Melrose, Mass.-based Melrose-Wakefield Healthcare received state approval to build a $16 million ASC at Medford, Mass.-based Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Wicked Local reports.
What you should know:
1. The ASC is a joint venture between Melrose-Wakefield and Worcester, Mass.-based Shields Health Care.
2. Center physicians will offer endoscopy, orthopedic surgery, ENT and plastic surgery services.
3. The proposal still must be submitted to the City of Medford for approval and zoning changes.
4. City of Medford officials and residents are split on the ASC. Residents raised concerns about traffic, parking and neighborhood character, while officials had concerns over the state's approval process and Melrose-Wakefield's lack of communication surrounding Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
5. Melrose-Wakefield operates Lawrence Memorial Hospital. Melrose-Wakefield said it would close the hospital's emergency department, to transform the facility into an urgent care center with other ancillary services in late 2018.