Down East Community Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED) is a 10 bed, level III Emergency Care facility.  It is staffed with Emergency Physicians, Mid-level practitioners, and Registered Nurses to provide comprehensive emergency services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  

    We are committed to providing an exceptional experience for patients and families through delivery of quality patient centered care.   Thank you for choosing Down East Community Hospital.

    What to Expect 

    A Registered Nurse will assess each patient’s needs upon arrival into the department.  Patients are seen in order of priority as related to their condition or severity of symptoms, not in the order by which they arrive.  The order of priority is determined by skilled Emergency Nurses, ensuring timely response to meeting individual patient needs. 


    Nursing conducts their assessment by asking a series of standardized questions as they relate to the patient illness or injury.  Vital signs, blood or lab test(s) and x-rays are often obtained at this time.

     As soon as they are available, and Emergency Provider will examine the patient.   They may ask similar questions but these are important so the provider can make their own assessment of the patient’s condition.    Following their exam, additional tests or treatment may be necessary.
    The Emergency Department works in collaboration with a variety of services to ensure each patient receives the appropriate specialized care.  On-call providers are available for specialty services in: orthopedics, obstetrics, gynecology, urology, general surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics and otolaryngology (ENT) .

    Should patients require treatment not available at our facility, our team will arrange transfer by ambulance or Life Flight helicopter to the facility with the appropriate level of care.

    Patient’s primary care physicians are notified of ED visits to facilitate appropriate follow up care.

    Contact Information
    In an emergency, Call 911
    Non-emergency, call (207) 255-0215. 

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why Do I have to wait so long to be seen?
    Please note that patients are seen in priority of their condition or severity of symptoms. This may mean that patients who arrive after you and have more critical issues may be seen before you. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

    Are visitors allowed in the treatment rooms?
    Each patient is encouraged to have a family member or friend with them in the treatment area.

    What happens if I have to be admitted to the Hospital?
    Should you require additional treatment, we will coordinate your in-patient care with the hospital physician who will oversee your care.

    What if I need care not available at this hospital?
    Should you require care not provided at Down East Community Hospital, we will arrange for your transfer, by ambulance or LifeFlight Helicopter, to an appropriate facility.

    What happens upon release from the ER?
    Discharge instructions will be provided to you including follow-up care and medications. In some cases, you may need assistance from a family member or friend to ensure your safe return home.