Plan for state-of-the-art facility now goes to state planning board
MONTGOMERY, AL November 14, 2024 – An administrative law judge has ruled in favor of Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons’ (SOS) plan for a state-of-the-art surgical facility designed to improve patient care and outcomes in the River Region.
SOS is seeking a Certificate of Need (CON) to open its new surgical facility. In August, an administrative law judge heard testimony from SOS, along with representatives from local healthcare facilities challenging the proposed plan.
“We’re grateful that the judge recognized the need for this facility and the innovative technology, particularly in an outpatient setting, that it will bring to residents of Central Alabama. Having a surgical center separate from a hospital is the future of healthcare. It protects healthy patients who simply need an orthopedic procedure and don’t need to be treated at a full-service hospital,” said SOS CEO Jenna Roton.
With over 28 years of dedicated service in Central Alabama, SOS has been a pioneer in providing world-class orthopedic care since its founding in 1996. This new surgery center will represent a significant advancement in their ongoing mission to enhance patient care.
The new facility ultimately will have six fully equipped operating rooms and two specialized procedure rooms, ensuring that SOS can efficiently accommodate a wide range of orthopedic surgical needs. Among its state-of-the-art features, the center will include a cutting-edge surgical robot for joint replacement procedures, which enable highly precise and minimally invasive surgeries, leading to quicker recovery times and improved outcomes for patients.
The next step in the process is a review by the State Health Planning and Development Agency (SHPDA), which will decide whether to issue the Certificate of Need required for the new facility. That process allows healthcare providers to expand medical services to residents while minimizing duplication of services.
"The Southern Orthopaedic Surgery Center will be patient-focused," said Dr. Roland Hester of SOS. "And having a facility like this is important for the region's ability to recruit the best surgeons and healthcare professionals to serve patients."
The new center is planned for development on Halcyon Pointe Drive at the southeast corner of the intersection of I-85 and Taylor Road. If approved by SHPDA, the new facility should be open within the next two years.
About Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons
Founded in 1996, Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons (SOS) has been a leader in orthopedic care in Central Alabama and was honored with the 2024 River Region Ethics in Business and Public Service Award for large companies. With offices in Montgomery, Prattville, Wetumpka, and Tallassee, SOS is committed to delivering exceptional patient care through advanced treatments and a compassionate approach. The expert team at SOS is dedicated to improving the quality of life for patients through innovative and effective orthopedic solutions.
Plan for state-of-the-art facility now goes to state planning boardThe new facility ultimately will have six fully equipped operating rooms and two specialized procedure rooms, ensuring that SOS can efficiently accommodate a wide range of orthopedic surgical needs. Among its state-of-the-art features, the center will include a cutting-edge surgical robot for joint replacement procedures, which enable highly precise and minimally invasive surgeries, leading to quicker recovery times and improved outcomes for patients.