news release
OGDENSBURG, NY — North Star Health Alliance (NSHA) has temporarily placed Labor & Delivery (L&D) services at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Campus on diversion due to an unexpected, short-term gap in pediatric coverage.
This temporary diversion is unrelated to the previously announced planned closure of L&D services at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Campus. It is being implemented solely because of the unexpected pediatric coverage gap and to ensure appropriate physician coverage is available for newborns and pediatric patients. NSHA is actively working to secure alternate pediatric coverage and intends to resume normal Labor & Delivery operations as soon as appropriate coverage is restored.
During the temporary diversion, patients who are clinically appropriate for transfer will be directed to an alternate facility based on their individual circumstances and clinical needs.
Patients who present to Claxton-Hepburn and cannot be safely transferred will continue to receive appropriate emergency evaluation, treatment and stabilization. Claxton-Hepburn’s Emergency Department providers are trained to provide pediatric lifesaving measures and will respond as necessary in an emergency.
There are currently no newborns at Claxton-Hepburn requiring pediatric care. The New York State Department of Health and local emergency medical services are being notified of the temporary diversion.
NSHA is coordinating closely with its clinical teams and area hospitals to minimize disruption to patients. We apologize for any inconvenience or disruption this temporary diversion may cause for our patients, families and staff, and appreciate their understanding as we work to restore pediatric coverage as quickly as possible.
This is a temporary measure, and additional information will be provided as pediatric coverage is restored. Patients with questions regarding scheduled L&D services should contact their provider for guidance.