GOUVERNEUR -- A team of orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine specialists are providing consultations at Gouverneur Hospital.

The new service follows the success of a consultation service begun by Dr.Jeffrey Haasbeek, an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hand and wrist surgery as well as pediatric orthopedic surgery.

Also providing the consultations are doctors Robert Cummings Jr., ThomasKneifel and Luc Perrier.

Patients suffering from joint, muscle, or bone disorders or injuries, sports injuries, and diseases such as osteoarthritis or carpal tunnel disease may now be seen in Gouverneur for initial assessment and follow-up.

Initial assessment may lead to a referral for physical therapy,pain and spine medicine services, or counseling with a nutrition expert, all of which can be provided in Gouverneur.

A consultation could lead to surgery in Potsdam.

“Orthopedic disorders and diseases often limit mobility and cause pain, so we felt it was very important to help people with these conditions stay in southern St. Lawrence County for consultations,” Gouverneur Hospital CEO David Bender said in a prepared statement. “We’ve made a point of bringing to Gouverneur Hospital specialists in pain medicine, disorders and cancers of the blood, gynecology and urogynecology, and now orthopedics so that, as much as possible, we can keep people close to their homes for care.”

All of the orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine specialists who will conduct consultations at Gouverneur Hospital are board certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery.

Haasbeek, Cummings and Perrier are fellows of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC). The three provide medical services to the men’s and women’s Golden Knights hockey teams at Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY.

More info, appointments: 315-261-5850 or visit www.ourfutureisbright.org