COVID-19 has ‘reshaped’ the health care industry, Central Maine Healthcare CEO says

From workforce shortages to the impending end of the federal public health emergency, health care systems continue to face significant operating challenges.

COVID-related hospitalizations remain steady as new subvariant dominates

The omicron subvariant, XBB, now accounts for about 70% of all COVID-19 cases in the Northeast. While it is more contagious than previous subvariants, local hospital officials say they are not seeing a spike in hospitalizations.

Flu’s spread and severity remains severe across the region

Flu-associated hospitalizations in Androscoggin and Franklin counties each tripled last week compared to the week prior, with 15 patients and six patients admitted to hospitals, respectively.

$6.5 million for tri-county health care providers included in federal spending bill

Maine's congressional delegation secured millions of dollars in federal funding for more than 200 Maine-based projects and organizations, including $4 million for health care services in Androscoggin County and nearly $2.5 million for services in Oxford County.

Flu cases, hospitalizations surpass prepandemic levels

Even if clinicians and public health experts had expected to see a surge in cases this season, flu and other respiratory viruses, such as COVID-19, are still flooding emergency departments, urgent cares and primary care physicians’ offices with sick patients.

St. Mary’s Renaissance School celebrates 26 years of clinician-centered education

Recognizing an unmet need, two psychiatrists at St. Mary's trained to help adolescents paved the way for the opening of the Renaissance School more than 25 years ago.

CMMC, St. Mary’s get top grades from hospital safety watchdog group

Maine hospitals are getting hit hard by RSV surge, officials say

With the spike in respiratory cases and the limited number of pediatric hospitals able to provide intensive care, officials from Maine's largest health care networks are warning people to take precautions.

Universal masking remains in place at local hospitals

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently updated their guidance for health care settings to make universal masking optional when community transmission is not at a high level.

Got robots? These hospitals do

Robotics-assisted technology is becoming more common in operating rooms across Maine, with St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center in Lewiston recently joining the list of hospitals employing the new methods.