By Tim Bonfield
The Cincinnati Enquirer

EDGEWOOD, Ky. - St. Elizabeth Medical Center plans to open an $11.5 million outpatient surgery center later this month that would focus on eye surgery, orthopedics and general surgery.

Up to 3,500 patients will be treated the first year at the two-story, 42,000-square-foot building, which is located at the corner of Thomas More Parkway and South Loop Road. The building will include up to six operating rooms, doctor offices and a waiting area featuring stained glass and a fireplace.

The project is one of several planned upgrades and reorganizations for the St. Elizabeth hospital group.

Construction has begun on a $61 million patient tower at the Edgewood campus slated to open in 2006. St. Elizabeth also plans to spend up to $5.5 million by 2006 to convert its Covington hospital into an emergency care and outpatient treatment center.

Many outpatient surgeries still will be conducted at the main hospital in Edgewood. The new surgery center is emphasizing eye care and orthopedics because those are the highest volume fields for outpatient surgery, said spokeswoman Karla Webb.

An open house will be held from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday. For information, call (859) 426-6000.

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E-mail tbonfield@enquirer.com