The chairman of the troubled E.J. Noble Hospital Board has resigned along with at least 8 other members as part of a state backed restructuring plan.
 
Sources tell 7 News the longtime chair of the board, Timothy Monroe, has submitted his resignation and other board members may have stepped down as well.

When contacted by 7 News, Monroe declined any comment.

Sources say several replacements have been named to replace the 10-outgoing board members.

The new board will be responsible with identifying short-term financial assistance and areas where money can be saved.

The financially troubled hospital has been trying to get reorganized after the state Health Department shut down its laboratory over serious deficiencies last September.

The hospital was allowed to resume limited services with its lab operation being overseen by Samaritan Medical Center.

A management contract with Canton-Potsdam Hospital still waits approval of the National Automatic Sprinkler Pension Fund, which as a controlling financial investment in E.J. Noble.

DOH Spokesman Bill Schwartz was reached for comment late Wednesday afternoon.
 
"The EJ Noble Board concluded and DOH concurs in what it firmly believes is in the best interests of the hospital's future, to form a restructurinmg board to manage and lead the institutions restructuring efforts - financially and operationally," he said. "The restructering board will be comprised of individuals who have the requisite experience and skill sets to address the issues at hand as well as develop/execute a comprehensive strategy and plan to assure the hospital's near-term and on-going viability."