Down East Community Hospital

Down East Community Hospital DECH is an integral part of the region providing outpatient, inpatient, surgical, pediatric, obstetr

Down East Community Hospital is a 25 bed acute care facility that offers state-of-the art technology and specialty services almost unheard of in a small rural hospital. Our hospital serves the need of our immediate community in Machias and all of Washington County, bordered by New Brunswick to the northeast and the Bay of Fundy. We are an integral part of the region providing inpatient and outpatient medical, surgical, pediatric, obstetric, gynecologic, and emergency care services as part of an integrated health system designed to improve the overall health of the communities we serve. Specialties not often found in a hospital of our size include otolaryngology (ENT), urology, a sleep lab, laser surgery for the removal of kidney stones as well as many minimally invasive laparoscopic surgeries such as splenectomies and hysterectomies. Our hospital was one of the first in Maine to obtain a digital mammography unit. We have a 32-slice CT scanner, our own mobile MRI, and a nuclear medicine suite with a state-of-the-art GE camera with computed tomography. We are deeply committed to quality, patient safety and satisfaction.

We have a Full Time Technologist Aid Position Available.  Apply now at www.dech.org!
03/11/2026

We have a Full Time Technologist Aid Position Available. Apply now at www.dech.org!

At Down East Community, we bring our best every day, because we know that the good people of Washington County deserve nothing less. Learn more about our Mission and Our Commitment to Quality.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness MonthColorectal Cancer is now the deadliest cancer in those under 50.Down East Comm...
03/05/2026

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Colorectal Cancer is now the deadliest cancer in those under 50.
Down East Community Hospital and Calais Community Hospital would like you to know that colorectal cancer is preventable and curable with early detection. Routine screening is recognized as the most effective way to reduce risk and should begin at age 45 for average-risk individuals. Screenings are available with our general surgeons. Talk to your provider about getting screened and encourage your family and friends to do the same.

Down East Community Hospital provider practices will closed at noon today due to weather.  That includes: Arnold Memoria...
02/23/2026

Down East Community Hospital provider practices will closed at noon today due to weather. That includes:

Arnold Memorial Medical Center
Milbridge Medical Center
Reid Emery Building
Down East Health Center
Women’s Center
Pediatrics
Orthopedics
Rehab

02/13/2026
02/06/2026

DECH and CCH are Included in the Congressionally Directed Spending for FY2026

Down East Community Hospital and Calais Community Hospital are excited to announce that we have received confirmation that requests we submitted last year for CDS funds were approved and are included in the Congressionally Directed Spending for FY2026. This means we will be receiving $4.99 million to renovate and expand the RHC at CCH and $2.2 million towards the construction of six modular town houses near DECH. We can expect to receive the funds by Fall 2026.

The RHC
Expanding our RHC is crucial for meeting the healthcare needs of eastern Washington County. With limited access to medical care, increasing the number of physicians and nurse practitioners is essential. The current size constraints of the clinic hinder our ability to grow and serve more patients effectively. By expanding our facility, we can enhance our services and provide better healthcare options for the community members in need.

We will renovate and increase the size of the RHC by 4,500 sq ft, which will allow for space for 3 additional providers. The expansion will improve ADA accommodations for patients and will provide better patient flows.

We are hoping to break ground with the expansion and begin the renovation process in the Spring of 2027 and have it completed by Spring 2028 or earlier.

The Town Houses
The addition of six modular town houses will provide the access to housing we need to enable us to continue to recruit necessary medical professionals to our service area. The town houses will be used as short-term housing for medical professionals who want to come to the area and work at Down East Community Hospital.

Housing impediments to recruitment will be tempered, and the hospital will be able to alleviate holes in coverage and improve access for urgent/emergent care, and we will be able to greatly reduce the cost on rentals and traveling staff. This also means we will have more funds to invest back into the hospital.

The town houses will be located on hospital owned property; the exact location is to be determined. We plan to start that project in the Spring of 2027 and have it completed sometime in late 2027.

Both projects will improve our ability to recruit and retain medical professionals. The RHC project will also greatly improve access to care for the community and greatly improve the working environment for our staff.

These are exciting times and we are profoundly grateful to Senator Collins for her strong support of both projects and for Senator King who also supported the RHC project.

Today is National Wear Red DayNational Wear Red Day is an American Heart Association initiative to raise awareness that ...
02/06/2026

Today is National Wear Red Day

National Wear Red Day is an American Heart Association initiative to raise awareness that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women.

Let’s all work together to reduce the number of deaths caused by this “silent” killer. Be sure to talk to your provider about what you can do to reduce your risk or cardiovascular disease.

Full Time Opportunity at DECH!  Apply now at www.dech.org.
02/03/2026

Full Time Opportunity at DECH! Apply now at www.dech.org.

01/28/2026

Our Rehabilitation Department on Dublin St. will be closed for the remainder of the day due to issues with the heating system.

01/25/2026

Due to the upcoming storm all DECH provider practices will be closed on 1/26/26. That includes. Down East Health Center, Reid Emery Building, Arnold Mrmorial Medical Center, Milbridge Medical Center, Rehabilitation, Orthopedics, Women Center, and Pediatrics.

Please share this post.

01/22/2026

We are having intermittent connection issues with calls coming into the hospital switchboard. The problem is being worked on by our outside vendor, and we are in hopes they can get everything running smoothly soon.

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience.

Part Time Security Officer Opportunity at DECH in Machias!  Apply now at www.dech.org.
01/20/2026

Part Time Security Officer Opportunity at DECH in Machias! Apply now at www.dech.org.

Address

11 Hospital Drive
Machias, ME
04654

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