Fisher-Titus, surgeons collaborate on new regional surgery center

Fisher-Titus has announced plans to be part of a new regional surgery center in Norwalk, according to Dr. Brent Burkey, Fisher-Titus president and chief executive officer.

Fisher-Titus and certain surgeons from Bay Area Digestive Health, NOMS Access Orthopaedics and NOMS Ear, Nose & Throat, Northern Ohio Foot and Ankle Specialists, and North Central Eye Associates, along with Health Care Facilities Partners, have entered into a joint business venture to plan, construct and open an ambulatory surgery center adjacent to Fisher-Titus Convenient Care on Milan Avenue, also known as U.S. Route 250, according to a news release.

The Surgery Center of North Central Ohio will serve area residents with affordable outpatient surgical services and procedures.

The new facility will offer over 12,000 square feet of medical space, including pre- and post-surgical areas, three operating rooms and a procedure room, the release said.

“This joint venture is another exciting opportunity to come together as medical providers to meet the needs of those who rely on us for affordable care settings, and keep those we serve closer to home” Burkey said.

Perspectus (Cleveland) is the architect for this project, with Janotta & Herner (Monroeville) acting as general contractor.

Construction on the $5.8 million facility is scheduled to begin this fall with a planned opening in late 2020.

Although Fisher-Titus and its regional collaborative partners will have joint ownership in The Surgery Center, the management and operations of the center will be under the direction of Health Care Facilities Partners, Burkey said.

Health Care Facilities Partners is known for operational excellence of ambulatory surgical centers, and successfully manages surgery centers throughout the United States.

As some procedures and surgeries will shift to The Surgery Center, Fisher-Titus will continue to offer emergency and inpatient surgical offerings and procedures at Fisher-Titus Medical Center.

Fisher-Titus also is participating in a regional collaboration with Firelands Regional Medical Center, NOMS Healthcare and Health Care Facilities Partners to open the Erie Shores Surgery Center in Sandusky in early 2020.

“Partnering with independent regional health care providers strengthens our organizational relationships, and our ability to stay independently owned and managed, which is good for us, and more importantly, for the communities we serve,” Burkey said.