LEWISTON — Central Maine Healthcare is increasing services for patients in the Augusta area. Manchester Specialty Services has opened its doors and is offering physical therapy and plans to add lab services.

The new practice has opened next door to Manchester Care Center at 25 Bowdoin St. in Manchester.

“We’re so glad to be able to expand our offering to this community,” said Hillary Littlefield, system director of therapy services at Central Maine Healthcare. “We are committed to meeting our patients where they live, providing the high-quality care they need without having to travel far from home.”

The primary physical therapy provider is Kate Pouder, DPT. Pouder and her colleagues will be onsite for patients from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays.

“I’m very pleased to be sharing the news of the new specialty services with my patients,” said Ramon Cheleuitte, MD, Kate’s new neighbor and lead provider at Manchester Care Center. “Being able to refer them next door for physical therapy, and soon for lab work, makes accessing care much easier for them. It’s the kind of continuum of care CMH is committed to providing.”

Lab services at Manchester Specialty Services will begin in mid-March. Hours will be from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Fridays. The lab also will be available for appointments and walk-ins.

Manchester Specialty Services is expected to announce additional services in the future.