In just one year, the Herbert and Roberta Watson Health Center on LincolnHealth’s Miles campus in Damariscotta has transformed the way that healthcare is delivered in Lincoln County.

The ability to add physicians and specialists, integrate physical and behavioral health and expand services has improved care coordination and had a positive impact on health outcomes.

“We have heard stories about a primary care provider going downstairs to talk with a specialist about a patient, and the specialist being able to see the patient immediately because of a cancellation,’’ said Stacey Miller, Vice President of Patient Services. “It is much easier for our doctors to share information and for our team to coordinate care because they are working in the same location. The presence of behavioral health providers at the Center has also been of significant patient benefit.”

There are many services offered at the Watson Center, including primary care (family medicine, pediatric care and internal medicine, cardiology, orthopedics, women’s health, general surgery, wound care, wellness, behavioral health and care management. Soon, Ear Nose & Throat specialists who are currently in another building on campus will move to the Watson Center.

The Watson Center officially opened on Aug. 20, 2018 and is named after longtime community volunteers. The project planning began in 2010 and was made possible by sound stewardship of resources by LincolnHealth and more than $4.7 million in donations from the community, including LincolnHealth team members.

“We are pleased at what this Center has meant to our patients, our physicians and our care team,’’ said LincolnHealth President James Donovan. “We look forward to continued improvement in care coordination and expanded access to services, and we appreciate the support of our donors who helped make this Center possible.”