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Commissioners sign letter opposing planned closure of LincolnHealth labor and delivery unit
Summary
The board voted 3-0 to sign and send a letter to MaineHealth opposing the planned closure of the labor and delivery unit at LincolnHealth/Lincoln Hospital, citing concerns about access to care, EMS strain, and impacts on families.
County Administrator Carrie Kipfer presented a proposed letter opposing MaineHealth’s plan to close the labor and delivery unit at LincolnHealth’s Lincoln Hospital. Kipfer said the county’s primary concern is that eliminating local labor and delivery services will force residents to travel outside the county for care and will place additional strain on EMS providers, ambulances and public safety volunteers who would be occupied transporting patients rather than responding to other emergencies.
Commissioners acknowledged MaineHealth’s sustainability challenges tied to lower delivery volumes but emphasized broader community impacts, including reduced access to care, potential effects on younger families considering moving to the county, and the loss of long-standing local services. The board agreed that while it cannot control MaineHealth’s decision, submitting the letter and sharing it with the legislative delegation could elevate community concerns before any final decision.
Commissioner Evan Goodkowsky moved to sign the letter addressed to MaineHealth; Commissioner William B. Blodgett seconded and the motion passed 3-0.
