PORTLAND (AP) – Healthcare delivery systems anchored by the Eastern Maine Medical Center, Maine Medical Center and MaineGeneral Medical Center announced plans Thursday to cooperate to improve efficiency and ensure access to services.

Boosting quality and cutting costs can only be accomplished by working together, according to leaders of the Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems, MaineHealth and MaineGeneral Health.

A memorandum of understanding announced at news conferences in Brewer, Portland and Waterville marks the first time that these systems have worked together.

Gov. John Baldacci praised the announcement, saying collaboration dovetails with his goals for Dirigo Health and the State Health Plan.

“These efforts hold promise to bring down the cost of health care, while increasing quality and accessibility. I applaud these hospitals for working together to meet the needs of Maine people,” Baldacci said in a statement.

The healthcare officials announced the creation of working groups aimed at addressing community health problems, using technology to deliver and improve health care, and pooling purchasing power to lower the cost of supplies and equipment.

“Our system is founded on the premise of collaboration, even with those with whom we might compete,” said MaineHealth President Bill Caron. “Some issues … transcend competition and require us to work together for the greater good.”