Another Maine Labor and Delivery Ward Could Be Closing Soon

Another Maine hospital may be preparing to close its labor and delivery unit.

According to WGME, MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital is currently assessing the future of labor and delivery services at its facility. If the unit closes, it would mark the fifth labor and delivery ward in Maine to shut down within the last year.

On Monday night, MaineHealth hosted a listening session in Boothbay to share information with the community and hear directly from patients. Hospital leaders discussed the ongoing review and the challenges facing rural hospitals, including staffing shortages and declining birth rates.

MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital President Cindy Wade said no final decision has been made.

“This is an ongoing assessment, and part of the process of the assessment is community forums, talking to our team locally, and all our stakeholders,” Wade said.

However, some patients say they have already been told by their doctors that delivery services may be ending, WGME reported.

“My doctor said we have been instructed to tell our patients that unfortunately December will be the latest you are able to deliver here,” patient Margaret Reynolds said.

The news station reported that the possible closure has left some expecting mothers worried about access to care, especially in emergency situations. One patient said giving birth is already stressful, and the potential loss of local delivery services makes it feel even more frightening.

For some families, the next closest labor and delivery option could be nearly an hour away.

“Fifty minutes might not seem like a lot, but it could be life or death for mother and child,” expecting mother Leslie Wolf said.

Hospital officials say that even if delivery services are discontinued, some care would remain local. Wade said prenatal care for pregnant patients would continue at the Miles Campus at Lincoln Hospital in Damariscotta, along with postnatal care after delivery.

A second listening session is scheduled for Tuesday night in Damariscotta.