Thursday, October 10, 2013

Statement: New York State Department of Health

In response to North Country Family Health Centers (NCFHC)(formerly The North Country Childrens Clinic) recent announcement of its pending suspension of services effective Friday, Oct. 11, the New York State Department of Health (DOH) is working closely with NCFHC, Samaritan Medical Center and other stakeholders to ensure there is no disruption of services to NCFHC patients, families and residents. DOH will continue these efforts in order to develop a sustainable solution that meets the needs of the community.

DOH and the leadership from NCFHC, SMC and other key stakeholders met today at the NCFHC facility to discuss and identify immediate actions necessary to sustain services of the Center to serve the needs of the community.

The following determinations were made: The NCFHC board voted unanimously to request DOH appoint a Temporary Operator to assume operations of NCCC. The temporary operators primary responsibility will be to work with SMC and DOH to address the significant financial difficulties facing NCFHC and implement a plan to ensure its continued operation and provision of services to residents in the community. At the request of DOH, SMC has agreed to serve as temporary operator; formal establishment of this temporary operator arrangement is in process. SMC agreed to provide NCFHC with a loan of up to $200,000 to sustain operations through the next month. DOH, SMC and NCFHC will work together to develop a long-term, sustainable solution that meets the needs of the community.

Additional statements: I want to thank Samaritan Medical Centers CEO Thomas Carmen, its Boards of Trustees and the New York State Department of Health for their rapid response to reopen the North Country Childrens Clinic during this challenging time. It is clear all involved are focused on the health and well-being of the thousands of families who rely on the North Country Childrens Clinic for care. I will continue to follow this situation closely and remain available to assist the clinic as it navigates the federal bureaucracy during its return to solid financial ground. Congressman Bill Owens

It was only days ago that the North Country Childrens clinic made the announcement about its future, and in that short time, the community and state health care leadersespecially Samaritan Medical Center and the State Health Commissionerhave banded together to support this facility that thousands of people in our region depend upon for quality healthcare and so much more. The Childrens Clinic is part of the fabric of the North Country and a vital part of our health care system and while theres still more work to be done to make sure the clinic keeps its doors open for the long term, todays meeting was a step in the right direction and an encouraging development. State Senator Patty Ritchie

"I am truly relieved that the Childrens Clinic is working with Samaritan Medical Center to ensure they remain open. Todays agreement between them and the state provides hope and the necessary support to ensure that thousands of patients continue to receive - uninterrupted - the quality and compassionate care the clinic provides. This community is fortunate to have both of these facilities, and I applaud their decision to pull together while working through the clinics challenges. " Assemblywoman Addie Russell