GOUVERNEUR -- St. Lawrence Health System (SLHS) has received approval to provide inpatient detox services at Gouverneur Hospital (GH) and to close the inpatient detox unit at Canton-Potsdam Hospital.

Gouverneur began accepting inpatient detox patients through referrals and through emergency services on Monday.

Dave Bender, CEO of GH, said “The move just makes sense. Detox patients are coming from throughout the North Country, but a majority will find the Gouverneur location more accessible. Our inpatient space is newer, more attractive, and we have the capacity”.

Meanwhile, CPH medical/surgical inpatient volumes have strained existing space. As CPH sees a steadily increasing demand for critically ill patients, a modernized ICU is also needed.

“This is where being part of a health system is a great advantage,” said David B. Acker, FACHE, President and CEO of CPH and SLHS. “When a plan can benefit patients and both organizations, the decision between organizations is an easy one.”

The new GH service will be overseen by SLHS Psychiatrist and Medical Director of Detox Services, Joshua Frank, MD, who has been managing the program at CPH. Dr. Frank is a Diplomate of both the American Board of Addiction Medicine and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

“Detox is a specialized service, requiring an integrated team of trained professionals to provide continuous monitoring of patients’ vitals and provide appropriate medication to control withdrawal symptoms,” said Dr. Frank. “With this change, Gouverneur Hospital now runs the only acute inpatient service north of Syracuse with specially-trained detox providers and counselors. Depending on the need, treatment can be implemented almost instantly, which is essential to effectively begin the recovery process,” added Dr. Frank.

Individuals looking for information related to detox services, should call (315) 261-5969. Services available through St. Lawrence Health System can be found by visiting www.cphospital.org and www.gvnrhospital.org.