Ogdensburg, N.Y.-based North Star Health Alliance said it plans to develop a strategic partnership with Rochester (N.Y.) Regional Health to help restore the bankrupt system’s long-term financial and operational stability.
North Star’s boards of directors conducted a potential partner evaluation in collaboration with the New York State Department of Health to select Rochester Regional, according to a July 23 news release shared with Becker’s
“The challenges facing North Star Health Alliance required us to identify a partner capable of helping build a sustainable future for our organization,” Andy Manzer, interim CEO of North Star said in the release. “Rochester Regional Health demonstrated a clear understanding of the challenges facing rural healthcare and possesses the experience and track record to help us move forward. We look forward to working together to build a stronger, more sustainable future for the patients, employees, providers, and communities who depend on North Star.”
The two parties will partner to apply with the state’s DOH for a multi-year safety net transformation program grant to help North Star recover long-term. With the state DOH’s support, they will also continue discussions for a more formal affiliation structure subject to regulatory and court approvals, the release said.
On July 17, North Star submitted a closure plan with the state DOH for the sleep center at Carthage (N.Y.) Area Hospital, and primary care and physical therapy services at Philadelphia (N.Y.) Health Center. The system also shared plans in late June to shutter its North Country Orthopaedic Ambulatory Surgery Center and its North Country Orthopaedic Group, both in Watertown, N.Y. Lastly, it 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.
The partnership plans will not affect North Star patient care or the status of service closures at the system.
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