The proposed merger of Mayo Regional Hospital and Northern Light Health took a step forward this week after it gained preliminary support from Maine health regulators, according to the Bangor Daily News.
The state's health and human services department recommended that Dover-Foxcroft, Maine-based Mayo Regional merge with the larger hospital system in Brewer, Maine, because of Mayo's financial difficulties. Mayo Regional has had operating losses every year since 2010, according to the report.
In a 72-page report, Maine regulators recommended that the health and human services commissioner Jeanne Lambrew approve the merger.
The preliminary report supporting the merger will undergo a 10-day public comment period, after which, the state will make its final decision. The process may take three to four months.
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