Vermont ASC construction stalled over budget cuts

In May, the University of Vermont Medical Center sought approval to build a $129 million outpatient surgery center in South Burlington, Vt., but construction on the planned facility has now been paused due to budget constraints, according to an Oct. 4 report from NBC 5.

Advertisement

UVM initially intended to break ground and begin construction on the 84,000-square-foot surgery center this fall, with the facility opening in mid-2026.

The earliest open date for the new center is now projected for sometime in 2027, according to the report. 

UVM is working to meet the obligations of the Green Mountain Care Board after it ordered a significantly reduced budget for the new fiscal year, which began Oct. 1. 

The budget reduction is a result of other budget cuts that the board imposed following increased patient demand on the health network from the previous year, according to the report. 

“As a nonprofit hospital, we are in the difficult position of having our budgets cut substantially when we are trying to respond to the health needs of our community,” Stephen Leffler, MD, president and COO of UVM Medical Center, told NBC 5. 

 Construction on the project will be paused until at least 2025, according to the report. 

At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 11-13 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Advertisement

Next Up in New ASC Development

  • Atlanta-based United Digestive is planning an ASC in Watkinsville, Ga., focusing on organic growth to expand its network. The newly-constructed,…

  • At least 25 ASCs have closed over the past five years, a pattern of attrition driven by financial strain, staffing…

  • As the ASC industry continues to grow alongside new waves of surgical innovation, patient preferences and shifts to value-based care,…

Advertisement

Comments are closed.