Norton Children’s, a comprehensive pediatric health care system based in Louisville, plans to build a new pediatric care campus that will include a full-service hospital for children with complex medical needs, research facilities and expanded specialty services. The project marks a major expansion for the health care system and will feature the system’s second dedicated children’s hospital.

“We believe it will be a national destination for lifesaving care — with virtually no limit to how we can shape what children’s health care and family support will look like in the future,” said Russell F. Cox, president and CEO, Norton Healthcare and Norton Children’s. “Our vision is to build a village for pediatric care unlike anything Kentucky or the region has seen. This campus will bring together leading-edge technology; top pediatric specialists; and compassionate, family-centered care — all in one place.”

The new campus will be located on more than 150 acres near the intersection of interstates 64 and 265 in Jefferson County. It will complement care provided at Norton Children’s Hospital, Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital, Norton Children’s Medical Center, and other specialty and clinical locations throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana.

The site will be developed in phases, beginning with construction of the new full-service pediatric hospital. Future plans include behavioral and mental health care, expanded clinic space for pediatric specialists, and research facilities to support development of new treatments and cures for childhood conditions.

To ensure the campus reflects the community’s needs, Norton Children’s will host listening sessions across Kentucky and Southern Indiana over the next year. Sessions will begin in Louisville in July and expand to other cities.

Growing need for children’s specialty care

The United States ranks among the lowest developed countries for children’s health, according to UNICEF. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 20% of children ages 6 to 11 in the U.S. are obese, increasing their risk for future health problems. The deadliest conditions for children ages 5 to 9 — accidents, cancer and congenital disorders — often require specialized, ongoing care.

“Our doctors and scientists are going to take research and innovation to a new level,” said Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. “And we are going to build one of — if not the — largest pediatric health campuses in the country, creating 1,000 jobs for this hospital. That makes this the largest jobs announcement in Kentucky this year.”

“The community’s support has always been key to Norton Children’s growth and success,” Cox said. “That support will be more important than ever as we move ahead, and we look forward to our upcoming listening sessions.”

Average employee salary for the new hospital alone is expected to be around $60,000. A groundbreaking date will be announced once it is finalized. Additional information about the full campus plan will be shared following the community input phase.

Updates on the campus and listening sessions can be found at NortonChildrens.com/new-campus.