Central Maine Healthcare (CMH), an integrated healthcare delivery system located in Lewiston, is pleased to announce a strategic agreement with New England Cancer Specialists (NECS), a leading provider of oncology services in the Northeast, to enhance medical oncology and infusion services in the central Maine region.
Officials from both organizations signed an agreement on Nov. 16 that will significantly elevate cancer care in central Maine by combining the expertise and resources of both organizations.
Central Maine Healthcare’s distinguished cancer care program is accredited by the Commission on Cancer and treats cancer patients at Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC), Rumford Hospital and Bridgton Hospital.
The Cancer Care Center at CMMC is a state-of-the-art facility that opened its doors to patients in the spring of 2022, providing multi-specialty, team-based care in a centralized location. The facility features the newest linear accelerators for radiation therapy in Maine, beautiful infusion suites, onsite lab, clinical pharmacy and convenient patient parking.
Recognized as the premier hematology and oncology practice in Maine, New England Cancer Specialists is an independent medical organization that is dedicated to the highest quality team-based care for every patient. Comprised of 16 physicians who are nationally recognized for their expertise and experience, they participate in more clinical trials than any other practice in Maine. NECS is an affiliate member of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Under the co-management agreement, NECS will oversee operations and development of the Cancer Care Center’s hematology practice and oncology infusion centers at CMMC, as well as CMH’s two critical access hospitals, Bridgton Hospital and Rumford Hospital.
“We are excited about working with NECS providers to expand access to state-of-the-art cancer care,” said Steve Littleson, president and CEO, Central Maine Healthcare. “Our region has some of the highest rates of cancer in Maine, and this agreement will combine resources to take the best care of our patients.”
The collaboration between NECS and the Cancer Care Center at CMMC is effective Jan. 1, 2024.
“As we know, cancer touches us all,” said Chiara Battelli, MD, president of New England Cancer Specialists. “New England Cancer Specialists is thrilled to collaborate and bring the best of both organizations for the benefit of patients in the region.”
Pictured: NECS President Chiara Battelli, MD, and Central Maine Healthcare President and CEO Steve Littleson after signing of agreement
Providers from both organizations who will be providing care at the Cancer Care Center at CMMC