(LaPorte, IN) - A new miniature hospital in LaPorte will begin seeing patients soon.  The $21 million Franciscan Beacon hospital along State Road 2 on the city’s west side had a ribbon-cutting last week. Dr. Lars Kneller says the doors will open for patients likely before the end of the month.

He says only local physicians will see patients in a more hometown setting. Patients with more serious or complex issues will be transferred to Franciscan and Memorial hospitals at Michigan City and South Bend. There are eight in-patient beds and 10 beds in the full-service 24-hour emergency room. Kneller, one of the board members at the new hospital, said they’re

waiting for final approvals downstate before opening the doors.