MRH offers insight into changes in service offerings, pain management resumes
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 12, 2024
Contact:
Katie Mackin
kmackin@mrhme.org
(207) 723-7273
MRH offers insight into changes in service offerings, pain management resumes
MILLINOCKET – Staffing constraints have been the driving force behind recent changes at Millinocket Regional Hospital.
Pain Management
The hospital is pleased to share that the Interventional Pain Management clinic, formerly located at MRH Walk-In Care, will be relocating to MRH Primary Care, 200 Somerset Street in Millinocket. Christopher Blanchette, PA-C, will be partnering with Dr. Jonathan Herland to continue pain management services at Primary Care starting Friday, April 12th, and will continue that Friday schedule moving forward. Because of the work of the staff and Chris’ willingness to step up into this role, the disruption to pain management services is minimal.
It is important to note that Interventional Pain Management uses x-ray guided injection to treat chronic, targeted pain that has not responded to physical therapy or medication. It does not involve narcotic medication management or prescribing.
Pain management inquiries can be directed to MRH Primary Care at (207) 723-3329. Providers and referral specialists can continue to use the same fax number they’ve used in the past to submit referrals.
Wound Care
While the wound care clinic has been discontinued for now, the hospital is fortunate to have retained its exceptionally talented wound care nurse, Laura Carney, RN, BSN, OMS, WCC, DWC, who has agreed to take a full-time position on the Med Surg unit and is still available for wound consults as needed.
Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Robert Peterson praised Laura for her work in the Wound Care clinic and thanked her for her willingness to assist in Med/Surg in the meantime.
“Laura’s wealth of wound care knowledge in addition to her ICU experience makes her an asset to the Med/Surg team and an incredible resource for inpatients with wound care needs,” said Peterson.
MRH Walk-In Care
A provider shortage at MRH Walk-In Care, located at 87 Main Street, has prevented the clinic from being able to maintain consistent hours of operation. While actively seeking quality candidates to fill these provider positions, the hospital was forced to make the difficult decision to shut the service down until the clinic could be fully staffed. Providing quality care on a schedule that patients can rely on is essential to patients and the success of this clinic.
Patients are being advised to first seek care with their primary care provider or if that is not possible, to seek care at the emergency department. MRH Primary Care and Family Medicine providers now have limited acute care appointments built into their schedules to help accommodate patients who need immediate, non-emergent care.
In the absence of Walk-In Care, an influx of patients using the Emergency Department is anticipated. This will be monitored closely to determine if additional resources are necessary. Staff are also working to re-schedule pain management and occupational health patients who also receive services at Walk-In Care.
Dr. Peterson acknowledged that finances are always a concern for small, rural hospitals but reassured the community that these challenges were not indicative of the future.
“These closures are the result of staffing constraints and do not represent a trend or a harbinger of future closures in other areas. I do not see any additional closures on the horizon,” said Peterson.
He continued, “Maintaining a fully functioning hospital is paramount to our survival. Our focus on delivering excellent and compassionate care remains the number one way to ensure success.”
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About Millinocket Regional Hospital
Millinocket Regional Hospital (MRH) is a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital nestled at the base of Baxter State Park that provides vital healthcare services to those who live, work, and play in the Katahdin Region. Beyond the friendly staff and award-winning, individualized patient care, MRH provides acute inpatient and outpatient services as well as an impressive range of general and specialty services from orthopedic and general surgery to cancer care.
Providing jobs to approximately 250 people, MRH is the largest employer in the Katahdin Region and a crucial economic driver within its community. For more information, visit mrhme.org or find us on Facebook!