OGDENSBURG — North Star Health Alliance has announced the date of a state-required public hearing on plans to close labor and delivery services, nuclear medicine service and three primary care clinics operated by Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center.

NSHA announced July 14 that it planned to end labor and delivery services at Claxton-Hepburn as part of a broader effort to stabilize the bankrupt health system. 

The hearing, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 29 in Ogdensburg Free Academy auditorium, will be open to community members, patients, employees, physicians, elected officials, and other interested stakeholders.

Hospital officials will provide information about and reasons for the proposed closures, the planned transition of specific services, plans to maintain continuity of care for patients and anticipated impact on the community. Those attending will have the opportunity to ask questions and make comments.

In addition to shutting down the birthing and nuclear medicine services, NSHA plans to close primary care clinics in Waddington, Heuvelton and Hammond.

The hearing will also be accessible remotely at https://meet.google.com/hdk-znis-sji and by phone at 1-678-453-6952; PIN: 854 373 313#

Hospital officials say public comments should be limited to the specific services and proposed regulatory action identified in this notice, as comments received during the hearing will be considered in relation to the NYSDOH's review of the proposed closure.

Written comments may also be submitted within one week of the hearing to: North Star Health Alliance, Attn: Administration, 214 King St, Suite C, Ogdensburg, NY 13669, or by email at  communityfeedback@nshany.org

All comments received during the public hearing and written comment period will be submitted to the state Department of Health as part of the closure plan review process.

Additional information regarding the proposed closure is available by contacting North Star Health at 315-713-5564