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Gouverneur Hospital Cited For Lab Deficiencies

Story Published: Aug 28, 2012 at 4:43 PM EDT

Story Updated: Aug 29, 2012 at 9:01 AM EDT

E. J. Noble Hospital in Gouverneur has been cited for "serious" deficiencies in its laboratory operation as the result of a weekend inspection by the state Health Department.
 
Hospital President Charles Conole says steps are being taken to address the problems.

The inspection was apparently prompted by a letter of concern over the lab being inadequate staff and supplies.

The lab, which does approximately 120,000 procedures a year, has three vacancies, two full-time technicians and a phlebotomist.

The lab also was found to be out of certain required supplies, which Conole said was because the hospital was behind paying vendors due to cash flow problems.

"About a year and a half ago we had some changes and we've been through a couple lab supervisors," Conole said. "The transition hasn't been easy as far as maintaining continuity."

"We've got to correct that. We've got to overcome that and get things back on an appropriate keel."
 
Conole says he expects state health officials will closely monitor the hospital for "at least the next four to six months."

State Health Department spokesman Peter Constantakes says the hospital is cooperating to resolve the areas of concern as quickly as possible.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
, Watertown, NY

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