X

State approves Certificate of Need for Massena Memorial, brings hospital another step closer to privatization

Posted 12/8/16

MASSENA -- Massena Memorial Hospital has been granted a Certificate of Need for the establishment of a new private, non-profit corporation. The New York State Public Health and Health Planning …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

State approves Certificate of Need for Massena Memorial, brings hospital another step closer to privatization

Posted

MASSENA -- Massena Memorial Hospital has been granted a Certificate of Need for the establishment of a new private, non-profit corporation.

The New York State Public Health and Health Planning Committee approved the measure at its Dec. 8 meeting.

“This is an important step in the process of ensuring that Massena Memorial Hospital is a North Country institution for years to come,” said Robert Wolleben, Massena Memorial Hospital chief executive. “We’re proud of the high-quality care our employees provide to the residents of the greater Massena area, and look forward to continuing that service long after our future affiliation is finalized.”

The Certificate of Need is required for the establishment of a non-profit corporation and the transfer of the hospital’s operating license from the Town of Massena. Massena Memorial Hospital is continuing its affiliation selection process and expects to announce its selection by the end of the year, a news release from the hospital said.

MMH has been the recipient of monies from several special state funding plans, including the Vital Access Provider and Essential Health Care Provider programs. Each of these comes with an expectation that MMH convert to a non-profit corporation and affiliate with a larger health care system, MMH officials said.

"Our plans are fully in motion, and we expect to announce our affiliation partner soon," Wolleben said. "We have carefully vetted each of the proposals to find the organization that best meets our values and mission and will be committed to the region and the healthcare needs of Massena. We're truly excited about the future of our Hospital and look forward to all of the benefits that will come from a successful affiliation."

See story for more details about where the hospital stands in the privatization process.