Council Approves Ambulatory Surgery Center At Lawrence Memorial

MEDFORD, MA — The Medford City Council this week unanimously approved the site plan and special permit required to build an ambulatory surgery center at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. The vote paves the way for the 16,000-square-foot facility, a joint venture between MelroseWakefield Healthcare, Shields Health Care Group and the Tufts Medical Center Physicians Organization.

The one-story ambulatory surgery center will be located within the existing footprint of Lawrence Memorial Hospital and include new state-of-the-art operating rooms and procedural rooms for outpatient surgery, according to a spokesperson for MelroseWakefield Healthcare.

"We are deeply appreciative of the support and collaboration by the Medford City Council, the Mayor’s office, and our neighbors in helping to bring this new service to Medford," Sue Sandberg, CEO of MelroseWakefield Healthcare, said in a statement. "This state-of-the-art facility will provide outpatient surgery by leading orthopedic, gastroenterology and ear, nose and throat surgeons, including specialists from Tufts Medical Center, locally for patients."

Lawrence Memorial ended its emergency room service last year, citing a steady decline in ER use. The ambulatory surgery center, which will provide same-day surgical procedures, is part of MelroseWakefield Healthcare's plan to expand the scope of its urgent care.

Patients will arrive on the day of the procedure, have the surgery in an operating room or procedure room and recover under the care of the onsite medical staff. They will be able to return home the same day without being admitted to the hospital.

"Shields Health Care Group is thrilled to partner with MelroseWakefield Healthcare and the Tufts Medical Center Physicians Organization to bring this vision to life," Tom Shields, president and CEO of Shields, said in a statement. "This new ASC will feature cutting-edge technology that is changing the way that health care is delivered. For patients, it means getting care that is high quality and low cost, in an attractive and convenient setting near home."