LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The first new hospital to be built in west Louisville in over a century officially opened its doors Monday morning.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear joined local leaders Friday morning as the ribbon was cut on the first new hospital to be built in west Louisville in well over a century.
Officials held a pre-opening ceremony Friday morning at the hospital located at Broadway and 28th Street.
“Norton West Louisville Hospital was constructed to provide access to quality medical treatment by eliminating obstacles so all residents can live a healthy and prosperous life,” said Russell Cox, Norton Healthcare president and CEO in a written statement. “While we have adult and pediatric medical offices in West Louisville, this state-of-the-art hospital will help us care for more patients and continue to put health equity in the forefront.”
The city’s most recent health equity report shows life expectancy for west end residents is 15 years lower than other areas of the city. The new hospital could change that.
“As a dad, I know that when your child is hurt or sick, it’s scary. Every minute feels like an eternity,” Beshear said. “Now, thanks to our partners at Norton Healthcare, no one in west Louisville will have to wait, because they’ll have a world-class hospital close to home. Thank you for this investment, which will help Kentucky families for generations to come.”
The excitement could be felt in the air, as residents celebrated the completion of the $90 million project that will be a game changer for the area.
“To have medical assistance in your area is not something to be taken for granted, that Norton has chosen to invest in this area is a beautiful thing,” said Howard Owens, who attended Friday’s ribbon-cutting.
Brunhilda Williams-Curington, whose mother made history when she became the first Black X-ray technician in Kentucky, attended as well.
“There has been a desert of health care for the people that have lived in west Louisville,” Williams-Curington said. “So this is a wonderful, beautiful day and I appreciate the way in which it has been done and the inclusion of the west Louisville family.”
She said having a hospital close by helps residents feel like they’re really part of the Louisville community.
“It is a recognition that Louisville doesn’t only exist east of 9th Street to the north and the south, but that it exists west of 9th Street, and that that was part of its original footprint and the fact that there is now an inclusion of everybody means a lot to the people.”
The new facility features a 24/7 emergency department, operating rooms and 20 inpatient beds. It will also offer primary care, outpatient, specialty services, a retail pharmacy and imaging, including X-ray, CT and MRI.
Outpatient offices include adult and pediatric care along with women’s services including obstetrics and gynecology. There’s also cardiology, orthopedics, diabetes care and behavioral health services. The hospital has a community room and a food pantry. It will be decorated with displays of artwork from local artists, and plenty of natural light.
The hospital is already accepting appointments ahead of its opening. To schedule an appointment for adult or pediatric primary care, click here.
Primary and specialty care appointments can also be made by calling 502-629-1234 for adult appointments, or 502-629-5437 (KIDS) for pediatric appointments.
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