Louisiana Heart Medical Group (LHMG) announced last Friday that it would close 15 of its North Shore medical clinics effective Tuesday, Feb. 28 — including the locations in Bogalusa and Franklinton.

LHMG is an affiliate of the Louisiana Heart Hospital near Lacombe, which closed its doors after filing for bankruptcy recently. The Bogalusa clinic location is at 1407 Ave. F, and the Franklinton location is at 1913 Main St.

At the time of the closure announcement, Louisiana Heart Hospital officials had stated that the plan was for the clinics to remain open under independent management. However, that plan has apparently changed.

Representatives with the Atlanta, Ga., law firm of Alston & Bird made the official announcement in a notice late last week. According to the notice, physicians at the clinics will continue to see patients in a new private practice in the area, in most cases.

Patients were encouraged to contact their physicians directly. In addition, patients previously seen at the clinics within the past year will be notified in writing at their last known address.

In addition to the Washington Parish clinics, another 13 locations will also close in the Northshore region. They include four in Slidell, three in Covington, three in Mandeville, two in Lacombe, and one in Hammond.

Requests for copies of medical records by affected patients may be directed to MedSouth Record Management at www.medsouthrecord.com or by calling 985-951-7148.