BY JIMMY LAWTONNorth Country This Week

OGDENSBURG — The union representing nurses at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center is criticizing North Star Health Alliance’s decision to begin the process of ending labor and delivery services at the Ogdensburg hospital, calling the move another loss of essential healthcare in the North Country.

“New York State Nurses Association nurses are outraged to hear that Northstar/Claxton-Hepburn is planning to eliminate maternal health services at the hospital,” the union said in a statement. “Our demand throughout this bankruptcy is that the hospital cuts waste and mismanagement and saves essential healthcare services.”

The union said the proposed closure “continues the devastating trend of North Country patients losing access to care.”

“This region needs maternal health services, and we encourage community members and hospital workers to weigh in on this proposed closure to defend these vital healthcare services and good jobs in the North Country,” the statement said.

Questions sent to North Star Health Alliance CEO Andy Manzer regarding the planned closure have not yet been answered.

North Star Health Alliance announced July 14 that it has started the process of ending labor and delivery services at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center as part of a broader effort to stabilize the financially struggling health system.

Claxton-Hepburn’s maternity unit is the only birthing center within 30 miles of Ogdensburg.

The closure process requires approval from the New York State Department of Health. NSHA said labor and delivery services will continue during the state review period, which is expected to take at least 90 days.

The review process will include a public hearing and public comment period required by the Department of Health. NSHA said details about the hearing will be released once a date is established.

The hospital has not said how many employees could be affected by the planned closure.

For Ogdensburg, the loss of local maternity services could create additional challenges for expectant parents in a city of about 10,000 residents, including those who lack reliable transportation.

Employees have said Claxton-Hepburn handles a significant number of emergency births and serves as a critical healthcare resource for families throughout St. Lawrence County.

North Star Health Alliance said the decision follows a sustained decline in births across rural communities and the rising cost of maintaining a 24-hour labor and delivery department.

“As patient volumes have declined, the significant costs associated with maintaining 24/7 labor and delivery services are no longer sustainable,” NSHA said in its announcement.

The announcement is the latest major change for Claxton-Hepburn as the hospital system works through financial challenges tied to NSHA’s broader restructuring efforts.

“This announcement marks the end of an important chapter in the history of Claxton-Hepburn, and we recognize the impact it will have throughout our community,” Interim CEO Andy Manzer said. “While this was an extraordinarily difficult decision, we believe it is a necessary step as we work to strengthen the long-term future of North Star Health Alliance.”

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