BULLITT COUNTY, Ky. — Delivering on a commitment to improving access to care, UofL Health broke ground on a more than $60 million expansion of its Bullitt County operations. The project will evolve the existing medical center into UofL Health – South Hospital, a full-service acute care hospital with 40 inpatient beds, more providers, enhanced emergency capabilities, an intensive care unit, cardiac/vascular lab, increased surgical and outpatient services, plus more jobs.
UofL Health – South Hospital will be in one of Kentucky’s fastest-growing regions. Located directly off Interstate 65, at the Brooks exit (#121), it will serve residents in Bullitt County, and the surrounding region.
“Whether urban, rural, or suburban, better access leads to better health,” said Tom Miller, UofL Health CEO. “A full-service hospital at this location, with inpatient beds, has been talked about for nearly two decades. Now, under the ownership of UofL Health, we are proud to make it happen. UofL Health – South Hospital is committed to this community, building a facility to meet the health needs of today and into the future.”
Visible from I-65, the most dramatic change will add two new floors, built atop the existing structure to accommodate 40 acute care inpatient beds, and include space grow into 40 more beds. With 100,000 square feet of new space, UofL Health – South Hospital will include an expanded emergency room capacity, cardiac Cath Lab, dedicated Intensive Care Unit, and grow the surgery capacity with two additional operating rooms (total of 6). The evolution to a full-service hospital also brings full complement of support amenities such as food service, a cafeteria, and a gift shop.
“Health care communities across the commonwealth have inspired all of us with their work, sacrifice and example – particularly over the last two years,” said Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Eric Friedlander. “Emergencies can happen at any time and anywhere. Projects like this are such critical investments to communities as it enables more Kentuckians to have access to quality medical care that is close to home. Thank you, UofL Health for your partnership and commitment to the people of Bullitt County and to all of the communities you serve.”
100+ new jobs are expected to be created as UofL Health – South Hospital readies for opening. Expanded needs include more nurses, clinical support, environmental services, food service, and customer service representatives. Immediate openings for UofL Health are always available at uoflhealth.org/careers.
“Our growing county has needed a full-service hospital for a long time. Others promised but never delivered. I applaud UofL Health’s commitment to this community” said Jerry Summers, Bullitt County Judge Executive. “More health care, more access and more quality jobs are all investments reflective of a healthy community. UofL Health – South Hospital also increases the availability of our EMS crews, spending less time driving to out-of-county hospitals.” Summers has been tapped to serve as chairman of the hospital’s new 9-member board of trustees.
In 2020, nearly 25,000 patients sought care at UofL Health’s – Medical Center South’s emergency room. Because the facility lacks inpatient beds, more than 2,000 wound up being transferred to hospitals in surrounding counties. With a population of nearly 82,000, Bullitt County is Kentucky’s 10th largest county and the largest county without inpatient beds. The addition of beds, and evolution into a hospital, allows more people to receive care close to home.
“We are appreciative of UofL Health – South Hospital’s investment in Bullitt County. The addition of inpatient beds, a Cath Lab, and ICU are major new advantages for this region,” said KY Senator Mike Nemes, District 38. “I want to thank all who started this process years ago, through the possibilities, the setbacks, and now success. I am happy that I was in a position and able to help move certain obstacles to complete this hospital.”
The location of the new hospital is also part of UofL Health’s overall commitment to increase care in federal designated Medically Underserved Areas (MUA’s). Over the last two years, UofL Health has opened two Urgent Care Plus locations, a cancer center, and recruited 107 physicians to serve people living in MUA’s.
“Bullitt County needs a healthy workforce, and healthy families, to fill the jobs booming along the I-65 corridor,” said KY Representative Russell Webber, District 26. “Together, UofL Health – South Hospital, Bullitt County and this region are poised for more growth.”
UofL Health – South Hospital is expected to open in spring 2023. UofL Health – Medical Center South will remain open during construction. To keep up to date on the project, job openings and more go to: UofLHealth.org/SouthHospital.
Click here for more Kentucky business news.
