WESTBROOK, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Eric Spofford, a CEO who runs two substance abuse treatment facilities in New Hampshire, said Mercy Hospital declined his offer to buy its facility in Westbrook.
Mercy's facility shut its doors at the end of August and moved its services to the hospital's State Street Campus. About 250 patients were affected by the closure, and 45 people lost their jobs.
Spofford said he offered to lease the facility for two years, then buy it for several million dollars.
"I'd hate to think this of anyone, but it appears that they don't want a whole lot to do with addiction treatment services," Spofford said.
Spofford runs The Granite House in Derry and New Freedom Academy in Canterbury. He said he wanted to expand the much-needed treatment services to Maine.
"The solution that I brought to the table was a win-win for everybody," he said.
It would keep the treatment facility running and put money back into Mercy's pocket, according to Spofford. He said the hospital declined the offer, saying instead it would like to use the space for offices.
"It didn't make much sense to me at all why you would take something that's inpatient, hospital grade, which is about the most expensive construction you can build, and then spend a bunch of money to renovate it into office space, which is some of the most affordable construction you can build," he said.
Mercy Hospital declined an on-camera interview, and wouldn't confirm it had been in talks with Spofford. In a statement, the hospital said in part, "We stand by our mission of providing clinically excellent, compassionate care for all."
Spofford said he'd be happy to work with Mercy if it decides to reconsider.
