Ambulances diverted from Canton-Potsdam, Gouverneur hospitals; Massena Hospital has radio troubles

BY ANDY GARDNER
North Country This Week

Ambulances were diverted from Canton-Potsdam and Gouverneur hospitals earlier today.

Although St. Lawrence County Emergency Services wasn’t sure of the reason, Director Matt Denner said they were informed of a “complete diversion” from Canton-Potsdam Hospital around 4:30 a.m. Tuesday.

He said around 9:38 a.m., he was informed Emergency Services needed to divert ambulances from Gouverneur Hospital, but they could resume sending ambulances to Canton-Potsdam Hospital.

Meanwhile on Tuesday, Massena Hospital had issues with their radios they use to communicate with ambulances.

“Everybody had to radio in with cell phones and give their report, versus the radio. As of right now, the radios are back up and running,” Denner said just before 2 p.m. Tuesday.

He said he does not know the nature of the issues at the three hospitals, or if the problems are related.

St. Lawrence Health System spokesperson Tracy Jarvis said SLHS will be releasing a statement on what happened sometime Tuesday afternoon. SLHS owns and operates the three hospitals.