AUGUSTA — MaineGeneral Medical Center received a $180,000 federal grant through a networking program meant to speed the sharing of medical records and provide access to the latest research and expert support.

The grant is from the Department of Health and Human Services and will allow the Augusta and Waterville-based hospital to connect through the Rural Health Network Development Program.

The program, according to a news release from Republican Sens. Olympia J. Snowe and Susan Collins, aims to provide health care providers with quick and convenient access to the latest research and medical advances, expert support, and team consultations. It will enable doctors at the hospital to better consult with doctors from urban hospitals throughout New England and speed the sharing of medical records, and enable remote medical diagnostics and surgery, dentistry, and behavioral health treatment.

Blue Hill Memorial Hospital, in Blue Hill, also received a $180,000 grant through the program, the senators said.