HILLVIEW – Nancy Robison probably never imagined the celebration of her 93rd birthday would include a visit from Gov. Andy Beshear and a few hundred of her friends.
But, on Monday morning, Robison was able to sit on the front row as U of L South Hospital opened its full-service, 40-bed in-patient facility to the public.
The facility’s parking lot once was occupied by Coleman and Nancy Robison’s homestead. And it was a home where Nancy was actually born 93 years ago to the day.
Her family elected to sell its property years ago with the anticipation that a full-service, in-patient hospital would be built. It took a few years to see that happen but the governor and other dignitaries gathered as hope became reality.
Robison’s birthplace is now home to a 40-bed in-patient facility, removing Bullitt County from the list of being the most populated community without a hospital.
The $78 million facility expands the emergency room and medical services which opened its doors in 2006, with the promise of becoming an in-patient facility.
With the purchase of the facility by U of L Health, the dream of a hospital was revived several years ago.
Treating over 100,000 patients a year through its ER and outpatient services, U of L South Hospital CEO Dorie Shelburne said she was very proud that the organization kept the commitment to the people of the community.
“This is an exciting day,” said Shelburne, a member of the U of L Health staff for over 30 years.
Tom Miller, CEO of U of L Health, said it was an easy decision to keep the commitment of its predecessor. While a building is just brick and mortar, it is the entire staff that makes the facility one that cares about the patients and their families. “It really takes a village.”
The hospital will initially have 40 in-patient beds, including 10 ICU rooms, with the ability to quickly expand another 20 in-patient beds.
And Shelburne said the facility was constructed with the ability to add another floor and reach 100 total beds.
“When access is improved, health is improved and that is why UofL Health is investing in Bullitt County,” said Miller. “Our mission is to transform the health of our communities and this hospital allows us to serve more patients with world-class and transformative care.”
Shelburne said that not only will the facility provide in-patient and ICU beds, it will bring enhanced care in areas such as cardiac and vascular catherization labs, and a STEMI network for faster care of acute heart attacks. There will be expanded emergency care, including a fast track ER for quicker care of non-life threatening ailments, state-of-the-art pharmacy, laboratory and sterile processing areas and additional surgical suites. There will also be a cafeteria for staff and public.
Additionally, she said additional specialists would be coming to the campus to prevent those drives into Louisville for the patients.
“The evolution into an in-patient hospital brings convenience, but much more. South Hospital will improve quality care and medical outcomes for our patients,” said Dr. Emily Volk, chief medical officer for the hospital. “Our medical team includes specialists in critical care, orthopedic surgery and interventional cardiology, just to name a few, along with the continued connection to our larger UofL Physicians Network.”
Beshear thanked everyone in attendance, including the medical personnel and the first responders.
And he said it was pretty cool that Robison and her son, Mike, were able to attend the hospital opening on property they used to reside upon.
He remembered that the late state Rep. Larry Belcher and then Sen. Dan Seum met with his father, Gov. Steve Beshear, in pursuit of a hospital in Bullitt County.
Local individuals, such as County Judge Kenny Rigdon, magistrate Dewey McClearn, physician Mohana Arla, joined in the efforts. State Sen. Gary Tapp also played a role in getting the Certificate of Need required to start the ER and outpatient facility.
The ribbon was cut in 2006 but financial issues by the Jewish Hospital organization led to U of L Health taking over the facility.
“Today is life changing,” said Beshear who recalled the approval of the in-patient beds two years ago and a beam signing last year.
The governor said the hospital will provide the opportunity to more medical services to the community and improving funding throughout the state has been a key part of his administration.
Beshear praised the legislature for making decisions which have allowed for the state’s economic growth and for their willingness to support projects which help people throughout Kentucky.
The local facility will bring another 150 good-paying jobs to the Commonwealth and Beshear called Bullitt County a prime location along Interstate 65, which he dubbed “Battery Alley” due to the construction explosion thanks to the twin battery plants in Glendale.
“I’m really proud of UofL Health for making this investment,” added the governor.
Russell Webber, who spent 11 years as a state representative before his appointment as chief deputy for the state treasurer, recalled those who were instrumental in the past to push this project forward. To make changes in the state CON requirements, Webber and Sen. Mike Nemes were asked to champion that cause in committee.
The needed legislation passed and he praised Beshear for making the required changes in the CON process.
Bullitt County Judge/Executive Jerry Summers, who is chairman of the South Hospital board, said that he couldn’t thank everyone in the room enough for any role they played in making Monday’s opening of the hospital possible.
“Today is so special,” said Summers, who was talking with other hospital organizations when progress ceased locally.
He praised Ken Marshall, Miller and Shelburne for their commitment and drive to make the hospital a reality.
The facility will make it possible for residents to receive quality medical care quickly and it would allow family members to be closer to their loved ones in a difficult time.
From the county’s standpoint, it will also help to reduce the 12,000 annual EMS runs to Louisville hospital. Now, many of the patients can quickly be taken to UofL South for treatment.
Hillview major Jim Eadens thanked the state and county officials for their assistance in bringing the full-service hospital to the community.
He recalled the recent event where his son was brought to the medical facility’s ER for a drug issue. It would be the last time Eadens and his wife would be able to talk with their son.
But, with the facility so close, the mayor said it allowed the family that opportunity to say goodbye.
Having quality medical care in the community without families having to drive to Louisville facilities is a blessing, said Eadens.
Arla, who said the efforts dated back to 1996, thanked all those involved over the years.
But he wondered what the next big step is for Bullitt County. When the facility opened in 2006, Arla and others pressed for a community college presence. With that accomplished, he said on Monday that the county deserved a four-year post-secondary institution, maybe on the 40-acre tract still owned by the county at I-65 and Highway 245.