AK hospital frets over proposed surgical center

A new company's proposal to build an ambulatory surgical center in Kenai, AK has caused uncertainty in the local medical community and Central Peninsula Hospital officials to ready their defenses. Kahtnu Ventures, LLC recently filed an application for a certificate of need with the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services for an 8,365 square foot "ambulatory surgical center." According to the application, the company hopes to build the estimated $8 million facility by spring of 2013 and service the Kenai and Northern Kenai Peninsula area. Ryan Smith, Central Peninsula Hospital CEO, said the origins of the company are somewhat mysterious. Smith said if the center is approved after the required lengthy public process, it could spell financial troubles for CPH.