Rural Maine hospital closer to merger with large network

DOVER-FOXCROFT, Maine (AP) - A community hospital in rural Maine is a step closer to a merger with a large hospital group.

The Maine Legislature has signed off on the merger of Mayo Regional Hospital in Dover-Foxcroft with Northern Light Health. Northern Light includes some of the biggest and busiest hospitals in the state, including Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor and Mercy Hospital in Portland.

Mayo CEO Marie Vienneau says the merger is “a responsible step forward.” Twelve of 13 communities in the hospital’s surrounding area have voted in favor of the merger.

Democratic Gov. Janet Mills must also sign off on the hospital merger. The hospital has 25 beds and is the biggest employer in its area.