By Renee Worthing 

Staff Writer

 Officials representing Sanford’s Goodall Hospital and Kennebunk’s The Medical Group formally announced a partnership Aug. 19. 

   The two facilities will take up residence at 7 Shape Drive in Kennebunk as The Medical Group and Goodall Health Center. 

  Goodall Hospital acquired The Medical Group, buying their assets and medical resources. While Goodall will employ the staff members and physicians of The Medical Group, the groups will not merge, but function as independent departments of Goodall Hospital.   

 The Medical Group, established in 1975 by Jonathan Shill, MD, will move into the facility. It’s neighbor and partner will be Goodall Health Center.

  Goodall Hospital President Darlene Stromstadt said the health care providers in each facility share a common vision in community health care, to “make comprehensive medical care easily accessible to people where they work and live.” 

  Jonathan Shill took the podium, holding his hands to imitate talking on a phone. 

  “Oh, you have a fever and you’re sick?” he said, pretending to be a physician’s receptionist. “I’m sorry, the next available appointment is in two weeks.” 

    Shill smiled. 

 “That won’t happen anymore,” he said. 

  He said The Medical Group is “very pleased” to be associated with Goodall Hospital.

  “When we met with the people of Goodall Hospital, we discovered a compatible attitude toward healthcare. We believe the union will provide quality care.” 

 The Medical Group’s affiliation with Goodall Health Center means patients and doctors will have access to diagnostic services, including mobile MRI and CT units, an endoscopy suite, minor procedure rooms, sleep labs and stress and respiratory testing rooms.

  “It’s been a long time in planning,” Shill said. “I can’t believe we’ll be open in two weeks.” 

  While much of the work has been completed in The Medical Group’s portion of the 120,000-square foot project, carpets still need to be put down and furnishing and equipment must be moved in. 

  Goodall Health Center, the site of the former manufacturer Shape, Inc., is slated to open in the winter. 

  Tim Harrington, manager and developer of the project, said his company, Atlantic Holding, is “happy” to bring this type of health care service to the community. 

  He said Atlantic Holding, based in Kennebunk, is looking for health specialists to complement the health services at the new facility. 

   A ribbon cutting ceremony Sept. 7 will precede The Medical Group’s grand opening Sept. 8