Providence Health Services-Washington announced this afternoon that it is moving forward with plans for an outpatient surgery center in the Providence Medical Park, in Spokane Valley, after receiving approval of its certificate-of-need application from the Washington state Department of Health.

Providence said in a press release that it plans to begin hiring staff immediately for the surgery center, which will include four operating rooms, and it expects to begin treating patients there by the end of the year.

Elaine Couture, chief executive of Providence Health Care in Eastern Washington, said in the release, “This decision will improve access for residents of Spokane Valley and surrounding communities to more cost-effective and convenient care.”

The Providence Medical Park, located at 16528 E. Desmet Court, just north of Interstate 90, opened last April and houses primary- and specialty-care physician offices, diagnostic imaging, a pharmacy, and urgent care.