BULLITT COUNTY, Ky. – A steel beam, adorned with the signatures and well wishes from residents across the community, is taking its place in the structural framework for the new UofL Health – South Hospital. For almost two months, the commemorative beam was available in the medical center lobby for patients, employees, and neighbors to offer their support to the $75 million dollar project.
“Health care is a human right. The expansion of UofL Health – South Hospital will improve access for families in Shepherdsville, Bullitt County and the surrounding area. Knowing that there’s a comprehensive inpatient hospital nearby will provide a sense of security for everyone,” said Gov. Beshear. “The health care industry is also a cornerstone of Kentucky’s economy, so I want to thank UofL Health for this $75 million investment that adds to our commonwealth’s record-breaking economic growth and will create more than 100 new jobs. This project is a win-win-win.”
UofL Health is evolving the existing medical center, located directly off Interstate 65 (Brooks exit #121) into UofL Health – South Hospital. The full-service acute care hospital will offer 40 inpatient beds, with additional shell space to add 20 more. Along with the beds will come more providers, enhanced emergency capabilities, an intensive care unit, cardiac/vascular lab, increased surgical and outpatient services. The project will add 100,000 square feet of new space.
“With the growing population and ongoing economic boom on the I-65 corridor a full-service hospital here is needed now more than ever,” said Tom Miller, UofL Health CEO. “UofL Health is proud to make this hospital a reality to bring our world-class health care to the Bullitt County region.”
One hundred-plus new jobs are also 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, and include a fully-funded tuition to the University of Louisville for both employees and their immediate family.”
“With the signatures and well-wishes of people from across this region, the beam we place today is the foundation of this hospital,” said Dorie Shelburne, UofL Health – South Hospital CEO. “The beam represents people and their steadfast support of what we are building here in Bullitt County. From our health care heroes and patients, to the leaders across this community and the Commonwealth who laid the foundation for South Hospital, we are humbled and appreciative of this continued support.”
Bullitt County is Kentucky’s 10th largest county, with an estimated population of 82,000. It’s the largest county without inpatient beds. Building South Hospital is part of UofL Health’s ongoing 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 more than 100 physicians to serve people living in MUA’s.
“More health care, improved access to care and creating quality health-related jobs are all part of investments in a healthy community,” said Bullitt County Judge Executive, Jerry Summers. “We are grateful to UofL Health for its willingness to make this investment in our community. The addition of inpatient beds here in Bullitt County will allow our residents to stay here with their loved ones as they receive their medical treatment.” Summers is also now serving as chairman of the hospital’s new 9-member board of trustees.
The first new sections of South Hospital are expected to open in December of 2024. Patients can still receive care at the existing Medical Center South during construction.
Additional media coverage:
- UofL Health South Hospital in Bullitt County commemorates raising of signed beam (WDRB)
- Community beam added to framework of new UofL hospital in Bullitt County (WLKY)
- Community’s beam hoisted at UofL Health – South Hospital (WAVE)
- Beam Me Up…UofL South Hospital reaches milestone (The Pioneer News)
- Gov. Beshear provides Team Kentucky update (The Ohio County Monitor)
