Ogdensburg, N.Y.-based North Star Health Alliance will hold a public hearing July 30 in Watertown on its plan to close North Country Orthopaedic Group’s ASC, one of three hearings scheduled the week of July 28 on the bankrupt system’s broader closure plans, NBC affiliate WNYT reported July 20.
The Watertown hearing, set for 5:30 p.m. at North Country Orthopaedic Group’s outer Washington Street facility, will focus specifically on the ASC’s closure and give residents a chance to comment and ask questions. Two additional hearings that week will address other closures tied to North Star’s restructuring: labor and delivery and nuclear medicine services at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Campus in Ogdensburg, four primary care locations in St. Lawrence County, and sleep center, primary care and physical therapy services in Carthage and Philadelphia, N.Y.
“This is the moment in time where the public needs to stand up and be counted,” said Assemblyman Scott Gray, R-116th Assembly District.
North Star first disclosed plans to close the Watertown ASC and North Country Orthopaedic Group on June 24, giving itself 30 to 90 days to wind down orthopedic, endocrinology and physical therapy services there. The system said orthopedists Bruce Baird, MD, and Michael McElheran, PA-C, would join Carthage (N.Y.) Orthopedic Clinic, while endocrinology nurse practitioners Jolene LaFrance and Elizabeth Verno would continue seeing patients at Carthage Family Health Center. Physical therapy services were discontinued, with patients directed to Carthage Area Hospital.
“We recognize that this transition will be difficult for patients, providers, employees and the broader community,” interim CEO Andy Manzer said at the time. “Our priority is to support those affected, preserve continuity of care wherever possible, and maintain local access to orthopedic services as we continue working to stabilize the health system and build a more sustainable model of care for the North Country.”
North Star filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in February, following more than 100 job cuts in January and additional workforce reductions in March. The system has since strengthened its partnership with the New York State Department of Health and brought on a new financial advisory firm to guide its restructuring.
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.