“We are not beginning this review with the assumption that closure or regionalizing is the right answer,” public health researcher Jeni Stolow said during a virtual forum Wednesday night. “We are also not beginning with the assumption that the unit open is the right answer.”
An independent five-member panel has been convened to review MaineHealth’s decision to end birthing services at Lincoln Hospital in Damariscotta. The move, which has sparked pushback from local residents and state lawmakers, has prompted the formation of this oversight group to determine if the healthcare provider’s decision was fair and reasonable.
The panel, composed of experts in maternal, rural, and public health, is tasked with reviewing the decision.
The panel examines the fairness of the closure
The members have been tasked with a deep dive into the evidence. Stolow and her colleagues intend to examine available evidence, look for gaps, and conduct interviews to reach their own conclusions.
While the panel holds sole authority over its findings, the birthing unit at Lincoln Hospital is slated to close on Dec. 18.
“We are not beginning this review with the assumption that closure or regionalizing is the right answer. We are also not beginning with the assumption that the unit open is the right answer.”
Regardless of the findings, it won’t necessarily halt the closure of Lincoln Hospital’s birthing unit, which is slated for Dec. 18.
A report for lawmakers and the public
The panel’s report will be submitted to state lawmakers and stakeholders, and will be available to the public sometime after Dec. 1.
