LEWISTON — More than 3,000 Central Maine Healthcare employees didn’t get paid on time Thursday after a computer problem delayed direct deposits for up to a full day. 

Payroll was sent off to TD Bank as usual Wednesday, according to a statement from Central Maine Healthcare. During processing, the bank identified what it called “an unrecognized character” in the data file and stopped processing until it could get verbal and written confirmation from the hospital system.

Hospital officials said Central Maine Healthcare and TD Bank worked together to correct the situation, but many direct deposits were delayed until late in the day Thursday and some were not expected to be made until Friday morning. 

In a statement released Thursday, Central Maine Healthcare said TD Bank has contacted employees’ banks and requested that any potential overdraft fees be waived. But officials noted that it will be up to each bank to decide whether or not to honor that request. They urged employees to contact their banks with questions about policies or fees.

A hospital spokesman said 3,271 of the system’s 3,659 employees were paid late. Those who received paper checks were not affected. 

The spokesman said employees were told about the problem as soon Central Maine Heathcare was aware of it. He said a notice went out to employees before 9 a.m. Thursday.

Central Maine Healthcare is the parent organization of Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, Bridgton and Rumford hospitals and a number of medical practices throughout the area.

ltice@sunjournal.com