award, which is presented by United Healthcare, recognizes healthcare providers for delivering highly rated patient experiences, based on specific targets in patient experience surveys, including getting needed care, care coordination and doctor-patient conversations.

“This award affirms what we already know to be true,” said Christopher Hodgkins, director of regional clinics and care centers for Central Maine Healthcare. “Dr. King and the entire team at Dixfield go above and beyond to provide exceptional care – our patients, organization and community are lucky to have such a talented care team.”

The Bridgton Hospital Community Health Fair is back. The hospital held its first annual fair since the pandemic.

Turnout was strong for the event that offered people in the Lakes Region community a chance to tour the hospital and learn about expanded services in cardiology, orthopedics and oncology that are now available. Mammograms were offered and there were opportunities to become new patients of the hospital’s primary care doctors.

Attendees were also able to explore job opportunities with Central Maine Healthcare.

It was also a great event for children who were treated to face paintings, a bounce house and a chance to meet with Dr. Eddy, the official mascot of Central Maine Healthcare.

“It was so great to see members of the community come to the hospital to enjoy this great event,” said Stephany Jacques, president of Bridgton Hospital. “Bridgton Hospital has had some significant improvements in recent years, and this offered the public an opportunity to learn about what is happening here and how they can benefit. We look forward to having this event again next year!”

A Bridgton Hospital nurse is this year’s recipient of the Winnie Moore Award.

Janette Laplante, RN, who is a nurse leader at Bridgton, was recognized for exemplifying leadership, mentorship and commitment to caring for the Lakes Region community.

She was selected by a committee, and the nomination letter reads, in part: Janette is a nurse at heart and continues to care for patients. She cares deeply and holistically for each and every one, as well as for their families. Recently a patient passed away. Without hesitation, Janette created space in the inpatient unit for the family to spend time with their loved one. Through all that Janette does, she cares deeply for those she leads, those she cares for and has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and compassion in her leadership and practice.

The Winnie Moore Award is presented every year during Nurses Week to a single Bridgton Hospital nurse in recognition of clinical nursing excellence.  It’s named after Winnie Moore, who spent most of her career in Bridgton, working as a nurse at Northern Cumberland Memorial Hospital, which later became Bridgton Hospital. She was the director of nursing at Bridgton Hospital for 29 years and served on the hospital’s board of directors.

“The bar for winning this award is high, so that says a lot about Janette’s accomplishment” said Stephany Jacques, RN, president of Bridgton Hospital. “Her commitment to nursing excellence sets the tone for the quality of care we provide here at Bridgton Hospital, and the people of the Lakes Region community are fortunate to have her with us.”

Central Maine Healthcare is pleased to introduce a new provider. Gregory Violette, DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy), works with orthopedic patients at Central Maine Therapy Services.

Gregory earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of New England. He says he believes in using active listening, effective communication and empathy with his patients.

“I believe patient-centered care is the key to achieving therapeutic goals and establishing meaningful relationships,” Violette said. “I aspire to empower my patients to become the best versions of themselves.”

Central Maine Therapy Services offers comprehensive services including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, pelvic floor rehabilitation and Lymphedema care.

They offer private treatment rooms, extensive rehabilitation equipment and a gym, as well as activities of daily living training facilities to support functional gains and recovery for patients of all ages. Call (207) 795-2122 for an appointment.

After a hiatus due to the COVID 19 pandemic, the Woman’s Hospital Association (WHA) is back. The WHA has a long history of raising funds for critical medical equipment and programs at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, as well as Maine College of Health Professions (MCHP).

To announce their comeback, members held a spring bake sale at CMMC on April 16 to raise money for scholarships for students attending MCHP.

“The bake sale was a terrific success, and it’s just the beginning of a new chapter of fundraising for CMMC,” said June Van Mourik, president of the WHA. “The pioneering women who started the WHA back in the late 1800s were instrumental in establishing what is now CMMC. We are excited to continue their legacy.”

From mammography machines to defibrillators, the organization has raised $1.2 million for the hospital.

“The WHA’s contributions—from the funds they’ve raised to their role as goodwill ambassadors and passionate advocates for both CMMC and the community—are truly invaluable,” said Lisa LaVallee, system director of Philanthropy at CMH. “We’re deeply grateful for everything they’ve done over the years to support this hospital and its patients.”

The group is looking for people who want to make a difference in their community and join the WHA. Those interested can learn more by emailing giving@cmhc.org.

(Photo caption: WHA members from left to right: Sharon Poulin, Terri Mclean, and current president June Van Mourik)

An enormous achievement for CMMC’s breast health team: they have been awarded re-accreditation status by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), following a recent site visit by the organization.

“As a participant of the NAPBC, your breast center has earned distinction as an ACS Surgical Quality Partner. This designation recognizes that your institution is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards in surgical care,” a statement from the NAPBC says.

“This re-accreditation is confirmation of what our patients already know: they are in good hands with the breast care professionals at CMMC,” said Renee Pinette, MD, OB/GYN and breast surgical oncologist on Central Maine Healthcare. “A breast cancer diagnosis can be devastating, but this seal of approval from NAPBC demonstrates our patients can trust they’re receiving comprehensive, compassionate and coordinated care from a dedicated team of specialists.”

“It’s wonderful to hear the dedication of our team to providing exceptional care has been recognized,” said Jessica Gironi, oncology accreditation manager for Central Maine Healthcare. “The reviewer’s comments highlight the strengths of the program, especially the offering of in-house services and the proactive steps taken to support patients.”

Central Maine Healthcare offers a full range of breast care treatment, including diagnosis and advanced diagnosis, prevention, treatment, ultrasounds and MRIs, biopsies and breast cancer surgery and reconstruction.

North Bridgton Family Practice, which is part of Central Maine Healthcare, is excited to welcome a new provider.

Chaddwick McBeigh is a certified physician’s assistant (PA-C) who will be seeing walk-in patients.

Among his interests is musculoskeletal injury and rehabilitation.

“I like to make sure patients are always taking steps forward towards better health,” McBeigh said. “A series of small steps can lead to big change.”

Chaddwick graduated from the University of Nebraska and completed his residency at General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital in Missouri.

He spent 22 years in the U.S. Army, with 15 years on active duty and seven years in the National Guard.

He will be retiring from the military in November 2025.

North Bridgton Family Practice & Walk-In Clinic provides telehealth and in-person appointments, as well as walk-in care. The practice is open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Central Maine Healthcare’s cancer care program is among the best in the nation, according to the Commission on Cancer (CoC).

The CoC is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving survival and quality of life for patients with cancer by setting and raising standards. The organization promotes cancer prevention, research, education and monitoring of comprehensive quality care.

“As a participant of the Commission on Cancer (CoC), your hospital has earned distinction as an American College of Surgeons Surgical Quality Partner. This designation recognizes that your institution is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards in surgical care,” a statement from the CoC reads.

“This is great news and confirmation of what we already know: our oncology team members are among the best in the nation,” said Tim Counihan, MD, chief of surgery. “This accreditation should serve as further proof to our cancer patients that they are in great hands at Central Maine Healthcare.”

“The Commission on Cancer has incredibly high standards, so it’s especially gratifying to receive this accreditation,” said John Hamilton, senior vice president of service line operations at CMH. “This recognition not only highlights our dedication to quality but also reinforces our role as leaders in advancing cancer care and improving outcomes for our patients.”

Central Maine Healthcare (CMH) has announced appointments to two senior leadership positions within the healthcare system.

Michael Berlowitz, MD, has accepted the position of chief medical officer for Central Maine Healthcare. Since 2021, Dr. Berlowitz has provided exceptional leadership as chief of Central Maine Heart & Vascular Institute (CMHVI). He will continue to lead CMHVI.

Before joining CMH, Dr. Berlowitz served as chief of clinical operations for the University of South Florida’s cardiovascular service line. He holds an MBA from Auburn University Harbert College of Business, specializing in operations and organizational behavior. He has also earned certificates in strategic healthcare leadership from Cornell University and patient safety and quality from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement.

Michelle Kap, MS, RN, who has been serving as interim chief nursing officer (CNO) since December, has accepted the permanent role of CNO.

Michelle brings extensive leadership experience to this position, having previously served as senior vice president of clinical operations at Steward Health Care in Massachusetts. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on critical care from the University of Massachusetts.

“These appointments reflect our dedication to strong leadership for the health system,” said Steve Littleson, president and CEO, Central Maine Healthcare. “I am confident these two seasoned professionals will have a positive impact on the care we provide to our patients.”