ELLSWORTH — Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital has received a $1.4 million gift from the estate of John M. Norris and Bertha O. Norris.

Upon making estate plans in the 1950s, John M. and Bertha O. Norris established a trust of which a portion would benefit Eastern Memorial Hospital, the organization now known as Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital. The trust was to be used to fund enhancements to the physical facilities supporting healthcare in Ellsworth.

After careful consideration of what would best meet the intention of John and Bertha Norris, as well as serve the wishes of the trustees, and the people of Hancock County, construction began on the Northern Light Cardiology practice at Maine Coast Hospital in Ellsworth. In addition, the project has plans to enhance the waiting area of the Breast and Osteoporosis Imaging Center to provide a more private and welcoming space for patients.

“This project will help to expand and modernize existing space into a comprehensive cardiology suite integrating cardiology and cardiac imaging,” said Zachary Trzaska, MD, Cardiologist, in a Northern Lights news release. “In addition to improving patient access and experience, new equipment will allow for faster readings and results for the patients.”

“We are incredibly grateful for this gift which will create new efficiencies in patient care,” said John Ronan, FACHE, president of Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital. “This gift was put into place seventy years ago and that speaks volumes to the longstanding reputation Maine Coast Hospital has for providing the people of this region the highest quality of care.” 

Planned gifts, including estate plans, IRA disbursements, and endowments play an important role in the vitality of healthcare in Hancock County, according to the hospital. To learn more about how you can leave a lasting legacy, please contact Sarah Joy, director of philanthropy at 207.664.5365 or sejoy@northernlight.org.

Construction on Northern Light Cardiology’s is nearing completion and the Breast and Osteoporosis Imaging Center waiting area is anticipated to be finished in the spring of 2024.

About Northern Light Health At Northern Light Health, we’re building a better approach to healthcare because we believe people deserve access to care that works for them. As an integrated health delivery system serving Maine, we’re raising the bar with no-nonsense solutions that are leading the way to a healthier future for our state. Our care team—in hospitals, primary and specialty care practices, long-term and home healthcare, behavioral healthcare, and ground and air medical transport and emergency care—are committed to making healthcare work for you: our patients, communities, and employees. To learn more about Northern Light Health and our locations across Maine, visit www.northernlighthealth.org.