Demolition under way at former nursing home

OGDENSBURG — Demolition of the former nursing home at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center began this week, making way for expanded pulmonary function testing, a blood work lab and a sleep lab.

The hospital had moved 17 residents from the nursing home to other facilities, such as St. Joseph's Home and United Helpers. Hospital officials have said that the 22 employees likely will be absorbed into other functions at the hospital or at the nursing homes.

The new building is funded by a Health Care Efficiency and Affordability Law grant, to the tune of $2,609,000.

Work will include asbestos abatement and passersby can expect to see a temporary wall go up soon. Work should conclude into the middle of next year, said hospital spokeswoman Laura C. Shea.