Ogdensburg, N.Y.-based North Star Health Alliance’s full-time equivalents count has decreased from approximately 1,221 to 1,048 since the system sought Chapter 11 protection in February.
“That reduction reflects a combination of organizational restructuring as well as normal employee turnover through resignations, retirements and other departures, some of which have been backfilled and some of which have not,” a spokesperson for the health system said in a Sept. 23 statement shared with Becker’s.
North Star said its previously reported 1,700 employees represents its total employee headcount, while the approximately 1,100 figure reported in court materials represents its FTEs. Since the system’s workforce includes both part-time and per diem employees, its total headcount is naturally higher than its FTE number, the statement said.
In late July, North Star revealed plans for a strategic partnership with Rochester (N.Y.) Regional Health to help restore its long-term financial and operational stability.
North Star submitted a closure plan in mid-July with the New York State Department of Health for the sleep center at Carthage (N.Y.) Area Hospital, and primary care and physical therapy services at Philadelphia (N.Y.) Health Center. It shared plans in late June to shutter the North Country Orthopaedic Ambulatory Surgery Center and its North Country Orthopaedic Group, both in Watertown, N.Y. The system also plans to close labor and delivery services at its Claxton-Hepburn Medical Campus in Ogdensburg and transition obstetrical services within the Claxton-Hepburn Women’s Health Clinic.
“While our overall workforce has decreased, subtracting a current FTE figure from a prior employee headcount does not accurately represent the number of positions eliminated,” the statement said. “Despite these workforce changes, the dedication of our employees remains unwavering. Our teams continue to provide quality care and essential services every day while meeting the healthcare needs of the communities we serve.”
