Northern Light Health Welcomes Guy Hudson as New President
Northern Light Health has appointed Guy Hudson as its new president and CEO, effective this month. Hudson, who has extensive experience in pediatric urology and executive health roles, steps into this leadership position following a challenging period marked by facility closures and financial struggles. In June, the organization closed the Northern Light Inland Hospital in Waterville, contributing to a reported loss of $156 million last year.
In a recent interview with the Morning Sentinel, Hudson emphasized that he has no intention of implementing cuts to staff or services. Instead, he expressed optimism about the organization’s financial recovery, stating, “We’re going to end the year in much better footing than we were a year ago.” Hudson anticipates that by the end of 2024, Northern Light Health will be in an even stronger position.
Experience and Vision for Rural Healthcare
Hudson takes over from Tim Dentry, who announced his retirement earlier this year. Previously, Hudson served as CEO of Swedish Health Services in Washington state and led Providence’s North Division, which caters to rural communities in Alaska and Washington. His background has instilled in him a deep appreciation for rural healthcare, which he believes is vital for community health.
“It’s who I am. It’s the environment that I like to live in,” Hudson stated. “Rural healthcare is how I grew up and what I appreciate.” He noted that many rural areas often lack adequate healthcare resources, making it essential to focus on these communities.
Currently, Northern Light Health operates nine hospitals and over 100 healthcare facilities across Maine, employing approximately 10,000 individuals. Despite a previous decision to reduce the workforce by 300 employees, Hudson revealed that the organization is actively seeking to hire primary care and specialty physicians, nurses, and support staff. “We have a hiring plan,” he said. “We’re bringing physicians in, as well as people that we need to support that practice.”
Addressing Challenges and Future Plans
The closure of Inland Hospital in June resulted in 309 layoffs, diminishing access to essential healthcare services in the Waterville area. Additionally, Northern Light Health recently closed its walk-in clinic in Waterville, which had aimed to provide non-emergency care post-hospital closure. Hudson clarified that such decisions are not solely financial, stating, “We don’t do things always to save money. We do things because there’s care that we can provide that no one else will do.”
The healthcare landscape is further complicated by recent policy changes, including President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, which proposes significant cuts to Medicaid. Healthcare leaders warn that such measures could increase the number of uninsured individuals and threaten the financial stability of hospitals, particularly in rural areas. National research has identified several rural hospitals, including Northern Light Maine Coast in Ellsworth and Northern Light A.R. Gould in Presque Isle, as being at risk due to these cuts.
Despite these challenges, Hudson stated that further closures are “not in the plan right now.” He expressed confidence in Maine’s elected officials to advocate for rural healthcare needs at the federal level, especially concerning the impending Medicaid cuts.
Additionally, Hudson addressed the ongoing contract negotiations with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. The two parties have yet to reach an agreement, but they have committed to resuming discussions to ensure patients do not face out-of-network issues for needed services. “We want our communities to understand that we’re going to get an agreement,” he affirmed. “It’s up to us to settle that down and give confidence back to the people that rely on both of us for care.”
Hudson’s overarching goal is to restore confidence in Northern Light Health. “There’s always going to be challenges in healthcare,” he noted, “but I don’t want people walking through our doors during some of the most stressful times of their lives to feel that, to notice that, to experience it.” He is determined to address the pressures the organization faces while keeping patient care at the forefront.
