Norton Seeks Surgery Permission

LOUISVILLE — Norton Healthcare has asked Kentucky state officials permission to perform surgeries at its planned $30 million children’s outpatient center in near Louisville, the Louisville Courier-Journal reported.

Using the center would take pressure off the crowded downtown Louisville Kosair Children’s Hospital and provide closer access for patients in surrounding suburbs.

Though the company won approval in June to operate the 71,300 square-foot outpatient center, that will include a 24-hour emergency room, it did not seek the separate and difficult to obtain permission to perform surgeries. Until recently, when the company reached an agreement with EMW Women’s SurgicalCenter to buy its outpatient surgery license and then sought the state’s approval to use the license at its pediatric center.

“Norton expects state regulators to rule on its application next month,” Mary Jo Bean, vice president for planning told the Courier Journal.

Norton plans to break ground on the $11.2 million pediatric center renovation project this fall and open in early 2010.

Source: Louisville Courier-Journal