The state Department of Labor named Mayo as the county’s largest employer after the hospital’s workforce increased to 345 full-time equivalent positions, for a total of 455 employees when all positions are included.

The Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce recognized that growth, the impact of the hospital’s $19.7 million payroll on the area economy and Mayo’s support of community initiatives by naming Mayo Regional its Business of the Year award winner in the large business category. Mayo’s affiliation agreement with Eastern Maine Healthcare, for a three-year term, opened the way for cooperation on multiple fronts between the two systems. Under the agreement, Mayo retains its local autonomy and governing board, and both Mayo and EMHS remain legally separate.

The year marked the successful conclusion of a joint effort between Mayo and the Town of Milo to construct the new medical office building in that community, the first occupant for the Eastern Piscataquis Business Park. Mayo financed the $657,000 cost for the 5,200-square-foot structure, and over 200 people -- including U.S. Senator Susan Collins and Congressman Mike Michaud -- attended the open house.

The hospital’s Counseling Program improved community access to mental health services by scheduling clinicians in primary care offices operated by Mayo in Corinna, Dexter, Dover-Foxcroft, Guilford and Milo. Mayo also recruited psychiatrist Richard Wallingford, M.D. to provide medication management and supportive therapy for adults over the age of 18, including geriatric patients.

Other additions to the medical staff during the year included Petr Smejkal, M.D., hospitalist; Robert Livingston, M.D., surgeon at Mayo Orthopaedics; Bryan Lundquist, M.D., a family practice physician at Milo Family Practice; and Tameem Alsamsam, M.D., anesthesiologist.

The hospital enjoyed an excellent financial performance, finishing the fiscal year with an operating gain of $1.1 million despite coping with ongoing payment shortfalls from the state Medicaid program. The average daily census was 11.4 patients, and gains were seen in operating room caseload, Emergency Department visits, physician office visits and use of most outpatient services.