LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The expansion of a Kentucky hospital is complete. Norton Brownsboro Hospital’s expansion includes 70 new patient beds, advancements in stroke and aneurysm care capabilities, and a larger emergency department.

“Obviously with COVID-19, healthcare has changed. It has been a challenging time for all of us,” said Andrew Strausbaugh, chief administrative officer at Norton Brownsboro Hospital. “The fact that we are growing and expanding and can better serve our community makes us feel very proud.”

The new emergency department has 42 patient care areas, including two triage rooms, 33 exam rooms, and a dedicated space for performing rapid electrocardiograms (EKGs). Six fast track bays are a fresh innovation for treating minor conditions, freeing exam rooms for patients with more serious conditions.

“We can get them out, and we save the emergency room for the more acute and more sick patients,” said Strausbaugh.

The expansion builds on the facility’s neurosciences services with the addition of epilepsy monitoring units (EMUs). The expansion also includes two new neuro-interventional operating rooms. The new operating rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art biplane angiography machines for neurological emergencies such as stroke or aneurysms.

“We are one of four comprehensive stroke centers in the state of Kentucky,” said Strausbaugh. “We are one of about 12 labs in the United States with brand new state-of-the-art technology just approved by the FDA.”

With more roof space, the hospital has added a rooftop garden. A bigger and more prominent ambulance bay will allow for easier access to the emergency department. A new parking structure helps accommodate the hospital’s larger capacity.

With the expansion complete, the next phase of renovation will begin on roughly 44,000 square feet of space in the original hospital. It is expected to be complete by May 2022.