Kansas University Hospital is again seeing record levels of patient volume, with in-patient volume up 8 percent in fiscal year 2010.

The 105-year-old hospital in Kansas City, Kan., is continuing its pattern of growth since the hospital was allowed to form its own authority away from state control in 1998.

Since that time, in-patient volume has nearly doubled — from 13,608 in fiscal year 1999 to 26,130 in fiscal year 2010.

Tammy Peterman, KU Hospital’s chief operating officer and chief nursing officer, said the hospital was pleased to continue to be busy.

“We have a focus on quality and a focus on service,” Peterman said.

Emergency room visits were up 4 percent, and the number of surgeries performed were also up by 12 percent. Outpatient visits were also up in 2010 by 7 percent over last year.

In order to accommodate the new patients, Peterman said the hospital will be expanding in the next year.

New operating rooms are under construction, and when the hospital’s new Medical Office Building opens in 2011, more operating rooms will be built to accommodate the new patients.

Peterman said the hospital was trying to address its capacity challenges while having a minimal impact on patients.

The hospital authority board is scheduled to release financial figures for the 2010 fiscal year during its regular meeting in November.