By Stuart Hedstrom, Piscataquis Observer • May 2, 2017 SANGERVILLE — A new $3 million facility bringing services such as radiology, phlebotomy and behavior health to the area, doubling the number of exam rooms from seven to 14 and providing for greater patient privacy opened its doors on April 25. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Charles A. Dean Memorial Hospital’s Northwoods Healthcare new clinic at 22 Haley Court formally dedicated the facility that afternoon. “This was a $3 million expansion and it was three years in the making,” C.A. Dean Memorial Hospital Interim President Terri Vieria said in her welcoming remarks. Funding for the project came from Eastern Maine Healthcare System capital monies, and Vieria said the new clinic was constructed on time and on budget. “I think it provides care for our patients and also is a great place to deliver care and makes care better,” Vieria said. “We have twice the number of exam rooms which reduce the time patients have to wait.” The interim president said services such as X-rays and ultrasound can now be performed in Sangerville. “You don’t have to travel somewhere to get it, you can get it right here,” she said. Vieria added that behavioral health is also a new on-site addition, as are telemedicine programs via Acadia Hospital in Bangor. “This expansion is more than just care, it is the epitome of at the right time and in the right place,” said Director of Practice Management Megan Ryder. “It’s our first day,” said Family Nurse Practitioner Shelly Roope. “There is plenty of room for our staff and I can’t wait to take advantage of our radiology room.” Roope said initial patient feedback has been very positive. “The rooms are bright and cheerful and that’s what we want, we want people to feel welcome here.” “I have been in this community all my life and I am in total awe of what C.A. Dean has brought to our community,” said Sherry French, who spoke on behalf of the area’s residents. “The important thing is our community is aging — myself included — and now I don’t have to go to Timbuktu or wherever.” “You are here to help us with all the facilities and the privacy,” French said. She said patients can come in, knowing their friends and neighbors who also are at Northwoods Healthcare. “They don’t know what you are here for unless you tell them,” French said. “I can’t thank C.A. Dean enough for thinking of their patients in a small community and thinking of the elderly,” French said just before a ribbon was cut by Vieira in the waiting room. An open house at Northwoods Healthcare is scheduled for Saturday, June 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.