X

St. Lawrence Health System officials say Gouverneur Hospital will not close, despite union's claim

Posted 3/20/15

GOUVERNEUR -- In response to a news release from Service Employees International Union 1099 saying Gouverneur Hospital is listed as a facility in danger of closing, hospital officials have told …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

St. Lawrence Health System officials say Gouverneur Hospital will not close, despite union's claim

Posted

GOUVERNEUR -- In response to a news release from Service Employees International Union 1099 saying Gouverneur Hospital is listed as a facility in danger of closing, hospital officials have told employees they are no longer in danger of imminent closure.

In a memo to staff, a St. Lawrence Health System representative said the following:

“You may have seen or heard about this morning’s coverage in which 1199 reports that our sister hospital in Gouverneur is on a list of 28 facilities in danger of closing due to proposed budget cuts.

“We are very pleased to let you know that through Gouverneur Hospital’s efforts, those of the St. Lawrence Health System, and state funding, Gouverneur Hospital has been successful in achieving a sustainable model, is no longer in danger of imminent closure, and is planning for additional growth and renovations,” said Rebecca Faber, communications director at St. Lawrence Health System.

The memo continues:

“While we will continue to seek funding to support our goals, the temporary funding which was intended to prevent closure due to financial issues is no longer needed at GH and we have so informed the state. We are grateful for the continued dedication of employees and medical staff who are working hard to sustain healthcare to all of our communities in St. Lawrence County.

“We will work with the media to provide accurate information to the public about this matter, but our board members and senior leadership wanted to be sure we provided you with an immediate response.

“Should you receive questions from family, friends, neighbors, and patients regarding this matter, please feel free to share the facts of the matter as related above.”

To read the original story about facilities in danger of closing, see story.