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Central Maine Healthcare

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Bridgton Hospital

Central Maine Healthcare hospitals achieve the 2021 Gold Star of Excellence award from Breathe Easy Maine

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CMMC, Bridgton Hospital and Rumford Hospital recognized by Breath Easy Maine for commitment to tobacco-free campuses

Congratulations to all three Central Maine Healthcare hospitals for achieving the 2021 Gold Star of Excellence award from Breathe Easy Maine, an organization dedicated to reducing smoke exposure across the state. Breathe Easy conducts the Gold Star Standards of Excellence recognition program annually to encourage and support Maine’s hospitals in addressing smoking and tobacco use by creating and maintaining smoke and tobacco-free policies. Tobacco use remains the leading cause of death and disease in this country with over 443,000 deaths per year. According to American Hospital Association, 76% of hospitals nationally have gone 100% tobacco-free.

Want to contribute to reducing smoke exposure in Maine? Take the smoke-free home pledge today and join CMH’s efforts!

https://breatheeasymaine.org/smoke-free-homes-pledge/

Central Maine Healthcare appoints Steven G. Littleson, DBA, FACHE, as system’s president and CEO

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The Board of Directors of Central Maine Healthcare announced Friday that it has appointed Steven G. Littleson, DBA, FACHE, as the health system’s president and chief executive officer, effective Oct. 10.

Steven G. Littleson, DBA, FACHE

Dr. Littleson, who has served as CMH’s interim president and CEO since July 19, has extensive leadership experience gained over more than 35 years in the healthcare sector. He joined CMH in May 2020 as president of Central Maine Medical Center before taking on the additional role of senior vice president of operations for the health system.

“Steve is a seasoned leader with an unrelenting drive to provide the best possible care to our communities and the strategic mindset to match that pursuit,” said Board Chair Dev Culver.  “His deep experience, energy and commitment to the community and Central Maine Healthcare team members make him the ideal leader to guide the system through this period of change and beyond.”

As president and CEO, Dr. Littleson is responsible for advancing the integration of CMH as a high-quality delivery system using the skills he has garnered at numerous hospitals on the East Coast. During his time with CMH, he has led efforts that increased coordination among parts of the health system, improved performance on quality metrics, impacted workplace culture and strengthened the financial recovery from the initial waves of the pandemic. Dr. Littleson also has been guiding the development of the Cancer Care Center at Central Maine Medical Center, a $33 million facility that will open in the spring and enhance access to cutting-edge oncology services in a consolidated, convenient location.

“I am honored to be named to this position and to be entrusted to lead the exceptional team members who make Central Maine Healthcare a remarkable organization,” Dr. Littleson said. “I am inspired by working alongside team members who live the mission of providing the best care to each one of our patients every day. I can’t wait to see how much we’ll accomplish together.”

Before he joined CMH, Dr. Littleson served as regional president of Jefferson Health in Philadelphia and president of the hospitals division and chief operating officer for Hackensack Meridian Health in New Jersey. Additionally, he has held senior roles at Meridian Health, Southern Ocean County Hospital, both in New Jersey, and Sentara Healthcare in Virginia.

A fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Dr. Littleson served as an officer and chairman of the boards of the New Jersey Hospital Association and the New Jersey Council of Teaching Hospitals. He was on the boards of community service organizations including Boy Scouts of America, United Way, Rotary International, the American Red Cross and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

He continues to serve as an adjunct faculty member of New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service and he has been a regular guest lecturer for the Peking University Executive MBA program in Beijing.

Dr. Littleson earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Gettysburg College, his master’s degree in health administration from the Milken Institute School of Public Health at The George Washington University and his doctorate in business administration from Walden University.

He lives in Raymond with his wife, Debra, and Old English Sheepdog, Liberty.

Bridgton Hospital focusing on greatest community healthcare needs

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 Obstetrics phasing out to expand other services 

 Bridgton Hospital is refocusing its resources to expand healthcare services that will have the most impact on the health and well-being of the community. 

Demographic and other trends call for a greater investment in areas including pediatrics, primary care, cardiology, orthopedics, urology, podiatry, general surgery, gynecology and gastroenterology. As the hospital deepens its focus on those areas, it will be phasing out its obstetrical services effective Sept 17. 

“We did not come to this point easily, but ultimately it’s the right choice for our community to put our resources towards areas of greater need,” said Peter J. Wright, FACHE, president of Bridgton and Rumford Hospitals. “It’s clear that we need to invest in these areas and expand access to these services for the communities we serve.” 

Wright noted that Bridgton Hospital is not unique in having to make such a decision on its obstetrical services. Hospitals across Maine and in rural areas around the country have faced the same situation over the past decade. 

Bridgton Hospital team members have notified each of its active obstetrics patients about the change. 

“Amy Dugas, our region clinic director, and I personally called each patient to share the news, help them understand the changes and when appropriate, explain what options expecting parents had moving forward. We felt it was important that they hear this very personal news from Bridgton Hospital leadership,” Wright said. 

“It is a difficult decision,” said John L. Alexander, MD, MHCM, FACEP, chief medical officer for Central Maine Healthcare. “But the low volume of births taking place at the hospital was a critical factor. We feel it’s the best decision to ensure we continue best practices and meet our obligation to provide safe, high-quality care that matches the needs of the community.” 

Annually, Bridgton Hospital delivers only about 50 babies – roughly 30% of deliveries in its service area. In addition to financial stress, low volume creates staffing challenges. 

Already, most Lakes Region families are choosing other hospitals to deliver their babies (Stephens Memorial in Norway; Memorial Hospital in North Conway, N.H.; Maine Medical Center and Northern Light Mercy, both in Portland; CMMC and St. Mary’s in Lewiston). Those options are located conveniently for the community and a couple of them are less than 30 miles away. 

This decision was made only after a comprehensive examination by a multidisciplinary committee made up of medical staff, administration, clinical leadership and the guidance of a national expert on hospital operations. The committee thoroughly reviewed and analyzed the market, known and accepted clinical competencies, potential risk and finances. Based on their work, the operating committee formulated a recommendation that Bridgton Hospital leadership reviewed with system physician chiefs and the Central Maine Healthcare Board of Directors, who ultimately approved the decision. 

Staff who work in the OB/GYN clinic will be offered positions with similar duties elsewhere in the Bridgton market and will also have options elsewhere in the health system. Nurses who provide obstetrical services are part of the hospital’s overall inpatient staffing and will remain in their positions. 

“We are grateful for the dedication and compassionate care our team members have provided to obstetrics patients and their contributions to a very special part of the hospital’s work,” Wright said. “We hope that they will stay on at Bridgton Hospital to serve our communities in different and important ways as we adapt to meet the changing needs of our patients.” 

Hospital officials are looking at how Bridgton Hospital can continue to serve expectant families. They are in discussions about a possible collaboration to provide a pre-natal clinic on the Bridgton Hospital campus, with babies delivered at the other organization’s maternity ward. 

Central Maine Healthcare offers vaccination to 12-15 year olds

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Option available by appointment only at the Auburn Mall starting Wednesday

Youths 12 to 15 years old will be able to receive vaccine by appointment only at Central Maine Healthcare’s high-volume vaccination site at the Auburn Mall starting Wednesday, May 12.

“The authorization of the Pfizer vaccine for ages 12 and older is exciting news. We’re delighted to be rolling out this option,” said Amy Lee, MBA, MBHA, MJ, FACMPE, vice president and chief operating officer of the Central Maine Medical Group. “It’s an important step toward defeating the virus and helping families return to the things they love, like getting together with loved ones. Kids could be fully protected for the summer activities that make it so fun to be this age.”

Vaccination is available to Maine residents and non-residents alike. Individuals should bring their identification and their insurance card, if they have one. Minors must have parental consent and be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

To make an appointment or for more information about Central Maine Healthcare vaccination sites, visit cmhc.org or call Central Maine Healthcare’s COVID vaccine call center at 207-520-2917. Please note that for children who are 12 years old, a parent/legal guardian must contact the call center to make an appointment.

High-volume vaccination site to open in Androscoggin County on March 17

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Central Maine Healthcare, Auburn, Lewiston and State of Maine partner to open clinic at Auburn Mall

Central Maine Healthcare, the State of Maine, the City of Auburn and the City of Lewiston are launching a regional high-volume COVID-19 vaccination site at the Auburn Mall on March 17.

“We are thrilled that this critical resource will get more vaccine into the arms of Maine people quickly and efficiently,” said Jeffrey L. Brickman, FACHE, president and CEO of Central Maine Healthcare. “By working together with our partners, this high-volume vaccination site will have a powerful impact in the fight against the pandemic. It’s a wonderful example of the community coming together to protect the people we are privileged to serve.”

The high-volume vaccination site is the first to open in Androscoggin County. Vaccination will be available to Maine residents in accordance with the State of Maine’s age-based eligibility approach.

“The entire Auburn team stands ready to help protect our community in any way we can,” said Auburn Mayor Jason Levesque. “Androscoggin County’s vaccination rate is lagging behind the rest of the state, so we are extremely pleased to be working with these exceptional community partners to make this site a reality. Its central location will make it quick, simple and safe for our friends, neighbors and family members to protect themselves.”

After a ramp-up period, the site will have a goal of vaccinating 1,000 people a day and, if vaccine supplies are sufficient, operating three to five days a week for six months. During that timeframe, the site is expected to administer as many as 145,000 doses if vaccine availability allows.

“With the announcement of the opening of a high-volume vaccination site at the Auburn Mall, our community is one step closer to a return to normalcy,” said Lewiston Mayor Mark Cayer. “Local healthcare providers have planned and worked collaboratively to bring this to fruition; although work is ongoing to assure accessibility and equity for our community’s senior citizens and our underserved populations. I’m confident we will identify fair access to the vaccination for all residents of this region.”

Central Maine Healthcare’s vaccination clinics at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, Bridgton Hospital and Rumford Hospital have prepared the health system well for the high-volume operation. The system, for example, administered a total of 1,269 does at Central Maine Medical Center and Bridgton Hospital on Feb. 27. In all, the system has administered nearly 16,000 doses to more than 10,000 people within the constraints of vaccine and resource availability.

In addition to operating the high-volume site at the Auburn Mall, community partners are coordinating to ensure that vaccination efforts reach all members of the community. Central Maine Healthcare, municipal and state leaders are working with Androscoggin County Emergency Management Agency, St. Mary’s Health System and Tri-County EMS.

Vaccination Appointments

Vaccination at the Central Maine Healthcare-run site at the Auburn Mall will be available by appointment only. To check availability, book an appointment or find out more about high-volume vaccination site, visit cmhc.org or telephone the Central Maine Healthcare COVID vaccine call center at 207-520-2917. Please direct all inquiries to this website and phone number, not to the mall or the cities.

Vaccinations will take place at the Center Court of the Auburn Mall. The entrance will be through the south entrance leading directly to Center Court.

With the opening of Auburn Mall site, Central Maine Healthcare will pivot resources from the clinics at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston to the high-volume site. Community vaccination clinics will continue at Bridgton Hospital and Rumford Hospital.

How to Help
Volunteers, both clinical and non-clinical, and donations, both financial and in-kind, can support COVID-19 efforts such as the high-throughput clinic. Please visit cmhc.org/how-to-help for more information.

Familiar faces offer exceptional orthopedic services under different name

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Central Maine Healthcare acquires Spectrum Orthopaedics-Auburn

You know their faces and you know about the great orthopedic care they provide. Now, they’ll be joining with the other trusted name for healthcare in Central and Western Maine: Central Maine Healthcare. The first-rate group of providers of Spectrum Orthopaedics-Auburn, formerly Central Maine Orthopaedics, is now part of the Central Maine Healthcare team and is adopting a new name: Central Maine Healthcare Orthopedics.

“We are thrilled to welcome these talented professionals to Central Maine Healthcare. Their addition to the team extends our ability to provide our patients with coordinated, high-quality orthopedic care close to home,” said Jeffrey L. Brickman, FACHE, president and CEO of Central Maine Healthcare. “It’s part of our vision of making exceptional, affordable and convenient care available to more Maine people.”

Joining the CMH team are eight orthopedic surgeons, four physician assistants and more than 80 experienced team members. The practice will continue to provide convenient, exceptional outpatient care at its current Minot Avenue and Rumford locations.

The addition of the practice, the largest orthopedic provider in Androscoggin County, significantly expands Central Maine Healthcare’s footprint of orthopedic services and its orthopedic staff. The system plans to build on this foundation to offer a full range of services to support the complex needs of patients with a wide variety of orthopedic, spine, pain management and physical therapy needs.

For more information or to make an appointment, please call 207-783-1328 or visit www.cmhc.org.