Summa Health System Plans $65 Million Emergency Services Growth

Strauss says these sites were chosen for construction and renovation because they either were areas where Summa already has a strong market presence and is looking to grow, or are regions where an increased potential patient base makes it attractive from a business standpoint.

For example, Strauss says that in Green, Summa has close to 60% of the market share. In Lake Medina, meanwhile, Summa has already invested "significant dollars" on facilities, such as medical buildings and physician practices for the Summa Health Center at Lake Medina that will open in the fall.

"This next phase of the ER will give us truly a comprehensive Level 4 ambulatory center in that region which will provide services into the community that maybe they haven't had before," Strauss says.

Not only is Summa bringing these services out to the communities, it makes good business sense for the system as well, he says.

"We also believe that the growth . . . will develop financial returns to the system to help support our mission to provide the highest quality, compassionate care and contribute to a healthier community," Strauss says.

Although there will be a staggered start to the construction and renovation projects, Strauss says they will all likely be done within the next 18 months. Summa's investment in these areas of Ohio will help bring comprehensive services to patients living there, he adds.