GOUVERNEUR -- The CEO of Gouverneur Hospital says the facility is now operating sustainably and was cited in error from a list of 28 hospitals statewide that could be in danger of closing due to cuts in grant money.

“Thanks to the state’s assistance, along with the efforts of our employees and board, and the support of St. Lawrence Health System, Gouverneur Hospital has been successful in achieving a sustainable operating model,” Gouverneur Hospital CEO Marlinda LaValley said. “In fact, because we reached the sustainability benchmarks earlier than expected, we notified the state that the remainder of the funds for which we were eligible (almost 20 percent of the original grant amount) are now unnecessary.”

The Service Employees International Union 1099 says Gouverneur Hospital was among 28 facilities statewide in danger of closing due to state budget propositions that either cut or eliminate Vital Access Provider money. It is an aid program that gives funds to hospitals with 15 days or less of cash onhand.

“While we will continue to seek state assistance to support our goals, the temporary emergency funding provided through this grant program is no longer needed at Gouverneur Hospital,” LaValley said. “The funding has done its work. Gouverneur Hospital is now actively planning for future growth and modernizations, and that’s great news for everyone who relies on us for care.”

Gouverneur Hospital was formed in late 2013 when Canton-Potsdam Hospital purchased the failing former E.J. Noble Hospital and Kinney Nursing Home, making up what is now known as St. Lawrence Health System.

LaValley’s complete statement:

“Gouverneur Hospital has reportedly appeared on a list of 28 hospitals facing ‘imminent threat’ of closure due to potential ‘cuts’ to a grant program in the proposed 2015-2016 state budget. Grant funds supported Gouverneur Hospital and a number of other hospitals for a specified funding period in 2014 and the first quarter of 2015 and has come to its long-expected conclusion.

We are very pleased to report that the program worked for Gouverneur Hospital and it is not in danger of closing.

Thanks to the state’s assistance, along with the efforts of our employees and board, and the support of St. Lawrence Health System, Gouverneur Hospital has been successful in achieving a sustainable operating model. In fact, because we reached the sustainability benchmarks earlier than expected, we notified the state that the remainder of the funds for which we were eligible (almost 20 percent of the original grant amount) are now unnecessary.

While we will continue to seek state assistance to support our goals, the temporary emergency funding provided through this grant program is no longer needed at Gouverneur Hospital. The funding has done its work. Gouverneur Hospital is now actively planning for future growth and modernizations, and that’s great news for everyone who relies on us for care.

We are grateful for the continued dedication of our employees and medical staff, and for the confidence placed in us by people across our region who turn to Gouverneur Hospital for their health care needs. We are continuing to work hard every day to sustain quality healthcare for all of our communities in St. Lawrence County.”