Beaufort Memorial Hospital has purchased the Surgery Center of Beaufort with developing plans to expand the outpatient multi-specialty surgical facility in the future.
Opened in 2000, the ambulatory surgery center has a staff of 40 physicians that includes four general surgeons, seven anesthesiologists and specialists in ear, nose and throat, gastroenterology, gynecology, ophthalmology, oral surgery, orthopedics, pain management, podiatry and urology. The physicians perform an average of 450 procedures a month in the state-of-the-art facility.
BMH already owned 40 percent of the center, located just a quarter mile north of the hospital’s main campus at 1033 Ribaut Road. Most of the doctors practicing at the surgery center also are members of Beaufort Memorial’s medical staff.
“We’ve been involved with the surgical center from day one,” said Beaufort Memorial President and CEO Rick Toomey. “Having full ownership of the facility gives us the ability to consider making strategic capital investments to expand outpatient surgical services at the center and provide the community with a cost-effective and patient-friendly environment for minor procedures.”
Today, more than 80 percent of U.S. surgeries are outpatient. Many surgeries that required complex procedures and overnight stays just a few years ago are now being performed in ambulatory surgical centers.
“Our focus is solely on surgery, so we’re able to offer high-quality, professional care delivered in the most efficient, cost-effective manner possible,” said Surgery Center of Beaufort Director Carolyn Evec. “Patients find the smaller setting to be more personal, convenient and comfortable. We are excited to be a part of the Beaufort Memorial Hospital system and know our patients and staff will benefit from the additional resources.”
Licensed by the state, the surgery facility is also certified by the Center for Medicare/Medicaid Services to provide care for its members.
“The surgery center has an excellent staff covering a wide range of specialties,” Toomey said. “We hope to expand the future capacity of the facility to allow more surgeries to be relocated from the hospital to the center.”
For additional information on the Surgery Center of Beaufort, visit www.beaufortsurgery.com.
