LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Keeping a promise. That's what Norton Healthcare said its done as it prepares to open the doors to its brand new West Louisville Hospital.

Opening day is less than 20 days away, and before doors open officially, the hospital is giving people an inside look on the newly constructed hospital at 28th and Broadway.

"You really didn't expect what's here," said Valerie Washington, a west Louisville resident. "I think this is the best thing that could happen. You know, we get bad names about the west end, but this is something to behold.” 

The Norton West Louisville Hospital includes 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 will include adult and pediatric care along with women's services including obstetrics and gynecology. There will also be cardiology, orthopedics, diabetes care and behavioral health services. 

The hospital will also have a community room and a food pantry. The facility will also feature work from local artists and natural light all around.

After her tour, Washington already had plans to use the facility as soon as it opens.

"I'm planning to come here because I don't live but seven minutes from here, so this will be an easier place to come," she said. "All my mammograms so forth and so on that I have to have, this facility is right here."

"We kept our promise," said Corenza Townsend, chief administrative officer for Norton West Louisville Hospital. "We'll see our first patient on 11/11 and are here to stay."

Townsend said the hospital has already scheduled five surgeries and around 80 appointments for its first day.

Norton hopes this facility, in collaboration with other health care centers, can close the life expectancy gap between west Louisville residents and the rest of Jefferson County. Norton said the life expectancy for someone living in west Louisville is 10-15 years shorter than other Jefferson County residents.

"It takes collaboration," Townsend said.

Where Norton expects to see measurable change is with patients visiting primary care doctors.

"The biggest measurement of change will be less visits to the emergency department for primary care reasons and that will shift over into the specialist and primary care spaces in this office," said Townsend. 

As for staffing, Townsend said it has enough staff to open today, with around 72% of employees being outside hires, but it continues to recruit more employees.

In-person tours for the community are all booked, but beginning Oct. 28, the hospital system will provide virtual tours, which you'll be able to find here.

The community is also invited to Norton's Block Party on Sat. Oct. 26, which will include the unveiling of a historical monument at 11 a.m.  featuring health care pioneers of west Louisville. The festivities will be held at the hospital, located at 850 South 28th Street in Louisville. 

Appointments are also now being accepted ahead of the hospital's Nov. 11 opening. 

To make 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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