Beginning December 18, 2026, MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital is moving to a regional model for obstetric and gynecologic care that prioritizes safe and reliable labor and delivery care.
On August 6, 2026, the MaineHealth Board of Trustees voted to advance a regional model for obstetric and gynecologic care. In addition to preserving local prenatal and postpartum care, expanding gynecologic services and transitioning inpatient labor and delivery services to MaineHealth Mid Coast Hospital beginning Dec. 18, 2026, the Board committed that MaineHealth will not close any additional labor and delivery programs anywhere in the health system during the next two years.
A message from our CEO
MaineHealth President and CEO Andrew Mueller, MD, shares what drove this decision, what he heard from the community, and why rural maternity care needs statewide attention.
How this decision was made
The decision followed a months-long assessment that included clinical and operational review, community engagement and input from physicians, nurses and hospital leaders. It looked at birth volumes in Lincoln County, staffing and recruitment efforts, and what is required to provide safe, reliable labor and delivery care around the clock.
Read the Lincoln Hospital labor and delivery assessment and frequently asked questions
Read the full announcement
The August 6, 2026 announcement covers what the regional model includes, which services stay in Damariscotta, and the Board's two-year commitment on labor and delivery programs across the system.