Infirmary Challenges USA Surgery Center Proposal

According to the Baldwin Times, after USA Health announced plans to build a multi-specialty Ambulatory Surgical Center on the southeast corner of Alabama 181 and Alabama 104 (an 8-acre site donated to the University of South Alabama by Louis and Melinda Mapp of Point Clear), Infirmary Health Systems, which operates Thomas Hospital in Fairhope, challenged the application for a Certificate of Need, the state permit needed to open a medical facility. The state hearing on the certificate began last week and is expected to continue for about two weeks. Supporters of the proposal have organized a petition drive to endorse plans for the center.