Ogdensburg, N.Y.-based North Star Health Alliance shared plans June 24 to close its North Country Orthopaedic Ambulatory Surgery Center and its North Country Orthopaedic Group, both in Watertown, N.Y., in the next 30 to 90 days.
The closures are part of North Star’s ongoing restructuring and operational stabilization efforts, and affect orthopedic, endocrinology and physical therapy services, according to a news release shared with Becker’s.
North Star, which sought bankruptcy protection in February, has created a transition plan to ensure care continuity and patient support.
Bruce Baird, MD, and Michael McElheran, PA-C, will join Nata Parnes, MD, and Steven Kieb, PA-C, at Carthage (N.Y.) Orthopedic Clinic, which will continue to offer evaluation and treatment for a range of musculoskeletal conditions like upper extremity disorders, spine conditions, arthritis and joint disorders, and joint replacement care.
Endocrinology nurse practitioners Jolene LaFrance and Elizabeth Verno will continue seeing patients at Carthage Family Health Center. Physical therapy services will be discontinued, but patients can seek care at Carthage Area Hospital.
North Star will notify patients with updated provider locations, scheduling information and care coordination support. It is also working to retain affected staff by identifying open positions within the system.
In late March, North Star further reduced its workforce after eliminating more than 100 clinical, nonclinical and management positions in late January. The system shared in late March that it had strengthened its partnership with the New York State Department of Health and selected a new financial advisory firm to aid with restructuring.
“We recognize that this transition will be difficult for patients, providers, employees and the broader community,” North Star Health Alliance interim CEO Andy Manzer said in the release. “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.”
Becker’s has followed up with North Star Health Alliance regarding the number of employees affected and will update this story should more information become available.
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