State OKs plans for outpatient surgery center at Hartselle Health Park

Cullman Regional Medical Center is once again expanding its healthcare services in Hartselle.  

The State Health Planning & Development Agency Certificate of Need Review Board approved Cullman Regional’s application for an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) in Hartselle at its meeting in Montgomery Oct. 18. The meeting was attended by staff from Cullman Regional, city officials and students from Hartselle High School’s Medical Academy.  

“Adding a surgery center helps us round out the convenient outpatient services available locally in Hartselle,” said James Clements, Cullman Regional CEO. “We’re grateful to the CON Review Board and the State Health Planning & Development Agency for their oversight on projects like this and their support for what we are trying to do in Hartselle with the ASC and freestanding ED.”  

When it opens in 2026, the outpatient surgery center will extend the footprint of Hartselle Health Park to the east side of Highway 31 across from the freestanding emergency department, urgent care center, imaging center and physician clinics.  

The surgery center will offer four operating rooms, one procedure room, 10 pre- and post- surgery bays, as well as waiting areas, business offices and support spaces. It will be staffed by the same clinical teams found in a hospital-based surgery department including surgeons, anesthesiologists, surgical nurses and other healthcare professionals, according to a press release from Cullman Regional.  

“With the addition of an outpatient surgery center, the community will have local access to a lower cost option for outpatient surgery,” said Dr. Bill Smith, Cullman Regional Chief Medical Officer. “This facility will be another extension of high-quality healthcare in a community that needs it.”  

Cullman Regional opened Hartselle Health Park 2021 and announced plans to add a freestanding emergency department in April. The freestanding ED will open next year, according to officials.  

Mayor Randy Garrison said CRMC has been and continues to be to the City of Hartselle and those in surrounding communities.  

“The staff, board of directors and administration from CRMC is a pleasure to work with and I look forward to our continued partnership to improve and increase healthcare accessibility for all our citizens,” Garrison said.