NORWAY, Maine – MaineHealth Stephens Hospital today announced plans for a significant investment in its facilities, with a renovation and expansion project set to begin later this year. The project, approved by MaineHealth, underscores the hospital’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care for the community.
This comprehensive plan will enhance several critical areas of the hospital, including the emergency department (ED), IV therapy, family birth center, and surgical services. These upgrades will improve infrastructure, expand capacity, and elevate the overall patient experience. MaineHealth Stephens Hospital, with the support of Senator Susan Collins, who has long championed access to rural health care, has applied for Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) funds to help support the project.
The renovation and expansion will focus on several high-impact departments and services, with key improvements outlined below:
- Emergency Department (ED) Renovations: The ED serves as a vital resource for delivering urgent medical care to the community. In response to rising demand, Stephens plans to expand and modernize the ED, increasing the number of patient rooms to help reduce reliance on hallway beds. As part of this commitment to comprehensive, high-quality care, the project will also include the addition of dedicated and secure behavioral health treatment space. These enhancements will ensure that all patients receive the care they need in a supportive, compassionate, and patient-centered environment.
- IV Therapy Enhancements: The IV therapy department serves patients requiring specialized treatments, and Stephens recognizes the importance of providing a comfortable and conducive environment for their care. As part of the renovation project, Stephens will significantly expand the treatment space. This will include the addition of semi-private treatment chairs and a dedicated bathroom within the department, enhancing both privacy and convenience for patients. Additionally, improved care team facilities will be incorporated within the suite, including a dedicated break area.
- Surgical Suite Optimization: The project will relocate the endoscopy suite to optimize available space and streamline the delivery of surgical care. This relocation will allow for the expansion of facilities, ultimately improving the delivery of care and enhancing the overall patient experience. Furthermore, these renovations will combine pre-operative and post-operative care, increasing efficiency in care delivery and ensuring a seamless experience for patients throughout their surgical journey.
- Family Birth Center Renovations: Functional enhancements will be completed in the family birth center, aiming to create a nurturing environment for growing families. These updates will also improve nursery access, facilitating better coordination for specialized teams caring for newborns needing advanced care.
“We are thrilled to be making this sizeable investment in our facility and services,” said Jeff Noblin, President of MaineHealth Stephens Hospital. “For the last several years, Stephens has been growing, adding services, and expanding our geographic footprint. This expansion and renovation on our main campus will help us accommodate additional growth and help us plan for the future. In addition, this project reflects our deep commitment to advancing health care access and delivering high-quality care close to home. Through a carefully phased approach, we will minimize disruptions to daily operations and continue prioritizing the well-being of our patients and care team.”
Paul Bickford, Principal of Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School and Board Chair of MaineHealth Stephens Hospital, added, “I am proud to stand behind this transformational investment in our community’s health and well-being. These renovations represent our shared vision of delivering compassionate, high-quality care close to home. On behalf of the Local Board, I thank MaineHealth for its partnership and commitment to ensuring Stephens Hospital remains a vital community resource for generations to come.”
Stephens worked closely with its medical staff, department leaders, and care team members to finalize plans for the renovation project. Construction is expected to begin later this year, with completion anticipated for 2027.
This expansion underscores MaineHealth’s steadfast commitment to delivering high-quality care and advancing the health and well-being of the communities it serves. MaineHealth Stephens Hospital is confident these improvements will have a significant positive impact on patient care, access and overall experience.
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About MaineHealth
MaineHealth is a not-for-profit, integrated health system whose vision is, “Working together so our communities are the healthiest in America,” and is committed to a mission of providing high-quality affordable care, educating tomorrow's caregivers and researching better ways to provide care. MaineHealth includes a Level 1 trauma medical center, eight additional licensed hospitals, comprehensive pediatric care services, an extensive behavioral health care network, diagnostic services as well as home health, hospice and senior care services. With more than 2,000 employed providers and approximately 23,000 care team members, MaineHealth provides preventive care, diagnosis and treatment to 1.1 million residents in Maine and New Hampshire. MaineHealth hospitals include MaineHealth Behavioral Health at Spring Harbor in Westbrook, MaineHealth Franklin Hospital in Farmington, MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital in Damariscotta, MaineHealth Maine Medical Center in Portland, Biddeford and Sanford, MaineHealth Memorial Hospital in North Conway, N.H., MaineHealth Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick, MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital in Rockport, MaineHealth Stephens Hospital in Norway and MaineHealth Waldo Hospital in Belfast. MaineHealth also includes the MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital in Portland, MaineHealth Behavioral Health in Westbrook, MaineHealth Home Health and Hospice in Saco, the MaineHealth Institute for Research in Scarborough, the MaineHealth Medical Group and MaineHealth NorDx in Scarborough. MaineHealth affiliates include Maine General Health in Augusta and Waterville and St. Mary's Health System in Lewiston. It is also a significant stakeholder in the MaineHealth Accountable Care Organization in Portland and a joint venture partner in the New England Rehabilitation Hospital in Portland.