Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons has filed for a ‘certificate of need’ from the Alabama Health Planning and Development Agency (SHPDA) to build a full-service orthopedic-only surgery center, clinic, and rehabilitation and diagnostic practice facility.

An administrative law judge has been hearing from lawyers representing Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons, the Baptist Hospital system, Montgomery Surgical Center, Jackson Hospital, and the Jackson Surgery Center to rule on the matter.

With the first phase now completed, the judge will be reviewing the facts and testimony, and filing their ruling this fall.

“The Southern Orthopaedic Surgery Center will be patient-focused” said Dr. Roland Hester of SOS. “And having a facility like this is important for the region’s ability to recruit the best surgeons and healthcare professionals to serve patients.”

Dr. Perry Hooper offered testimony in support of the SOS. “Having a team devoted 100% to orthopedic care adds a tremendous value to patients and their care,” said Hooper. “What is done in orthopedics is vastly different than other medical specialties and for best outcomes and quicker patient recovery, this is important.”

RELATED: Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons plans new state-of-the-art center in Montgomery

CEO of SOS, Jenna Roton, gave high praise to the organization’s doctors.

“Our doctor’s dedication to serve this region is huge, most were raised in the River Region and chose to come back home to practice. You see them on the sidelines of sporting events throughout Central Alabama. We have the newly opened Urgent Ortho clinic to see patients after hours and at their convenience.”

“Our group of providers is rare and undoubtedly a very strong testament to the mission of SOS.”

Proposed plans for the center include 6 state-of-the-art operating rooms, 2 specialized procedure rooms, surgical robotic offerings, outpatient joint replacement and care, occupational and physical therapy care, and streamlined wait times.

If approved, the new center will be located in the Halcyon Business Park and visible from I-85. The CON review board has the final say in allowing this facility to be built. Their decision should be announced soon after the judge rules at a regularly scheduled CON review board meeting.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten