We certainly understand the concerns of the community about the temporary closing of Southern Maine Health Care’s Walk-In Care in Waterboro due to a shortage of caregivers. This was a very difficult decision, and one that we did not take lightly. We apologize for the inconvenience this temporary closure is causing. SMHC remains committed to Waterboro and we will re-open the Waterboro, Walk-In Care as soon as additional staff has been hired.

The Journal Tribune’s June 27 editorial suggested that caregivers should have been shifted from other practices to keep the Waterboro Walk-In Care open while we recruited for new providers. This and other options were considered. However, moving personnel from busy practices would only create other shortages and reduce access to care for patients who have already booked appointments in those offices.

We are actively recruiting staff for Walk-In Care and the Waterboro location is our priority. It will be re-opened before we open a new Walk-In Care in Kennebunk.

We look forward to serving the Walk-In Care needs of the Waterboro community again as soon as we are able. In the meantime, we urge patients to consider using our Walk-In Care center located at 655 Main St. in Saco, which is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.

Edward J. McGeachey, SMHC CEO, Biddeford