WATERTOWN, N.Y. — Assemblyman Scott Gray (R-Watertown) issued the following statement to provide clarity on yesterday’s announcement and the subsequent release from Rochester Regional Health regarding a potential relationship with North Star Health Alliance:

“Within the last 24 hours, I have been engaged in conversations with both North Star Health Alliance and Rochester Regional Health, as well as the state Department of Health. All organizations are committed to taking the next step: an extensive review process to explore a potential working relationship.

“It is important to understand that this is an initial step. At this stage, the process is simply identifying a potential alignment. There is a great deal of work ahead in terms of what that alignment ultimately looks like, and what is involved from the state’s perspective to move it forward.

“Throughout every conversation, one priority has been stressed consistently by all parties, including the Department of Health, North Star Health Alliance, and Rochester Regional Health, and that is preserving access to quality services and healthcare for the residents of our region. 

There is a process to be followed, and that process will now be initiated. The process is still very much moving forward. 

“Everyone is committed to transparency among all parties and to keeping periodic information available as necessary as this review moves ahead.”