York Hospital in Talks to Join the MaineHealth Family

Today, York Hospital is announcing that it is seeking approval to expand its partnership with MaineHealth and become part of the MaineHealth family.

According to York Hospital, for generations, the hospital has been a trusted community institution defined by its commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. But like many hospitals in Maine and across the country, rising labor costs, escalating pharmaceutical and supply expenses, and increasing payer denials have forced the hospital to review its options regarding its future. They also noted that, unlike many of its peers, York Hospital does not qualify for critical federal safety-net programs, including Critical Access Hospital designation or 340B drug pricing. This exclusion creates a structural disadvantage, limiting access to resources that help many hospitals offset growing financial strain.

“As efficient and agile as we are, we can no longer navigate the challenging health care landscape on our own,” said Dr. Patrick Taylor, chief executive officer of York Hospital. “We are taking this step out of a responsibility to our community. We have turned to MaineHealth multiple times over the past year to assist with clinical needs and support services. Now, we are looking to join the MaineHealth family to ensure that our community continues to have local access to top-quality health care close to home, for generations to come.”

The exploration of a partnership between York Hospital and MaineHealth is a multi-step process that may continue for over a year. A Letter of Intent has been signed by both parties, who are currently in the due diligence phase. This process will require approvals from the state, which includes both an application for a Certificate of Need, and a separate review by the Maine Attorney General. Day-to-day operations will be unaffected by the pending transaction.

Leaders of MaineHealth say they look forward to strengthening their partnership with the greater York Community.

“York Hospital is a vital part of our overall health care system in Maine, as well as an important institution in the community it serves,” said Dr. Andrew Mueller, chief executive officer of MaineHealth. “With York Hospital as a part of the MaineHealth family, we will be able to continue to provide the people of southern York County with outstanding care close to home, bringing us another step closer to our MaineHealth vision of working together so our communities are the healthiest in America.”

York Hospital is one of a handful of independent hospitals remaining in Maine. Officials say that as market challenges continue to intensify, a partnership with MaineHealth will ensure financial stability and continuity of care.

York Hospital stated that the move does not signify a closure; rather, the organization is pursuing this proactive path to ensure stability for future generations. Although there will be consolidation of non-clinical staff, the hospital emphasizes that throughout this multi-step process, it will continue to operate in a manner that optimizes the care provided to the communities it serves until a decision has been made.

Both York Hospital and MaineHealth officials highlight their shared intent to maintain inpatient care for the foreseeable future, invest in and strengthen local primary care, and increase access to specialty care.

As these discussions continue, both organizations say they are committed to retaining York Hospital’s cultural roots and deep connection to the community; honoring the contributions of its people and partners; and preserving continuity for patients, families, providers, and vendors.

About York Hospital:  York Hospital is an independent, non-profit hospital that has been a staple in the community since 1906. Licensed for 79 beds, over 275 physicians on the medical staff serve the main hospital campus in York, along with 10 community sites throughout Southern Maine and New Hampshire. York Hospital, known for “Leading Care in our Communities,” does so by providing compassionate clinical excellence within its comfortable facilities.

About MaineHealth:   MaineHealth is a not-for-profit, integrated health system whose vision is, “Working together so our communities are the healthiest in America,” and is committed to a mission of providing high-quality affordable care, educating tomorrow’s caregivers and researching better ways to provide care. MaineHealth includes a Level 1 trauma medical center, eight additional licensed hospitals, comprehensive pediatric care services, an extensive behavioral health care network, diagnostic services as well as home health, hospice and senior care services. With more than 2,000 employed providers and approximately 23,000 care team members, MaineHealth provides preventive care, diagnosis and treatment to 1.1 million residents in Maine and New Hampshire.

For more information, please contact:

Jean Kolak, York Hospital
p: 207-351-2021
e: jkolak@yorkhospital.com

John Porter, MaineHealth
p: 207-329-8594
e: john.porter@mainehealth.org