York Hospital Celebrates Joining MaineHealth

YORK, Maine - York Hospital and MaineHealth today celebrated the beginning of a new chapter as York Hospital officially joins the MaineHealth system and becomes part of its Southern Region.

The celebration, held at York Hospital, brought together care team members, community leaders and elected officials to mark the milestone and recognize the collaboration that made the transition possible.

"For generations, York Hospital has been a trusted community institution, and today we celebrate both that remarkable legacy and the opportunity to build on it," said Britt Crewse, president of the MaineHealth Southern Region in a statement prior to the event. "Joining MaineHealth gives York Hospital access to the resources, clinical expertise and infrastructure of an integrated health system while preserving what matters most - our shared commitment to caring for the people of York County close to home."

Crewse said the integration will be a gradual process, with MaineHealth and York Hospital working together over the coming months to align operations, strengthen connections among care teams and identify opportunities to improve access and coordination.

Dr. Charles Morris, chief medical officer of MaineHealth Southern Region, said the partnership provides an opportunity to build on York Hospital's strong tradition of community-focused care while connecting its clinicians and patients more closely with MaineHealth's broader clinical network.

"York Hospital has a strong foundation of high-quality, community-focused care and a deep understanding of the patients and communities it serves," Morris said. "Being part of an integrated system gives us an opportunity to build on that foundation, strengthen coordination and make it easier for patients to access the care and expertise they need - while continuing to receive as much care as possible close to home."

The event also included remarks from Sen. Mark Lawrence, who serves on the York Hospital Board and represents the community in the Maine Senate, and Rep. Michele Meyer, House chair of the Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee, as well as Rep. Holly Sargent, whose district includes York Hospital. All three lawmakers have been closely involved with supporting the partnership and its development.

"York Hospital has been an essential part of this community for generations. This partnership gives us an opportunity to preserve that legacy and ensure the hospital remains a strong, vital resource for the people of York County for years to come," said Lawrence.

"Today marks a pivotal milestone for health care in York County as we officially welcome York Hospital into the MaineHealth family. For generations, York Hospital has been a bedrock of far southern Maine - a trusted place where our children and our neighbors were born, healed, and cared for by the people they know and trust. As we take this step forward together, one thing remains absolute: preserving the vital presence of a strong, compassionate community hospital here in Southern Maine is essential. Health care is inherently local, and maintaining accessible, high-quality care right here in our community remains our top priority," said Meyer.

"For over a century, York Hospital has been essential to our identity as a community in York. It has been a magnet for talented physicians, nurses and technicians. It has made York a safe place to grow a family, to spend a vacation or even spend your retirement. Everyone knew that quality health care was literally around the corner. The hospital has anchored this beautiful town and the partnership with MaineHealth allows this service and strength to continue and evolve. I know I speak for my fellow citizens in expressing our gratitude for the vision, generosity and perseverance that has made this agreement possible," said Sargent.

The integration follows state approval in August of York Hospital's plan to join MaineHealth. The organizations have committed to maintaining inpatient care at York Hospital while strengthening primary care and expanding access to specialty care through MaineHealth's broader network.

Crewse noted that the integration process will continue through 2027, with a focus on supporting care teams, improving coordination and ensuring continuity for patients and the community.

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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. MaineHealth hospitals include MaineHealth Behavioral Health at Spring Harbor in Westbrook, MaineHealth Franklin Hospital in Farmington, MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital in Damariscotta, MaineHealth Maine Medical Center in Portland, Biddeford and Sanford, MaineHealth Memorial Hospital in North Conway, N.H., MaineHealth Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick, MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital in Rockport, MaineHealth Stephens Hospital in Norway, MaineHealth Waldo Hospital in Belfast and York Hospital in York. MaineHealth also includes MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children's in Portland, MaineHealth Behavioral Health in Westbrook, MaineHealth Home Health and Hospice in Saco, the MaineHealth Institute for Research in Scarborough, the MaineHealth Medical Group and MaineHealth NorDx in Scarborough. MaineHealth affiliates include Maine General Health in Augusta and Waterville. It is also a significant stakeholder in the MaineHealth Accountable Care Organization in Portland and a joint venture partner in the New England Rehabilitation Hospital in Portland.