A newly renovated and modernized emergency department at Millinocket Regional Hospital that expanded by more than 10,000 square feet opened Friday.
Five treatment rooms, larger rooms and an entrance that can have multiple ambulances at it at once were all included in the expansion. The renovation was funded by local donors, Penobscot County and congressionally directed spending.
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and U.S. Sen. Angus King, Maine, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, secured nearly $13.4 million in Congressional appropriations since 2022 to fund the expansion.
Collins, who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, said the modern department was “critical” to the future of the Katahdin region.
“This is something that is very personal to me — to make sure that people have access to healthcare close to where they live is absolutely critical for the vitality and the future of our rural communities,” she said.
Penobscot County Commissioner David Marshall and a representative for King attending the event echoed Collins, saying that the expansion will benefit what they said was a growing region trying to revitalize after multiple mill closures.
Federal funding cuts have thrown medical care in Maine’s aging, rural communities into question. Although some hospitals have closed services, such as maternity units, Millinocket’s hospital has been working to expand its medical coverage.
Specialized rooms that can change the air pressure to protect staff and patients from airborne pathogens, four safe rooms for behavioral health patients, and a decontamination room with two large showerheads were highlighted on a tour of the new Millinocket facility.
The additions and renovations show the hospital’s commitment to its patients, Millinocket Regional Hospital CEO Robert Peterson said.
“I’m proud we’re building, not withering,” he said.
Technology advances and additional space weren’t the only additions to the building.
Maine granite stylizes the hospital’s entrance both interior and exterior, an outline of Katahdin on every door plaque represents the region, and a new sign outside the front door were all added during the design process, Peterson said.
The additions and improvements show that the people in the community, including Marshall who lives in Millinocket, don’t have to worry about receiving care at the facility, he said.
“For me, I’m particularly interested, because I live here. I’m getting older, and I expect to be using the facilities here when the occasion necessitates, and I want to know that I am in the best of care with the best of equipment. You have provided both,” Marshall said.