Saranac Lake, NY, Apr 08, 2011 — A large group of nurses gathered in front of one of the region's largest health care facilities this week to call for fair wages and benefits.

The nurses' union at the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake says it wants a contract similar to those at other area hospitals, like the CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh and the Alice Hyde Medical Center in Malone.

But hospital officials counter that they've been negotiating in good faith, and that their contract proposal is, in fact, fair.

Chris Morris has our report.  Go to full article

Saranac Lake, NY, Jan 17, 2011 — Health care is likely to top the agenda of state and federal lawmakers in the coming weeks, as New York's new governor aims to reform the Medicaid system and Congress considers a measure to repeal last year's health care reform legislation.

Chris Morris sat down to talk about possible changes to the health care system with Chandler Ralph, head of Adirondack Medical Center.

Ralph says hospitals in the North Country want lawmakers to take a measured approach, and she opposes a wholesale scrapping of the Federal healthcare reform plan.  Go to full article

Jan 21, 2010 — Here in the North Country, hospitals and nursing homes offer vital services. But they also serve as the largest private sector employers across the region. Industry leaders say Governor Paterson's proposed Medicaid cuts, and other reimbursements, could force already struggling companies to close their doors. Brian Mann sat down yesterday with Chandler Ralph, CEO of Adirondack Medical Center, which operates clinics, hospitals and nursing homes in the Park. She says if this proposal goes through it would put even more stress on the struggling Uihlein nursing home in Lake Placid.  Go to full article

Mar 24, 2009 — A boiler room accident that forced the evacuation of Adirondack Medical Center over the weekend is being blamed on the collapse of a four-story tall chimney.  Go to full article

Mar 23, 2009 — Dozens of patients and staff were evacuated from Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake on Sunday following a powerful explosion that destroyed the hospital's boiler room. Martha Foley has details.  Go to full article

Apr 28, 2008 — In the Tri-Lakes region of the Adirondacks, one in ten adults lives without health insurance. That's actually better than the national average. Beginning today in Keene Valley, a regional task-force of businesses and health care providers will try to register more people for state programs like Family Health Plus.
Brian Mann spoke about the project with Ann Morgan, head of the Tri-Lakes Uninsured Task Force.

A schedule of insurance workshops:

* Monday, April 28th from 4-7 p.m., Keene Central Schools, Cafeteria

* Tuesday, April 29th, 4-7 p.m., Tupper Lake Central Schools, LP Quinn Cafeteria

* Wednesday, April 30th, 4-7 p.m., Lake Placid Central Schools, Elementary School Cafeteria

* Thursday, May 1st, 4-7 p.m., Saranac Lake Central Schools, Petrova School Cafeteria

* Tuesday, May 6th, 4-7 p.m., Wilmington Health Center

* Thursday, May 8th, 5-7 p.m., Bloomingdale School Cafeteria  Go to full article

Jan 16, 2006 — Avian influenza is still extremely rare. Fewer than a hundred people have died worldwide. But many scientists worry that the risk of a deadly influenza strain spreading among humans has been growing. A full-blown pandemic could quickly overwhelm America's medical infrastructure, especially in rural areas. In Saranac Lake, an informal group of scientists, county health officials, and hospital workers began meeting last fall. As Brian Mann reports, they say an avian flu outbreak will require a community response that goes well beyond the hospital door. This report first aired in October 2005.  Go to full article

Oct 31, 2005 — The state Health Department has cited Adirondack Medical Center for its role in the death of a woman who jumped from a moving ambulance earlier this year. AMC was not fined, but was ordered to correct its policies and procedures in psychiatric cases. As Chris Knight reports, hospiltal officials say they're cooperating fully.  Go to full article

Oct 28, 2005 — Avian flu has pushed its way to the forefront as a global health concern. Yesterday, the US Senate voted unanimously to boost funding for avian flu research and planning. The disease is still extremely rare. Less than a hundred people have died worldwide. But many scientists worry that the risk of a deadly influenza strain spreading among humans has been growing. While avian flu is a global health threat, experts say the burden of responding to an outbreak could fall most heavily on local governments, along with local doctors and nurses. In Saranac Lake, an informal group of scientists, county health officials, and hospital workers has begun meeting. As Brian Mann reports, they hope to develop a plan for avian flu response that could include quarantines and emergency shelters for sick patients.  Go to full article

Aug 25, 2005 — The state Health Department is investigating a hospital in the Tri-Lakes for its role in the death of a woman who jumped from a moving ambulance earlier this year. As Chris Knight reports, officials at Adirondack Medical Center say they're cooperating fully and will make any needed changes to hospital policies or procedures.  Go to full article