GOUVERNEUR --- As E.J. Noble hospital struggles in the wake of a temporary shutdown of its laboratory, the resignation of its CEO, and the departure of its only general surgeon, officials remain optimistic.

An unsigned press release bearing the company’s letterhead said the hospital plans to improve quality, streamline operations, and stabilize the institutions’ finances.

The release does not explain the plan, nor does it provide a timeframe for such improvements.

The positive message appears to have been too late for the hospital’s only general surgeon, Dr. Stuart Hoffman who announced in December he would leave if things didn’t improve by February.

While E.J. Noble did not confirm the surgeon’s departure, a call to Hoffman’s office in Gouverneur rang to an answering machine that said the office was closed.

Despite the hits that seem to keep coming, officials sent a positive message to the press last week.

“We have evaluated all areas of the organizations and identified potential avenues by which (the hospital) can continue to meet its mission to serve patients and residents. Once complete, the plan, with the assistance and support from our largest creditor and a neighboring hospital, will provide a realistic pathway to enable the sustainment of critically needed health care services for our community,” the statement said. “

According to the release, officials are “confident that the components necessary to implement the plan will be in place in the very near future, and we are working diligently to that end.”

A call to E.J. Noble’s press officer was not immediately returned Tuesday.