Tuesday night’s (September 25) weekly hospital task force meeting drew its usual crowd of about 40 people, but the tone was a marked departure from recent meetings. There was significantly less public comment overall and little Lincoln County Healthcare bashing or questioning in those comments offered. Instead, the task force and its loyal volunteers settled into attending to all the details of finding an alternative to the plan to close St. Andrews Hospital’s emergency room and skilled nursing wing.

Among the evening’s reports, Representative Bruce MacDonald said his working group will develop a population-based plan for healthcare on the peninsula. Consultants will define local health care needs, using available data from other sources and new surveys.

MacDonald said he expected the group’s report by January and that it would provide a “strong and credible argument for continuing on here.” 

“I would urge you not to lose faith. We have some good people working on this problem. Some people say it’s a done deal. I do not believe that,” MacDonald said.

Boothbay Town Manager Jim Chaousis reported a significant uptick in fundraising, with the total raised to date just under $13,000. The town of Edgecomb donated $500 to the task force’s efforts – the first town to do so. Chaousis said Boothbay selectmen were considering that option but were hesitant to commit tax dollars. 

Work on data analysis, economic analyses, ambulance service needs, legal issues and fundraising continues. 

The task force information and volunteer communication center is located at the Boothbay Town Office.