Louisville, Ky. — UofL Health South Hospital is celebrating a successful first year of operation, having already made a significant impact on the lives of thousands of people in Bullitt County. Since its opening, the hospital has not only provided essential healthcare services but has also become a vital part of the community, filling a gap that had long been felt in the area.
In its first year, the hospital has seen remarkable growth, with 30,000 emergency room visits, 3,500 inpatient admissions, and 22,000 outpatient visits. These numbers underscore the high demand for healthcare services in the region, which previously lacked an inpatient hospital. For patients like Judy Kemper, the new facility has offered a much-needed alternative to long drives into Louisville for medical care. “There’s less stress than driving downtown, paying for parking, looking for parking,” Kemper said. “Just knowing I can do this on my lunch hour is very convenient.”
Dorie Shelburne, CEO of UofL Health South Hospital, expressed pride in the hospital’s growth and the positive response from the community. “It has been a wild ride,” Shelburne said. “We have seen exponential growth since day one, and that growth has been crucial for improving access to healthcare for our community members.”
The hospital’s impact has been especially evident in its ability to provide rapid, life-saving care. With a state-of-the-art cardiac cath lab, nearly 1,000 patients have been diagnosed with heart disease, and many lives have been saved by the ability to treat cardiac arrest more quickly. Shelburne pointed out that the hospital’s location is particularly beneficial for those experiencing emergencies, as it is only 20 minutes from the nearest hospital, allowing critical time to be saved in many situations.
The hospital’s success in its first year has already led to plans for expansion. Shelburne confirmed that the facility is set to add 20 inpatient beds and is working on plans to open a Brown Cancer Center location next year. These expansions are part of the hospital’s ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare access and continue serving the growing needs of the Bullitt County community.
UofL Health South Hospital’s first year has proven that a vital healthcare facility can make a significant difference in a community. As the hospital continues to expand, it remains committed to improving the health and well-being of the residents it serves.
