LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The residents of west Louisville have waited more than a century for a new hospital to open in their neighborhood. In just five months, the care they can't currently get without traveling downtown will open in the heart of the Parkland neighborhood.

Louise Arnold, who grew up in the area, said Norton's investment in west Louisville is huge.

"It's wonderful, and I'm glad it's here," Arnold said Friday. "There's a lot of people that can use it that are walking and taking the bus. And it's close."

Renderings of planned Norton West Louisville Hospital

Renderings of planned Norton West Louisville Hospital. (Images courtesy:  Norton Healthcare)

The hospital near the corner of Broadway and 28th Street will be the first built west of 9th Street in more than 150 years, according to Norton.

"It's very important, because we need that. We really need it," said Stephanie Roach, who lives nearby. "And it's convenient for a lot of people that live around here, see. Just hop on the bus. And some people are close enough to walk."

The 86,000-square-foot hospital is set to open in November will include a 24/7 emergency department, operating rooms and 20 inpatient beds to start. It will also have the following Norton services:

  • Adult and pediatric primary care with extended hours
  • Back and neck pain care
  • Behavioral health,
  • Benign hematology
  • Cariology
  • Endocrinology
  • General surgery
  • Neurology
  • Orthopedics
  • Pulmonary care
  • Women's services
  • Pediatric asthma treatment
  • Pediatric sickle cell treatment

"The most important thing is it's in the community and people can get that healthcare here," said Corenza Townsend, chief administrative officer for Norton Healthcare's west Louisville hospital.

Outpatient offices will include a retail pharmacy, outpatient lab and diagnostic imaging services, including mammography, CT and ultrasound. There will also be cardiology, orthopedics, diabetes care and behavioral health services. 

Based on community feedback, the hospital will also have a centralized check-in area, community room, outdoor green space and a food pantry from Dare to Care. And it will feature work from local artists. 

The residents of west Louisville have waited more than a century for a new hospital to open in their neighborhood.

"This, in so many ways, is the hospital that the community told us how to build," Norton Healthcare CEO Russell Cox said Friday.

Townsend said construction is on schedule. Five months out from opening, the hospital is getting flooring and fixtures for lighting. Many rooms have their first coat of paint and crews are continuing construction. And the brick is complete on the outside of the building. 

"I'm excited," Roach said. 

Hiring is underway for the more than 300 positions available once the hospital opens. For more information on the project and what the hospital will offer, click here.

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