SMMC and Goodall Hospital Host Legislative Breakfast

02/01/2013

Leaders discuss how SMHC merger and unpaid hospital debt will affect health care in York County

Senator David Dutremble (D-Arundel), Representative Barry Hobbins (D-Saco), Representative Megan Rochelo (D-Biddeford) and Representative Alan Casavant (D-Biddeford) joined executives and board members from Southern Maine Medical Center (SMMC), Goodall Hospital and MaineHealth earlier this week for a breakfast hosted by the two hospitals.  The focus of their roundtable discussion was access to health care in York County and how the planned merger between SMMC and Goodall in 2014 and the state’s unpaid hospital debt will affect health care delivery in the future. 

SMMC and Goodall previously announced their plan to merge by January 1, 2014.  The new healthcare system, called Southern Maine Health Care (SMHC), will be the largest health care provider and largest employer in York County with approximately 2,500 employees.

“By combining our resources, SMMC and Goodall will be better able to meet the growing health care needs of York County,” said Patsy Aprile, president and CEO of Goodall Hospital. 

SMMC/SMHC President and CEO Ed McGeachey also noted, “As SMHC, we will improve the health of our communities and increase access to quality care while working to hold down rising costs.”

During breakfast, the group discussed how the state’s unpaid hospital debt has limited the organizations’ abilities to invest in services.  The state’s total MaineCare debt owed to SMMC is $22.5 million, with $13.1 million owed to Goodall. SMMC and Goodall offer health care, regardless of ability to pay, through 40 locations in York County.  In fiscal year 2012, they provided $10.1 million in free care and covered $19.6 million in unpaid care.  Combined, they are the largest employer home-based in York County and paid $121 million in salaries and wages for residents in FY2012.  In addition, they purchased millions of dollars of local goods and services and provided over $2 million in support to local non-profits through sponsorships and volunteer time.

About Southern Maine Medical Center
Southern Maine Medical Center (SMMC) is a national award-winning healthcare system, including a 150-bed acute care medical center in Biddeford, Maine, offering excellent clinical care and a multi-specialty physician services group with medical offices providing outpatient care located in Biddeford, Kennebunk, Old Orchard Beach and Saco. Non-emergency care is available without an appointment seven days a week at SMMC’s Walk-In Care center in Saco. SMMC is Joint Commission accredited, Pathway to Excellence designated, state-licensed, and is a member of Southern Maine Health Care and the MaineHealth system. To learn more visit www.smmc.org.

About Goodall Hospital
Goodall Hospital is a national award-winning community health system that includes a 58-bed acute care hospital in Sanford, Maine, four eldercare sites and services, and primary and specialty care services in Sanford, Kennebunk, and Waterboro.  Founded in 1928 by the Goodall family, the Hospital today offers state-of-the art health care services and serves as the primary health care resource for its community.  Goodall Hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission, licensed by the state of Maine, and is a member of Southern Maine Health Care and the MaineHealth System.  To learn more, visit www.goodallhospital.org.

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Media Contact:
Leslie Roberts
(207) 283.7232
lbroberts@smmc.org