North Star Health Alliance (NSHA) announced that it has made “the very difficult decision” to close North Country Orthopaedic Group (NCOG) and North Country Orthopaedic Ambulatory Surgery Center in Watertown, N.Y., within the next 30 to 90 days.
NSHA states that the impending closures are part of its “ongoing restructuring and operational stabilization efforts.” The health system has developed a transition plan to maintain continuity of care and support patients through the change. Two of NCOG’s orthopedic surgeons will join Carthage (N.Y.) Orthopedic Clinic approximately 20 miles away. Physical therapy services will be discontinued, with patients directed to Carthage Area Hospital.
“We recognize that this transition will be difficult for patients, providers, employees, and the broader community,” stated NSHA Interim CEO Andy Manzer. “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.”
NSHA states that it is “committed to supporting staff members with care and transparency throughout the process and are making every effort to retain as many employees as possible by identifying available opportunities within the North Star Health Alliance.”
