LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The days are ticking down, and the excitement is palpable in Louisville's West End, which is on track to open a new hospital for the first time in more than a century.
The parking lot was full, and the whirr of crews on the grounds was clear Thursday. Vienna Peoples, who works in the Norton Goodwill Opportunity Center, has gotten an up-close look at construction of the Norton West Louisville Hospital.
“It’s going to be a phenomenal resource," Peoples said. "I think that it’s good for our community. I’m thrilled that it’s here; I’m excited to see what opportunity it opens not only just for health care, but for jobs as well.”
Peoples said she believes the new hospital will help save several lives.
“I think, potentially, it can reduce health issues, as far as being able to get to a closer source and (not) having to go all the way to Audubon (Hospital) or St. Matthews or such," Peoples said. "It’s right here in our own community.”
The hospital will have a 24/7 emergency department, CT and MRI scans, a retail pharmacy, operating rooms and much more.
Louisville resident Tony Greaves, who goes to the Opportunity Center, said he thinks the new hospital will be fantastic. The hospital shares the campus with the Opportunity Center.
“It’ll be a good thing for people to be able to navigate a hospital that’s right in the West End ... it would help them out," Greaves said. "So it’s going to be a great thing. Actually, I think it’ll be fantastic, (as a) matter of fact.”
Norton Healthcare said this will be the first new hospital west of 9th Street in more than 150 years. Opening day is Monday, Nov. 11.