BY JIM HALL
Construction will begin next month for the new Surgi-Center of Central Virginia after supporters held the ceremonial groundbreaking yesterday.
"That's the best shovel of dirt I've ever turned over," said Kenny Ellinger, administrator.
The center is moving from its location near the Chatham Bridge in Stafford County to a bigger building on Dixon Street in Fredericksburg. The new location is adjacent to the city's park and pool on what is now a vacant 2-acre parcel.
United Surgical Partners International, a Dallas company, operates the center in partnership with a dozen local doctors. Its seven operating and procedure rooms are the only ones in the region not owned by Mary Washington Healthcare.
The project will cost about $4.7 million and is expected to be ready late next year.
The surgeons who work at the center did about 10,150 procedures there last year. Most were done by gastroenterologists or by eye doctors.
Two local physician groups, whose doctors are investors in the project, will also be moving their offices to the new building. They are Rappahannock Gastroenterology Associates and Fredericksburg Foot & Ankle Center.
Jim Hall: 540/374-5433
Email: jhall@freelancestar.com