12/23/09

NEWS RELEASE

(Machias, Me) –The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency that oversees Medicare and Medicaid, has rescinded the termination date of December 31, 2009 for Down East Community Hospital (DECH). This news comes after a surprise inspection on December 3 by Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) state surveyors. Results of the survey stated no deficiencies and that the hospital is in compliance with the Medicare conditions of participation for critical access hospitals.

“The CMS decision is very good news for our hospital and community. It reflects the hard work and passion of the many great DECH employees who are committed to doing the right thing, every day, for every patient,” says Doug Jones, president and CEO of Down East Community Hospital, “The expertise from EMHS has also been critical, and they remain in control during receivership.”

In July, Down East Community Hospital went into receivership and EMHS was brought in as the emergency receiver. After assuming management of the hospital, many people from throughout EMHS, and especially Eastern Maine Medical Center, worked closely with DECH. In September, the CMS extended the deadline for DECH to come into complete compliance from September 30 to December 31.

Jones says, “We still have steps that must be completed with EMHS to eventually come out from receivership put in place by DHHS, but the CMS decision certainly indicates we are going the right direction to achieve that as well.” In the coming months, the staff at DECH is dedicated to continuing to improve and enhance upon the quality improvements that have been made.

Michelle Hood, president and CEO of EMHS, commented, “EMHS has been very pleased to provide support to this effort for the benefit of the Machias community. Our mission calls for us to do what we can to preserve local access to high quality healthcare, and our work with Down East Community Hospital is a reflection of that mission.”

###