Eastern Maine Medical Center was the only hospital in Maine to earn a five-star overall rating.

Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center has been recognized on Forbes' inaugural Top Hospitals 2026 list, earning a prestigious five-star overall rating – the highest possible – and the only hospital in Maine to achieve this distinction.

Forbes evaluated approximately 5,400 general acute care hospitals nationwide, with roughly 2,500 meeting inclusion criteria for full rating. Of those, just 253 received five stars overall, placing Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center among the nation's elite for delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. The hospital also earned five-star ratings in key categories, including clinical outcomes and value.

Forbes developed this national ranking to help patients navigate a complex healthcare system by spotlighting hospitals that deliver exceptional outcomes, value, and care. Their rigorous methodology—backed by CMS data and adjusted for community health factors—places a strong focus on real patient results such as survival rates, infections, readmissions, and more.

"This outstanding recognition is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our entire team who deliver exceptional, compassionate care to patients every day," says Ava Collins, MHA, FACHE, president, Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center. "Earning the only five-star overall rating in our state reflects our commitment to clinical excellence, patient safety, and providing high-value services that make a real difference in the lives of Mainers – especially when they are most vulnerable. I couldn’t be prouder of our entire workforce for receiving this honor."

Learn more about Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center at northernlighthealth.org/EMMC. For more information about the Forbes Top Hospitals 2026 list and methodology, visit forbes.com/lists/top-hospitals.