BY JIMMY LAWTONNorth Country This Week

OGDENSBURG — Residents who attend next week's public hearing on North Star Health Alliance's proposed closure of labor and delivery, nuclear medicine and several primary care services in St. Lawrence County will have only two minutes to speak and will be expected to follow hearing rules, according to a news release issued Tuesday by the health system.

The hearing is scheduled from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, in the Ogdensburg Free Academy Auditorium, 1100 State St. 

It is one of three hearings required by the New York State Department of Health as part of its review of North Star's proposed service closure plans, but the only one in St. Lawrence County.

According to the release, doors will open about 30 minutes before the hearing. Attendees will be asked to register upon arrival, and those who want to speak will be asked to indicate that during registration. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The hearing will begin with opening remarks from a moderator, followed by a presentation from North Star describing the proposed service closures, the reasons for the proposals, transition plans intended to maintain patient access to care when possible, and an overview of the state review process, the release said.

A public comment period will follow.

According to North Star, speakers generally will be recognized in the order established by the moderator and will be limited to two minutes each. A countdown timer will be displayed, and speakers will be asked to conclude their remarks when their time expires.

The release said comments should address the specific service closures identified for the hearing. North Star also encouraged organizations and community groups to designate one spokesperson when practical to allow more people an opportunity to speak.

North Star said the hearing is intended to collect public comments rather than serve as a debate.

 The release said representatives may clarify factual information when appropriate, but extended discussion is not planned. If multiple speakers raise the same issue, the moderator may note that the concern has already been expressed to allow additional participants to comment.

The health system also outlined expectations for those attending the hearing.

According to the release, attendees are expected to allow speakers to finish without interruption, treat others respectfully, avoid shouting, personal attacks or threatening language, and refrain from demonstrations or other actions that could interfere with the hearing. 

The moderator may remind participants of the rules, end comments after the two-minute limit or address disruptive behavior.

North Star said the hearing also will be available through Google Meet. People who join through the online meeting link will be able to watch the hearing and provide comments by following instructions given during the meeting. Those who participate by telephone will be able to listen but will not be able to speak.

According to the release, the hearing will be recorded, and oral testimony and written comments submitted before the close of the comment period will be forwarded to the Department of Health as part of its review.

Residents who do not wish to speak or who want to provide additional information may submit written comments by email to communityfeedback@nshany.org or by mail to North Star Health Alliance, Attn: Administration, 214 King St., Suite C, Ogdensburg, NY 13669.

The July 29 hearing will address North Star's proposal to close labor and delivery and nuclear medicine services at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Campus, as well as primary care services at health centers in Madrid, Waddington, Heuvelton and Hammond.

Additional public hearings are scheduled for July 28 in Carthage and July 30 in Watertown to address proposed service changes in those communities.

Residents hoping to keep Labor and Delivery services at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center are expected to gather tonight in a show of support for the hospital's maternity unit.