Mayo Logo
  • Mayo Regional Hospital
  • Providing Quality Service Since 1978
Mayo Regional Hospital
  • 897 West Main Street
  • Dover-Foxcroft, Maine 04426
  • 207-564-8401

 

Mayo Regional Hospital News Page

RSS feed available News RSS Feed
  • Current News
  • Newsletters
  • Past Press Releases

Estes named ICU Nurse Manager at Mayo

May 15, 2013

DOVER-FOXCROFT - Samantha Estes, RN, who began her nursing career at Mayo Regional Hospital in 1999, has returned to Mayo as Nurse Manager of the Intensive Care Unit.

Estes, a graduate of Penquis Valley High School in Milo, has previous experience working in the ICU at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. Most of her clinical experience has been in the Emergency Department setting, where she has worked for 10 years at EMMC, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Mayo.

Estes has five years of leadership experience in supervisory roles at EMMC, where she has been a house nursing supervisor, a clinical supervisor in the ED, and has most recently worked as a Transfer Center Nurse. At EMMC’s Transfer Center, she coordinated transfers from outlying facilities to EMMC, in addition to assisting with patient bed placement.

The new ICU manager is a graduate of Husson University in Bangor, where she received her BSN in 1998 and a Master’s in Business Administration in 2010. Estes also completed the Graduate Leadership Academy, a partnership between the Advisory Board and EMMC. 


Merrill named Mayo’s Nurse of the Year

May 09, 2013

Darcy Merrill, RN
Darcy Merrill, RN

DOVER-FOXCROFT - Darcy Merrill, RN, who has worked at Mayo Regional Hospital since 1990, was recognized as the 2013 Nurse of the Year on May 6. She represented Mayo at the Nurses’ Week Blaine House tea reception Tuesday in Augusta.

Merrill has worked since 2008 as Mayo’s Resource Nurse, helping out where the need is greatest in the Emergency Department and Med/Surg unit, and assisting with patient transitions between departments.

Merrill earned her BSN from the University of Southern Maine and immediately began work at Mayo; not surprising, considering her mother, Deanne, had been a nurse at the former Mayo Memorial Hospital since 1975. In the past 23 years Darcy has worked at Mayo in Med/Surg, the ED, cardiac rehab, as an evening shift supervisor and as ED Nurse Manager.

Merrill is also certified as an oncology nurse and a sexual assault examiner.

“Darcy Merrill brings years of patient care experience to Mayo,” read the nomination for Nurse of the Year. “She is competent in all clinical areas and is personable and goes the extra mile for patients. She frequently stays over when it’s busy and is always willing to help wherever needed. Darcy seeks educational opportunities and is a strong presence in our nursing units and in the community.”

Other nurses nominated for the award were Jen Foley, Stephanie Riehl, Donna Kousaie, Kristen Belote, Deb Stroud, John Chase, Alex Johnston, Jen Sudak, Jared Odor, Cheryl Russell and Kat Estey. 


Mayo receives Leadership Award for Clinical Excellence

May 01, 2013

DOVER-FOXCROFT - VHA Inc., a national health care network, has given Mayo Regional Hospital a 2013 VHA Leadership Award for Clinical Excellence, honoring the hospital for achieving national performance standards for clinical quality, safety and patient experience.

VHA is a national network of more than 1,350 not-for-profit hospital systems and 72,000 non-acute facilities that work together to achieve new levels of clinical performance and operational efficiency.

Mayo was one of 40 VHA member hospitals this year to receive a Leadership Award for Clinical Excellence. Winners were announced May 1 during VHA’s national meeting, the 2013 Navigating to Excellence Forum, held in Las Vegas.

Mayo also won the Leadership Award in 2012.

The VHA Leadership Award for Clinical Excellence recognizes organizations that achieve top performance in care measures tracked by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Winners are selected based on a composite score consisting of three elements: 1) Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) Total Performance Score, which includes Core Measures and the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Services (HCAHPS) survey results; 2) 30-day readmission rates; and 3) Medicare cost data.

“We are proud to be recognized and again receive this prestigious award. It reflects the entire staff’s dedication and focus on quality,” said Edward J. Hannon, Mayo’s President and CEO. “Mayo Regional Hospital physicians and staff remain committed to ongoing improvements for patient safety and care. We do this work not for the awards, but because we believe our patients deserve the best care possible in a hospital that the community can be proud of. This, along with other awards Mayo Regional Hospital has received, are excellent objective evaluations for the community and all of Maine to see that safe, high-quality care can be received in small hospitals.”

“The leaders and staff in these organizations have shown their dedication to providing not only consistently high levels of clinical care but also continually improving that performance to produce better outcomes for their patients,” said Steve Miff, PhD, VHA’s senior vice president for Clinical and Care Delivery Solutions. “Since the passing of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, the health care industry has moved quickly to establish and meet performance quality metrics and align care protocol. We are especially proud of these VHA organizations for exceptional performance.”

By recognizing institutions for their commitment and achievements, VHA hopes that other health systems will apply these leading practices in their own organizations to further enhance the overall level of quality in our nation’s health care system. 


Morrison named Vice President for Mayo Practice Associates

April 24, 2013

Lori Morrison VP Mayo Practice Assoc
Lori Morrison VP Mayo Practice Assoc

DOVER-FOXCROFT - Lori Morrison of Millinocket has been named Vice President of Mayo Practice Associates, responsible for management of the network of physician offices operated by Mayo Regional Hospital in Piscataquis and Penobscot counties.

As Vice President, Morrison will direct operations of Mayo's five primary care physician offices --Corinth Medical Associates, Dexter Internal Medicine, Dover-Foxcroft Family Medicine, Guilford Medical Associates and Milo Family Practice -- as well as four specialty practices in Dover-Foxcroft: Mayo Orthopedics, Mayo Surgical Associates, Mayo Women's Health and the hospital's Psychiatry and Counseling program.

Morrison joins Mayo after serving in management positions with the Katahdin Valley Health Center since 2002. She was finance officer for three years, and was promoted to Chief Operations Officer in 2005. KVHC operates physician offices in Patten, Millinocket, Island Falls and Houlton.

"Lori's knowledge, experience and passion for rural healthcare were recognized by the many individuals who participated in the interview process," said Edward J. Hannon, Mayo's President and CEO. Morrison was selected from a field of over 30 applicants for the position.

Morrison earned a certificate in Community Health Leadership, with a focus on community health center organizations and systems, from the University of Washington - Northwest Community Health Leadership Institute. She is also taking courses towards a degree in business administration from the University of Maine. 


See photos from the 2011 event


3nd Annual Allen Golf Classic

Mayo Regional Hospital raised nearly $31,000 during the 3rd annual Dennis Allen Memorial Golf Classic, which drew a field of 106 golfers to the Natanis Golf Course in Vassalboro on Aug. 31.

Golfing

The tournament honors the memory of Dennis Allen, who died in 2008 of a heart attack. Allen, an avid golfer, was Chief Financial Officer at Mayo Regional Hospital for 30 years.

Proceeds from the tournament will be used by Mayo Regional to combat heart disease in the hospital’s service area of Piscataquis, Penobscot and Somerset counties. Funds raised from the Allen Classic in 2009 and 2010 have been used to buy 37 Automated External Defibrillators, which were donated by Mayo and placed in public access points throughout the region, from Medway to Fairfield, and Dexter to Pittston Farm. Mayo will continue to expand placement of AEDs with funds netted from the most recent tournament.

The team from A.E. Robinson Oil Co. of Dover-Foxcroft had the low net score of 54, turned in by James Robinson, Jeffrey Robinson, Mike Grinnell and Mike Harris. The foursome of Ryan Cloutier, Dave Winslow, Mike Neuts and Bruce Moore took low gross honors with a score of 62.

Rick York won the putting contest, the Thomas Agency team had the longest putt, the longest drives were struck by Mike Harris and Bonnie Allen, and the straightest drives were made by Ryan Cloutier and Paula Gagnon. Jim Fowle was closest to the pin on hole 4, and Phil Badger was closest to the pin on hole 10.

Special thanks are due to Acadia Benefits, A.E. Robinson Oil Co. and BerryDunn, who were major corporate sponsors of the Allen Classic. Gold-level sponsors included Allscripts, Dahl-Chase Pathology Associates, Dexter Family Practice, DiGiorgio Associates, Gilman Electric, H.M. Payson & Co., Hardwood Products, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Mayo Regional Hospital Medical Staff, Sage, and Thomas Agency. Pepsi was the beverage sponsor.

Raffle prizes included 100 gallons of oil from A.E. Robinson, tickets to the Deutsche Bank PGA championship, and greens fees to Bangor Muni, Piscataquis CC, Country View GC, JaTo Highlands, Foxcroft GC, Kebo Valley, J.W. Parks, Lakewood GC, Natanis GC, Sable Oaks GC and Dexter Municipal.

See photos from the 2011 event

Past Press Releases:

For more information or questions please contact Tom Lizotte, Marketing & Development Director of Mayo Regional Hospital, 207-564-4342 or e-mail tlizotte@mayohospital.com.

Past News Releases

Shriners sponsor free children’s screening clinic

April 18, 2013

DOVER-FOXCROFT - The staff at Mayo Orthopedics in Dover-Foxcroft, in partnership with Shriners Hospitals, will offer a free screening clinic from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday, May 11, for children under age 18 who might have orthopedic problems.

The clinic will identify children who might benefit from free, expert care at Shriners Hospitals, for such conditions as club foot, scoliosis, hand or back problems, bowed legs, spina bifida, dislocated hips or problems associated with burns.

All care provided at Shriners Hospitals is free of charge. Call 942-2254 for more information.

Return to Top

Mayo Regional offers Swing Bed option

April 11, 2013

DOVER-FOXCROFT - The Skilled Rehab/Swing Bed program at Mayo Regional Hospital provides an option for patients who are transitioning from acute hospital care back to their home.

In many cases, patients are not ready to return home following a hospital stay or surgery, even though they may no longer need acute-level care.

"Patients may still need more help before they can care for themselves at home, but that help may be skilled rehabilitation treatments, rather than acute nursing care," said Audra Rayfield, RN, Mayo's Swing Bed Coordinator.

The use of swing beds allows patients to transition, or "swing," from acute care to a skilled-nursing level of care without leaving the hospital, or even changing rooms. Examples of skilled rehabilitation services at Mayo include IV therapy, skin/wound care, physical therapy, post-operative orthopedic care, post-stroke care and end-of-life care.

Many healthcare workers are engaged in providing this type of transitional care, including doctors and nurses, physical, occupational and speech therapists, respiratory therapists, behavioral health specialists and activity coordinators. Other hospital departments -- pharmacy, social services, discharge planning, pastoral care and dietary -- also support swing bed patients.

Rayfield said use of swing beds is not limited to patients who begin their hospital stay at Mayo. Patients who seek specialized hospital care in Bangor, Portland or Boston may come back to Mayo for a swing bed stay as part of their return home.

Because the goal of a swing bed program is to help patients become as independent as possible, expectations are different than for a traditional acute-care inpatient. "We want those patients to dress in street clothes, eat meals out of bed, and participate in daily nursing or therapy rehab as needed," said Rayfield.

Many insurance companies pay for post-acute rehab services offered through the swing bed program. Mayo's Social Services staff verifies insurance coverage prior to admission, coordinates care and develops a discharge plan to meet the individual needs of each patient.

For more information on Mayo's Skilled Rehab/Swing Bed program, contact Rayfield at 564-1602.

Return to Top

Mayo Seniority to attend Portland concert

April 10, 2013

DOVER-FOXCROFT - The Seniority program at Mayo Regional Hospital will be traveling to Portland on Sept. 9 for a 7 p.m. performance by Irish singer Daniel O'Donnell at Merrill Auditorium. The cost is $110 for Seniority members and Mayo employees, and $120 for non-members, and must be paid by April 22 in order to reserve a ticket.

O'Donnell has performed throughout the world and is often seen in his own television concert specials on MPBN. The Seniority package includes custom motor coach transportation to Portland, dinner, and floor seats for the concert. A Cyr bus will pick up passengers in Milo starting at 12:45 p.m. on Sept. 9, with additional stops at Dover-Foxcroft, Guilford, Dexter and Newport.

Checks should be made payable to MRH Seniority and mailed to Lil Smith, Seniority, 897 West Main St., Dover-Foxcroft, Maine 04426.

Return to Top

Bradford’s Bowler retires from HAD 4 Board

April 02, 2013

DOVER-FOXCROFT - Gregory Bowler of Bradford, who served on the Hospital Administrative District 4 Board of Directors for more than 20 years and was Board Chair from 1996-2012, retired after the March 27 meeting at Mayo Regional Hospital.

A former University of Maine faculty member who holds a Ph.D. in mass communications, Bowler said he initially had little knowledge of healthcare or hospitals.

“I didn’t have a particular interest in, or knowledge of hospital governance,” recalled Bowler. “The town manager in Bradford at the time needed someone to be on the Board, and I agreed out of a sense of civic duty.”

Bowler originally served on the HAD 4 Board in the early 1980s, shortly after Mayo Regional Hospital opened in 1978. After taking some years off, he was re-elected to the Board in 1994 and served continuously until his final meeting last month. Bowler was Board Chair during Ralph Gabarro’s entire 15-year tenure as Mayo CEO.

Mayo experienced major growth in employment and services during Bowler’s years on the Board. The hospital completed an $8 million facility expansion from 2001-2003. Yet what he remembers best is not the technological advances or building projects, but the people he met.

“The biggest high point, to me, was meeting the people at the hospital. It’s been a great pleasure to meet the other people on the Board, the hospital leaders, and members of the medical staff,” said Bowler. “Healthcare is a people business, and there’s a bunch of people at Mayo who I really admire.”

Bowler earned an undergraduate degree in radio and television at Indiana University in the 1950s, and then worked for years on the production side of commercial and public television. He returned to the academic world to earn his doctorate at Ohio State, and taught at West Virginia University before joining the UMaine faculty in 1974 to teach speech communications. Bowler was later involved in video instruction through UMaine’s ITV distance learning program.

His Board involvement at Mayo kept Bowler active after retirement from UMaine, as he attended hundreds of meetings at the hospital over the years. He had an unassuming presence despite his leadership role, yet his devotion to Mayo was unmistakable.

“I didn’t really appreciate all that Greg offered until I worked so closely with him the last year,” said Mary Alyce Higgins of Dover-Foxcroft, who was Board Co-Chair with Bowler during 2012, and who will also retire from the Board this spring. “We saw each other at least once every week and spoke on the phone several times a week. And e-mails were constant. I have missed him the last few months as we are both winding down. I was so glad to have had the opportunity to get to know him so well. He did so much for Mayo, and did it quietly.”

Return to Top

Mayo Regional recognized for tobacco-free policies

March 26, 2013

DOVER-FOXCROFT - Mayo Regional Hospital is one of 31 Maine hospitals to be recognized by the Maine Tobacco-Free Hospital Network for their efforts to create tobacco-free campuses and to promote tobacco-free lifestyles through the 2013 Gold Star Standards of Excellence program.

Hospitals are recognized at the Gold, Silver and Bronze level based on how many of the 10 best practice policy and procedure standards they have met.

Mayo moved up from the Silver level in 2012, and was one of 18 hospitals to receive the top, Gold-level award this year.

The Tobacco-Free Hospital Network presented the awards on March 27 at the Maine Hospital Association in Augusta.

Return to Top

Mayo’s Chambers named educator of the Year

March 20, 2013

DOVER-FOXCROFT - Lesley Chambers of Mayo Regional Hospital’s Rehabilitation Services department will receive the Clinical Educator of the Year award from the New England Consortium of Academic Coordinators of Clinical Education.

Chambers, who earned her doctorate in Physical Therapy from Husson University, will receive the award in recognition of the skills and commitment she has demonstrated while helping to educate physical therapy students. She has served as a clinical instructor since 2007 for many Husson physical therapy students during their training at Mayo. Since that time, she has also arranged contracts with Kennebec Valley Community College and Quinnipiac University. She has acted as a clinical instructor for 11 Student Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants since beginning this role six years ago.

Chambers received her award March 21 in Tewksbury, Mass., at the annual awards ceremony.

Return to Top

Mayo named to list of Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals

March 13, 2013

DOVER-FOXCROFT - Mayo Regional Hospital has been named one of the HealthStrong™ Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) in the United States for 2013.

“Mayo is proud of the efforts of its physicians and staff who have contributed to our hospital achieving this designation,” said Edward J. Hannon, Mayo President and CEO. “This is the second time Mayo has been recognized, having also earned this recognition in 2011.”

The HealthStrong™ Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals, including Mayo Regional, scored best among critical access hospitals on the iVantage Health Analytics’ Hospital Strength Index™. The 2013 Top 100 CAH announcement is the second release of this important designation. The Hospital Strength Index is the first-ever comprehensive rating of CAHs and the results recognize the Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals that provide a “safety- net” to communities across rural America – measuring them across 56 different performance metrics, including quality, outcomes, patient perspective, affordability and efficiency. More information can be found at www.iVantageHealth.com/HSI .

“Rural hospitals play a critical role in providing needed care to communities across America, yet the challenges are completely different while being as complex as urban hospitals. The need for enhanced performance and a framework for success are equally important as hospitals prepare for the impact of health reform,” said John Morrow, Executive VP of iVantage Health Analytics.

Six of the Top 100 CAHs are located in Maine. Besides Mayo, they include Redington Fairview General Hospital in Skowhegan, Bridgton Hospital, Millinocket Regional Hospital, Waldo County General Hospital in Belfast, and Charles Dean Memorial Hospital in Greenville. There are a total of 16 CAHs in Maine.

There are over 1,300 Critical Access Hospitals in the U.S., all located in rural areas and with a maximum of 25 inpatient beds. Wisconsin led the Top 100 list with 13 hospitals. Hospitals from 33 states were represented, with a geographic spread from Alaska to Georgia. Mayo is one of only 60 hospitals named to the Top 100 in both 2011 and 2013.

About iVantage Health Analytics

iVantage Health Analytics™ is a privately held healthcare business intelligence and technology company serving more than 500 hospitals across the United States. iVantage Health Analytics provides comparative healthcare analytics by integrating disparate market, clinical, operational, and financial data into a single, enterprise-wide platform for executive level business intelligence. For more information, visit www.iVantageHealth.com.

Return to Top

Mayo Orthopedics upgrades imaging system

March 07, 2013

DOVER-FOXCROFT - Mayo Orthopedics has upgraded its medical imaging technology with the installation of a new, Philips diagnostic x-ray system at its Dwelley Avenue office in Dover-Foxcroft.

The capital investment of $101,000 allows the orthopedic practice to discontinue the use of film, replacing film images with ones stored in a PACS (picture archiving and communications) computer system. The filmless images are viewed with a cassette reader, and provide higher quality and easier access for Mayo Orthopedics providers.

While most physician practices operated by Mayo Regional Hospital rely exclusively on medical imaging services provided by the hospital’s Radiology Department, Mayo Orthopedics has long offered in-house x-ray capabilities as a convenience for patients. Many orthopedic patients have mobility issues as a result of their medical condition, requiring wheelchairs or crutches to move around. Enabling patients to be examined by an orthopedic specialist, and to have an imaging study completed at the same location, provides a higher standard of care.

The new Philips system replaces much older Mayo Orthopedic x-ray equipment, components of which date back to the former Mayo Memorial Hospital, which became Mayo Regional in 1978. While still functional, that equipment had to be replaced because film and parts are no longer available.

The upgraded imaging technology features an adjustable table top that makes patient transfer easier and safer for both the patient and technologist. The x-ray room itself has been expanded in size, with larger patient changing rooms. The new, more efficient equipment may reduce average patient exam times by 5-10 minutes per procedure.

Return to Top

Mayo opens Corinth medical practice March 18

March 07, 2013

DOVER-FOXCROFT - Mayo Regional Hospital completed the purchase of the Corinth medical office from Sunbury Medical Associates on March 8. After closing that office from March 11-16 for renovations, Mayo will reopen Corinth Medical Associates on March 18 as the newest physician practice in Mayo’s primary care system.

At that time, Mayo will also begin the phased closure of Corinna Family Practice, which it has operated since 2002.

Corinth will join a network of Mayo primary care offices with other locations in Dover-Foxcroft, Dexter, Milo and Guilford. All current Sunbury patients at the Corinth location will be invited to remain with the office, and Corinth will also be accepting new patients.

Mayo will relocate Bryan Lundquist, M.D. and Karen Godin, PA-C from Corinna to staff Corinth Medical Associates. This shift of medical staff will occur between March 18 and April 25, and the Corinna office will be closed by April 30. During that six-week transition period, Corinna will be open to patients an average of two days each week

Mayo has negotiated with providers and office staff employed at the Corinth office, and four current Corinth employees will continue to work there. These include Anette Poulin, PA-C, office coordinator Julie Wilcox, one medical assistant and one front desk staff. In addition to Dr. Lundquist and Physician Assistants Godin and Poulin, Mayo will be arranging for other specialists to provide care to patients in Corinth.

All Corinna Family Practice patients will be invited to follow Dr. Lundquist and Physician Assistant Godin to Corinth, if they wish. It is a 16-mile trip between Corinna and Corinth, along Route 11 through Exeter. Corinna patients will also have the option of transferring to existing Mayo practices in Dexter, an 8-mile trip on Route 7.

Appointments at Corinth Medical Associates may be scheduled by calling 285-3435.

Return to Top

Hannon receives Patriot Award

March 05, 2013

Edward Hannon, Mayo Regional Hospital President and CEO, received the Patriot Award on Feb. 28 from Maine Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense agency.

The award is given to publicly recognize employers who provide outstanding support to their employees who answer the nation’s call to serve in the Reserve or National Guard. Hannon recently led a revision of Mayo’s military leave policy that adds a new compensation benefit for employees who are called to active duty.

Hannon was nominated for the Patriot Award by David Flaherty, PA-C, of Mayo’s Emergency Department. Flaherty, a Lt. in the U.S. Army Reserves Medical Specialist Corps, has been called to active duty in Kuwait.

Return to Top

McDermott named ACPE Fellow

March 05, 2013

David B. McDermott, M.D., MPH, Medical Director of Emergency Services at Mayo Regional Hospital, has been named a Fellow of the American College of Physician Executives.

The designation was awarded in recognition of Dr. McDermott’s management experience, educational preparation, and contributions to the field of medical management.

McDermott is one of only three ACPE Fellows, and one of only four Certified Physician Executives, in Maine.

Return to Top

Mayo’s Gagnon attends National Nursing Summit in Washington

February 25, 2013

DOVER-FOXCROFT - Lynne Gagnon, Vice President for Patient Care at Mayo Regional Hospital, attended the National Summit meeting on the Future of Nursing in Washington, D.C., Feb. 27-28.

The “Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action,” an initiative of AARP and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, is working to transform health care through nursing by implementing recommendations from a landmark nursing report issued two years ago by the Institute of Medicine (IOM).

One of the main priorities of the campaign is to strengthen nurse education and training by supporting academic progression in nursing, helping nursing students in associate degree programs move more easily into baccalaureate and graduate-level programs.

Other campaign priorities generated from the IOM report include supporting nurse leaders; eliminating barriers that restrict the ability of nurses to provide care to the full extent of their education; and promoting interprofessional collaboration among health care professionals.

Gagnon attended the Summit as part of an Action Coalition team with Barbara Hannon, Vice President for Clinical Services at Mt. Desert Island Hospital in Bar Harbor.

Return to Top

Mayo observes Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

February 22, 2013

DOVER-FOXCROFT - The Surgical Services Department at Mayo Regional Hospital is observing Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March. There will be various activities taking place throughout the month to promote colorectal cancer awareness in the community.

Colon cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, and ranks second as the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. When detected and treated early, colon cancer is up to 90% curable. In the month of March, Mayo Regional will offer public education sessions on screening for colorectal cancer. In addition, local physicians will discuss screening options, including colonoscopy, followed by a question-and-answer session. Dr. Abhijit Shaligram, Dr. Richard Evans and Dr. Challa Reddy regularly perform colonoscopy procedures at Mayo.

The month will start off with the Surgical Services Department sponsoring a “Dress in Blue Day” on Friday, March 1. The department will be distributing blue ribbons and bracelets throughout the hospital and everyone is encouraged to wear blue clothing to promote colorectal awareness within our community.

Throughout the week of March 25 – 29, an informational bulletin board will be on display in the hospital lobby. The information will be centered on screening, diagnosis and prevention of colon cancer. Educational resources will be available in the hospital lobby.

The month will finish out with a celebration of” GI Associates Day.” Our community is invited to share in the celebration on Wednesday, March 27, from 2-3 p.m. in the hospital lobby. Cake, generously provided by Will’s Shop n’ Save, will be served.

Colon cancer can occur in anyone. The more you know about the facts, the better your chances are of living a happy and healthy life.

Return to Top

Mayo Regional supports use of patient advocates

February 20, 2013

DOVER-FOXCROFT - The patient advocate concept is a proven method of improving communication between healthcare providers and their patients, and is being fully supported by Mayo Regional Hospital.

Mayo has formed a Patient Advocacy Group to encourage use of advocates for patients, whether they be admitted to the hospital, receiving outpatient treatment or having an appointment with their primary caregiver.

“It can be a stressful and confusing time for patients receiving care,” said Nancy Davis, Quality and Compliance Specialist at Mayo. “People are often not at their best under these circumstances, and should not be expected to absorb every bit of information, or to think of all the questions they would like answered. They also may not remember important instructions given to them.”

Encouraging patients to have a trusted advocate accompany them to medical appointments or treatments, as part of their healthcare team, can help. An adult friend, family member or neighbor can keep notes and ask questions, share in understanding discharge information, and obtain the patient’s medication list.

Davis said advocates should be trustworthy and respectful of the patient’s privacy, objective, strong communicators, and willing to make sure the patient’s wishes are heard. Advocates can help a patient make decisions about their care, and receive instructions from caregivers after a primary care visit or hospital stay. A medical release of information form must be signed by the patient before any personal health information can be given to anyone else, including the patient advocate, without the patient’s permission.

Return to Top

Diabetes education class at Mayo on March 12

February 15, 2013

DOVER-FOXCROFT - Mayo Regional Hospital’s Diabetes and Nutrition Center will be offering a “Small Steps, Big Rewards” class from 5 - 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12, for patients who have pre-diabetes or anyone who is interested in preventing or delaying the onset of Type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes.

The class will be held in the Heartwise conference room on the second floor of Mayo’s Medical Office Building, and the fee is $10 per person to cover the cost of materials. To register, contact the Diabetes and Nutrition Center at 564-4416.

Return to Top

Dr. Fernow to speak on care for seniors

February 15, 2013

DOVER-FOXCROFT - Lesley Fernow, M.D. will speak on care services and the needs of senior citizens in our community on Tuesday, Feb. 26, from 3-4 p.m. in the Piscataquis room at the Mayo Regional Hospital Resource Center.

This free presentation is offered by Mayo and its Seniority program, and is a follow-up to Dr. Fernow’s discussion of this topic held on Jan. 10.

Attendees should use the parking area behind the hospital and access the Piscataquis room through the Dwelley Avenue entrance.

Return to Top

Mayo’s Chadwick certified in healthcare quality

February 13, 2013

DOVER-FOXCROFT - Nikki Chadwick, RN, MSN, Mayo Regional Hospital’s Vice President of Quality and Education, has attained the international credential of Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality.

In joining the ranks of 10,700 colleagues to have reached this career milestone, Chadwick passed an international examination by the Healthcare Quality Certification Commission. The exam assesses knowledge and understanding of the process to achieve regulatory compliance and accreditation/licensure, program development and management along a continuum of care, and quality improvement concepts, as well as departmental management skills.

The CPHQ credential covers the field of quality, case/care/disease/utilization and risk management, and emphasizes how all of these programs and processes integrate into an effective system. Healthcare professionals who earn the CPHQ designation are committed to promoting excellence in the practice of quality management.

Return to Top

Mayo to purchase Corinth medical practice

February 04, 2013

DOVER-FOXCROFT - A few months ago, Sunbury Medical Associates informed Mayo Regional Hospital of their intent to sell the Sunbury medical practice in Corinth, known as Corinth Family Medicine. In January, Mayo Regional Hospital submitted an offer to purchase the medical office building and other associated assets of the Corinth location.

Following a series of negotiations with Sunbury Medical Associates, Mayo Regional Hospital was notified on Feb. 1 that the purchase offer had been accepted. It is anticipated that the transaction will be completed on March 8, 2013, if all of the conditions of the purchase are completed.

The sales agreement will enable Mayo to purchase the building at 492 Main St. in Corinth, which includes 10 examination rooms, five offices and laboratory space, totaling 5,100 square feet.

Once the purchase of the Corinth practice location is completed, Mayo intends to have Bryan Lundquist, M.D., Karen Godin, PA-C and other specialists provide care to patients at this office.

Negotiations are under way between Mayo and other providers and staff currently employed at the Corinth office.

Return to Top

Arcaro named Mayo’s ED Nurse Manager

February 01, 2013

DOVER-FOXCROFT - Courtney Wright Arcaro, RN has been named the new Nurse Manager for Mayo Regional Hospital’s Emergency Department.

A Sebec resident, Arcaro graduated from Foxcroft Academy and joined Mayo’s nursing staff after receiving her BSN degree from the University of Maine in 2008. After working in the Intensive Care Unit for two years, Arcaro has been employed in Mayo’s ED since 2010.

Arcaro replaces Donna Kousaie as ED Nurse Manager. Kousaie recently completed her Master of Science in Nursing degree and has taken a part-time teaching position with the Husson University nursing program. Kousaie will also continue working part-time at Mayo, providing clinical information technology support for the ED.

Mayo’s Emergency Department recorded 12,708 patient visits during the 2012 fiscal year.

Return to Top

Heartwise plans Heart Month events

January 23, 2013

DOVER-FOXCROFT - Heartwise, the cardiac rehabilitation program at Mayo Regional Hospital, has scheduled activities during American Heart Month in February.

During Cardiac Rehab Week, Feb. 10-16, Heartwise will offer fasting lipid profiles and blood sugar lab tests at its suite in the Medical Office Building at Mayo on Tuesday and Thursday, Feb. 12 and 14. Tests are available from 6:30-10 a.m. on both days, on a walk-in basis.

Heartwise will participate on Feb. 1 in “Wear Red Day,” the American Heart Association’s effort to increase awareness of heart disease and stroke — the leading cause of death for women. On that day people from around Maine will be wearing red to focus attention on cardiovascular disease.

Heartwise’s Phase III program, started in 1990, is designed for maintenance of health following a cardiac event. The Phase II program is designed for patients who have experienced a recent cardiac event, and was started in 1997. The two programs had 3,272 visits in 2012. For more information, call Heartwise at 564-4207.

Return to Top

Mayo Regional increases military leave benefit

January 17, 2013

DOVER-FOXCROFT - Medical providers who are members of the National Guard or reserve members of the Armed Forces have a supportive environment at Mayo Regional Hospital in Dover-Foxcroft.

Mayo Regional has always been committed to protecting the employment rights of employees on military leaves of absence. Employees are granted leaves of absence for military service if they are inducted into the U.S. Armed Forces, or if they are members of the Armed Forces reserves or the National Guard.

Mayo stepped up its support for service members recently when the hospital revised its military leave policy to add a new benefit for full-time eligible employees who are in good standing and who have been employed at Mayo for one year or more.

Such employees who are involuntarily called to active duty for periods greater than 30 consecutive days will be paid the difference between total compensation from the military and the regular base wages/salary that would have been earned at Mayo each month, starting at the date the leave begins. The benefit pays up to a maximum of $5,000 per month for the first 12 months of leave.

“It has long been recognized that those who serve in the military do so for the simple reason they desire to serve and protect our nation, and often do this at pay far below civilian pay scales. Mayo employees who are called up to the active military should not have to suffer a financial loss while they are serving their country,” said Edward J. Hannon, Mayo’s President and CEO.

Hannon, who is a U.S. Navy veteran, said the military leave policy revision is simply the right thing to do. Mayo has several members of its staff who are members of the Guard and Reserves who are subject to recall. A Physician Assistant in the hospital’s Emergency Department was recently notified that he has been called to active duty in Kuwait with the U.S. Army Reserves Medical Specialist Corps.

At the conclusion of a military leave, Mayo employees generally have the right to return to the same position held prior to the leave or to positions with equivalent seniority, pay and benefits.

Return to Top

Mayo Regional distributes AEDs in community

January 16, 2013

DOVER-FOXCROFT - For the fourth straight year, Mayo Regional Hospital has been able to distribute Automated External Defibrillators to public access points throughout the central Maine region in an initiative to enhance cardiac care.

Mayo staged the 4th annual Dennis Allen Memorial Golf Classic on Aug. 28, 2012 at the Natanis Golf Course in Vassalboro. The tournament honors the memory of Allen, who died in 2008 of a heart attack after serving for 30 years as Chief Financial Officer at Mayo.

Proceeds from the tournament are used by Mayo Regional to combat heart disease in Piscataquis, Penobscot and Somerset counties, as part of Mayo’s commitment to the Maine HeartSafe Communities initiative. Funds netted from the four tournaments have been used to buy 62 Automated External Defibrillators, with eight devices recently purchased with funds raised at last year’s event.

Four of the most recent AEDs have been distributed to the long-term care facilities in Mayo’s service area: Hibbard Nursing Home, Hilltop Manor and Pleasant Meadows Estates, all in Dover-Foxcroft; and Dexter Health Care

Two AEDs have been donated to the Dover-Foxcroft Recreation Committee. Another has been placed with Rowell’s Garage in Dover-Foxcroft, and one was donated to Uniship Courier Services in Hermon.

In addition to the distribution of AEDs, Allen Classic funds this year have also helped Mayo Regional Hospital to purchase a computerized patient simulation mannequin. This technology includes learning modules for the teaching of nursing concepts, skills and techniques, as well as an Emergency Medical Services module spanning all prehospital levels (basic Emergency Medical Technicians to Paramedics) and covering an array of trauma, cardiac and respiratory simulated clinical experiences.

Return to Top

Mayo provides guest wireless access

January 14, 2013

Mayo Regional Hospital offers free, one-click, Wi-Fi for all of our guests in the clinical areas within the hospital and Oncology. To use the free service, visitors can connect to “guest-wireless-mayo” with a wireless device of choice, open a web browser, click “Accept” and then be able to access the Internet while visiting Mayo Regional Hospital.

Mayo’s Information Technology Department will ensure that wireless Internet access is running within the designated areas, but does not have the staff capacity to troubleshoot the wide range of personally-owned devices that our guests may use.

Return to Top

Mayo Regional ranked among New England’s top hospitals

January 09, 2013

DOVER-FOXCROFT - Mayo Regional Hospital has been rated 16th out of 176 New England hospitals in the first-ever patient-based ranking of the region’s top hospitals.

GoLocalWorcester, an online news service in Worcester, Mass., sifted through and analyzed results from over 50,000 patient responses to the federal government’s Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems, or HCAHPS, survey, and applied a proprietary weighting of a formula tabulating patient satisfaction ratings.

HCAHPS survey results used in the ratings include the eight metrics “always quiet at night,” “doctors always communicate well,” “nurses always communicate well,” “pain was always well controlled,” “patients always received help as soon as they wanted,” “room was always clean,” “staff always explained about meds before administering,” and “patients would definitely recommend the hospital.”

Mayo received high marks for communication between patients and their doctors and nurses, with 85% and 83% of patients answering those questions by saying their healthcare providers always communicated well. Mayo’s housekeeping staff also earned praise, with 83% of patients saying their rooms were always clean.

Of the six New England states, Maine dominated GoLocal’s top 20 list, with 10 of those slots occupied by Maine hospitals.

Joining Mayo in the top 20 were Millinocket Regional Hospital, York Hospital, Redington-Fairview General Hospital, Mt. Desert Island Hospital, Blue Hill Memorial Hospital, Maine Coast Memorial Hospital, Stephens Memorial Hospital, Charles A. Dean Memorial Hospital and Inland Hospital from Maine.

Massachusetts had 4, New Hampshire 3, Vermont 2 and Rhode Island 1 hospital in the top 20. The highest-ranked Connecticut hospital was 50th.

Return to Top

Dominic Owen Frost of Dexter is New Year’s Baby

January 03, 2013

DOVER-FOXCROFT – Ushering in 2013, Mayo Regional Hospital announced the first baby of the year was born on Wednesday, Jan. 2, at 6:16 p.m. Dominic Owen Frost will reside with his parents, Amber Frost and U.S. Army Pvt. Dustin Frost, in Dexter.

Dominic was delivered by Dr. Kimberly Mays de Perez of Mayo Women’s Health. He weighed 5 pounds, 4 ounces, and measured 17 inches long.

As one of the first of Maine’s babies born in 2013, Dominic Frost, along with all other Maine resident babies born in 2013 will be eligible for the Harold Alfond College Challenge to receive a $500 grant to start a NextGen College Investing Plan® account. Beloved philanthropist Harold Alfond set up the program before he died to ensure access to education for all Maine’s children. There is no income limit or need to contribute additional money to receive the grant. The Alfond Grant is available to all Maine resident babies for whom a NextGen account has been opened by the baby’s first birthday. The Alfond Grant is made available by the Alfond Scholarship Foundation and is administered by the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME).

For more information on the Harold Alfond College Challenge, call 800-228-3734 or visit www.500forbaby.org.

Return to Top

Dr. Fernow to speak on senior care services

January 03, 2013

DOVER-FOXCROFT - Lesley Fernow, M.D. will speak on care services and needs for senior citizens in our community on Thursday, Jan. 10, from 2-3:30 p.m. in the Piscataquis room of the Mayo Resource Center.

This free presentation and discussion is presented by Mayo Regional Hospital and its Seniority Program as part of a series of public health education topics.

Attendees should use the parking area behind the hospital and access the Piscataquis conference room through the Dwelley Avenue entrance.

Return to Top

Mayo’s Seniority program plans Boston trip for “Jersey Boys”

January 03, 2013

DOVER-FOXCROFT - Mayo Regional Hospital’s Seniority program will sponsor a trip to the Boston Opera House on Sunday, March 3, for the 2 p.m. showing of the musical “Jersey Boys.”

The cost of the trip is $140 for Seniority members and Mayo employees, and $150 for non-members. The payment deadline is Jan. 17. The package includes Cyr Bus motor coach transportation, orchestra seats to the show, water and snacks. Lunch and dinner will be on your own at the Kennebunkport rest area.

Checks should be made out to MRH Seniority and mailed to Lil Smith - Seniority, 897 West Main St., Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426.

“Jersey Boys” is the story of the 1960s rock ‘n roll group Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. It opened on Broadway in 2005 and won four Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

The bus will pick up passengers starting at 7 a.m. in Milo, with additional stops in Dover-Foxcroft, Guilford and Dexter. The return trip will drop off passengers starting at 10 p.m. in Dexter.

For more information, contact Seniority Coordinator Lil Smith at 564-4427.

Return to Top

Flaherty passes Emergency Medicine PA exam

December 26, 2012

DOVER-FOXCROFT - David Flaherty, PA-C, MPAS of Dover-Foxcroft has passed the certification examination in Emergency Medicine offered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.

Flaherty, who has worked as a PA in Mayo Regional Hospital’s Emergency Department since May, 2011, has 23 years’ experience as a Physician Assistant. With his completion of the NCCPA certification process, all of the PAs in Mayo’s Emergency Department, both full-time and per diem, have now passed the national certifying examination demonstrating their advanced knowledge in Emergency Medicine.

Besides passing the Emergency Medicine specialty exam, physician assistants must satisfy three other NCCPA requirements prior to certification:

• Candidates must earn a minimum of 150 hours of category I Continuing Medical Education credits focused on emergency medicine practice, including completion of an Advanced Cardiac Life Support course.

• PAs seeking the Emergency Medicine certification must have at least 3,000 hours of experience working as a PA in emergency medicine.

• Candidates must provide attestation from a supervising physician who works in the specialty that the PA has performed the procedures and patient management relevant to the practice setting.

Emergency Medicine certification remains valid for six years.

Flaherty earned his PA certificate and B.S. degree in Health Sciences from the Physician Assistant Program at The George Washington University, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, in 1989. He added a Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) from the University of Nebraska. Flaherty is also a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserves PA Medical Specialist Corps.

Return to Top

Young promoted to lead Mayo EMS

December 19, 2012

DOVER-FOXCROFT - A 10-year veteran of Mayo Emergency Medical Services has been promoted to director of the hospital’s ambulance service.

Eric Young of Guilford, who joined Mayo EMS as an EMT-Basic in 2002 and who most recently served as Assistant Chief, has been selected to replace Judy Gerrish in the leadership position. Gerrish retired last month.

Young went to high school in Massachusetts and moved to Maine in 2001 to join family in Guilford. He started with Mayo EMS the next year and moved up in the department’s leadership after reaching the Paramedic level six years ago.

Young has two associate’s degrees, in EMS from Eastern Maine Community College, and in Fire Science from Southern Maine Community College He is now taking courses at the University of Maine at Augusta for a B.S. degree in Business Administration.

As EMS Director, Young supervises over 50 employees, including a mix of full-time and per diem staff. All have at least the EMT-B license, and there are nearly 20 at the Paramedic level.

Mayo EMS operates from three bases in Dover-Foxcroft, Dexter and Corinth. Its service area covers 750 square miles. Mayo EMS staffs six trucks during the day and five at night.

Young said Mayo EMS plans to add a community paramedicine service, based on a home health model, where EMS staff will conduct residential patient follow-up visits.

Return to Top

Mayo promotes McKinley to Med/Surg nurse manager

December 14, 2012

DOVER-FOXCROFT - Sue McKinley, RN of Medford, who has spent her entire nursing career since 1989 at Mayo Regional Hospital, has been promoted to Nurse Manager of the inpatient Medical/Surgical Unit.

McKinley is responsible for managing acute and rehabilitative nursing care services for a variety of patients, from pediatrics to geriatrics. Admissions include orthopedic, surgical and medical patients. Rehabilitative services include wound care, infusion therapy, end-of-life care and post-surgical recovery.

The Med/Surg unit consists of 18 of the total 25 beds at Mayo, which is one of the 16 Critical Access Hospitals in Maine.

McKinley grew up in Hanover, Mass., and moved with her family to Medford as a teenager, graduating from Penquis Valley High School in Milo. She returned to Massachusetts to earn her LPN license, and took her first nursing job at Mayo's Med/Surg unit in 1989, remaining in that unit for the next 18 years.

After working as an LPN for 13 years, McKinley earned her RN licensure with an associate's degree in nursing from Eastern Maine Community College in Bangor in 2002. She continued to work in both Med/Surg and Mayo's Intensive Care Unit. For the past three years, she has been house nursing supervisor, providing nursing leadership to staff working the 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. night shift.

McKinley, who is married and the mother of three, is now taking online classes toward a BSN degree through the University of Texas at Arlington.

Immediate challenges facing Mayo's newest Nurse Manager include adapting to a new nurse call system, and implementing the hospital's expanded swing bed program. Increased utilization of inpatient capacity will result from Mayo’s decision to offer the hospital as an option for patients who need inpatient rehabilitative care, such as after a joint replacement. The use of “swing beds” allows patients to transition from acute care to a skilled-nursing level of care without leaving the hospital.

Return to Top

Mayo to host community blood drive

December 04, 2012

DOVER-FOXCROFT - Mayo Regional Hospital will host an American Red Cross blood drive on Friday, Dec. 21, from 12 noon to 5 p.m. in the hospital’s Resource Center on Dwelley Avenue.

All presenting donors will receive a coupon for a free, regular 6-inch sub at any participating Subway restaurant. For an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit www.redcrosssblood.org.

Return to Top

Mayo to light Christmas tree Dec. 10

November 28, 2012

DOVER-FOXCROFT - Mayo Regional Hospital’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony will be held 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 10, in front of the hospital. After the lighting, there will be singing of carols in the main lobby, and refreshments will be served.

The Christmas tree lighting is a major fundraiser for the Mayo Auxiliary, whose current project will fund renovations to the meditation room/chapel in the main lobby.

Donations made to the tree lighting fund will be recognized by lights on the tree. A $1 donation will be symbolized by a colored light, and a $25 donation will be represented by a white light in the star on top of the tree. Donations may be left at the hospital volunteer office or mailed to HAD 4 Auxiliary, 897 West Main St., Dover-Foxcroft, Maine 04426. Donations should be labeled Tree Lighting.

Return to Top

Swan joins medical staff at Milo Family Practice

November 28, 2012

MILO - Margaret “Maggie” Swan, PA-C, who previously worked for Mayo Practice Associates from 1996-2001, is returning to the Mayo medical staff.

Swan joined Jessica Richmond, M.D. and Karen Nichols, PA-C at Milo Family Practice on Dec. 3.

Swan has worked since 2001 as a physician assistant at Husson Internal Medicine in Bangor. She started her PA career with Mayo at Dexter Family Practice in 1996, providing pediatric, adult medicine and geriatric primary care.

A graduate of the Physician Assistant program at the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences in Des Moines, Iowa, Swan is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.

Prior to becoming a PA, Swan worked in healthcare for over 20 years as a Clinical Medical Technologist, with most that time spent in the laboratory at Penobscot Bay Medical Center in Rockland. She earned her clinical laboratory license at the former Thayer Hospital School of Medical Technology in Waterville.

Return to Top