BY JIMMY LAWTONNorth Country This Week

OGDENSBURG – The North Star Alliance is moving forward with Claxton-Hepburn management now officially falling under Carthage Area Hospital.

Officials said patrons can expect cosmetic changes, but patients won’t see much of a difference in services.

CEO Richad Duvall shared plans to transition CHMC under the Carthage umbrella in June. He said the goal was to keep employees, secure retirements and become more financially solvent.

Now he believes the plan is moving in a positive direction.

“We are pleased to provide an update to the North Star Health Alliance strategic plan. This past summer we shared information with the public that included shared services with Carthage Area Hospital and Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center, the CHMC hospital campus conversion to critical access and the creation of a standalone mental health hospital,” a recent announcement from the hospital said.

Duvall explained that the most recent update involves outpatient services at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center (CHMC) and Carthage Area Hospital. 

He said the New York State Department of Health has granted approval for the first phase of the Critical Access Transition, which involves a strategic shift in the management of rural health clinics in Ogdensburg, Canton, Madrid, Hammond, and Waddington to management under Carthage Area Hospital through the North Star Health Alliance.

“In our commitment to providing exceptional healthcare, we want to make it clear that there will be absolutely no interruption or reduction in the range of services offered. Patients can rest assured that they will continue to see their current healthcare providers and have access to the same services with the same provider at the same locations where they are currently receiving treatment,” Duvall explained.

This initiative marks the initial phase of the Critical Access Transition, which has received approval from the New York State Department of Health. 

Duvall said it was a milestone in the plan. 

"This initial phase of the Critical Access Transition, sanctioned by the New York State Department of Health, represents a pivotal step. It's crucial in helping us meet our three core objectives: preserving our range of services, safeguarding jobs, and ensuring the honor of Claxton-Hepburn's employee pensions."

Last year Duvall went into detail about the changes needed to stay solvent.

He said the acute care center will be designated as a critical access hospital, which will help ensure the facility’s future because it is expected to then qualify for increased reimbursement rates for Medicare and Medicaid.

Duvall said the hospital currently employed 720 people at that time, all of whom would retain their jobs, salaries and benefits once transitioned to North Star.

North Star was established roughly seven years ago and at one time included CHMC, Carthage Hospital, Meadowbrook Terrace, North Country Orthopedics and River Hospital. However, River Hospital has since broken away.

The Claxton-Hepburn Mental Health Center will continue to operate 40 beds while serving solely as a behavioral health clinic.

The biggest change will be at the acute care facility which will be downsized from 87 total beds to 40 beds to include 25 acute care, five observation and 10 mental health beds.

“There will be no job reductions and no service reductions,” he said.

Duvall said downsizing the number of beds is what allows the hospital to receive the critical access designation, which in turn will provide higher reimbursements and allow the facility to survive.

“We view this transformation plan as a continuation of years of effective collaboration and shared services agreements between two hospitals that understand the intricacies of providing high quality care in rural communities,” he said.

Duvall said many options were explored as the hospital sought to regain its footing following the pandemic, but this option yielded the best results for employees and the community alike.

Duvall said over the past 10 years, CHMC has seen about 25 to 30 inpatients per day and expects that number will continue. He believes the new critical access center will be able to meet that need.