Auburn Memorial Hospital will not be on a list of health-care facilities statewide recommended for closure.

Both state Sen. Michael Nozzolio, R-Fayette, and former Cayuga County Legislature Chairman Herb Marshall, who sits on the commission that has been reviewing facilities, said on Monday that AMH will stay open. Marshall said the hospital at one point was on the closure list, but the panel reconsidered making such a move.

“That is critically important,” Nozzolio said of the news.

The hospital has been working on a financial turnaround plan over the past year, which Nozzolio said was a key move for the Commission on Health Care Facilities in the 21st Century, the state panel that has been reviewing the entire New York health system with an eye toward naming facilities that should be shuttered in an effort to bring down costs. The senator said he is confident in saying AMH will stay open based on conversations he's had with people who have knowledge of the commission's report.

The recommendations for closure are expected to be released today. The state Legislature and governor will then have about a month to either accept or reject the recommendations.

The panel is also looking at nursing homes for possible closure recommendations. Marshall said no Cayuga County facilities should be on that list, either.

Nozzolio said his office collected and forwarded to the commission some 5,000 signatures in support of AMH.

“I'd like to think that we were certainly part of a great grassroots effort,” he said. He also said securing $1 million in state funds as part of this year's budget for upgrades at the hospital also helped sway the commission.

While AMH and local nursing homes may escape a shutdown recommendation, the report could call for changes at certain hospitals and nursing homes. Nozzolio said he did not know of any specifics, but said he would expect some changes recommended for AMH.

“There may be alterations in services, but the key is those alterations could change,” he said. “The biggest concern I had was whether the commission would recommend a hospital around here close, particularly Auburn Memorial.”

Nozzolio said AMH was fortunate to have Marshall on the commission. Marshall said he was grateful Nozzolio was able to get him on the commission.

“Herb Marshall has just been outstanding in ensuring this region had its voice heard,” he said.

AMH officials could not be reached Monday for comment.