AOAÌåÓýƽ̨

As the Delta variant spreads through the ranks of the unvaccinated, the region’s largest health care system says its hospitals are full, and patients can expect long waits for inpatient care and even clinic-based services.

Long term trends in the labor market and a surge in demand are making it hard for health care organizations to meet a growing demand for care.

As AOAÌåÓýƽ̨ seeks to limit the spread of COVID-19, vaccination will be a requirement for employment, with very few exceptions, as of Oct. 1, 2021.

In addition to a base wage increase for nearly all employees, the minimum pay rate across the health system will rise from $14 to $17 an hour, and market adjustments will be made for hard-to-fill roles.

Hours after the arrival of the Pfizer vaccine at its hospitals, AOAÌåÓýƽ̨ began inoculating team members who provide direct care to patients infected with the novel coronavirus.

The health system expects to be able to vaccinate all its front-line care team members following the delivery of a second allotment that is expected to include both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

The national award recognizes LincolnHealth, Pen Bay Medical Center, Waldo County General Hospital and Stephens Memorial Hospital for outstanding quality and safety.

Twelve hospitals and affiliates celebrated for leadership through annual Gold Star Standards of Excellence program.

Unfortunately, sexual assault and domestic violence happens. When it does, a core group of specially-trained forensic nurses at LincolnHealth, Pen Bay Medical Center and Waldo County General Hospital stands ready to offer compassionate, non-judgmental care.

AOAÌåÓýƽ̨’s Access to Care team is prepared to assist and educate Mainers in shopping for health insurance plans during the Open Enrollment period, which runs November 1 through December 15.