New Surgery Center Plans in Montgomery Suspended Amid Controversy
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Prospective plans for the Southern Orthopaedic Surgery Center in east Montgomery were temporarily suspended after a contentious meeting on Wednesday with the Alabama Certificate of Need Review Board. This proposed ambulatory surgery center, set to specialize in orthopedics and neurosurgery, has garnered significant opposition from local healthcare providers, citing the potential detriment to the existing healthcare framework in Montgomery.
Proponents, including attorney Colin Luke, argue that the center would enhance healthcare quality, attract physicians, and reduce patient costs. Luke emphasized that without the surgery center, patients might need to seek treatment outside of Montgomery, potentially in larger cities like Birmingham or Atlanta. He stated that the center’s majority ownership, held by local orthopedic surgeons, guarantees its commitment to the community.
Conversely, opponents, including attorney Jim Williams representing Baptist Hospital, contend that the existing healthcare system is already fragile, with no population growth and an abundance of orthopedic surgeons. Williams warned that the new center could inflict an annual financial loss of up to $7.6 million to Baptist Hospital, jeopardizing their joint surgery center.
Discussions about collaboration between the proposed center and Baptist Hospital have been fraught, with conflicting claims about potential partnerships. While some hospital officials expressed willingness to collaborate to utilize existing facilities, others highlighted contractual obligations that hindered such agreements.
Concerns over staffing shortages and the potential negative impact on the local healthcare network were voiced by representatives of Jackson Hospital, a facility already experiencing financial challenges.
After prolonged deliberation, the board decided to table the discussion until its December meeting, encouraging all parties to explore collaborative solutions that benefit Montgomery’s healthcare landscape.
Source
Photo credit aldailynews.com