York Hospital is seeking state approval to merge with MaineHealth. the hospital announced on Thursday.

The hospital says it’s facing numerous challenges after operating independently for more than a century.

York Hospital closed its maternity ward in 2023 and reported a $10 million operating loss the same year.

The hospital says the merger process could take more than a year and will involve multiple steps.

MaineHealth is the largest health provider in the state with nine hospitals, including a Level 1 trauma center in Portland.

It has taken over other independent hospitals in recent years, including Mid Coast Hospital in 2020.

York Hospital says its’ been facing ongoing challenges from rising costs for labor and supplies, as well as increasing payer denials, which have forced the hospital to consider its options keep operating

“As efficient and agile as we are, we can no longer navigate the challenging health care landscape on our own,” said Dr. Patrick Taylor, chief executive officer of York Hospital in a statement. “We are looking to join the MaineHealth family to ensure that our community continues to have local access to top-quality health care close to home, for generations to come.”