Northern Light Mercy Hospital announced Friday that it has received approval from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services for a certificate-of-need application it filed to complete the consolidation of hospital operations to its campus on Fore River Parkway.
“We appreciate the state’s thorough review, and we’re looking forward to getting shovels in the ground next spring,” said Charlie Therrien, president of Mercy Hospital. “When complete, this project will improve patient access to a full range of services on one convenient campus.”
Following its financial turnaround last fiscal year and continued positive performance this year, the hospital is well-positioned to enter the final planning and construction phase of its campus consolidation project, the hospital said in a news release. With state approval of the certificate-of-need application, Mercy said it intends to complete final planning this year in order to enter a two-year construction phase beginning in early 2020.
When complete, Mercy’s Fore River campus will feature an addition to the hospital for inpatient and emergency services, convenient parking for patients and staff, a new surgical center for outpatient services and more of its services and practices in one location.
The $74.7 million project will be funded by a capital campaign, financing, and the proceeds from the pending sale of the hospital’s State Street property, details of which are expected to be announced in the coming months.