Louisville, Ky.-based UofL Health has opened the West Tower at UofL Hospital, a $186 million, seven-story expansion that marks the first phase of a major modernization effort.
The 193,000-square-foot tower expands clinical capacity with new surgical suites, inpatient rooms and a 24-bed observation unit aimed at easing emergency department demand. An additional six observation beds are located on inpatient floors.
The expansion boosts the hospital’s licensed inpatient capacity to 404 beds and increases total square footage by 43%. The tower also includes infrastructure to support two additional floors for future growth.
“UofL Hospital is a hub for critical and acute care, with lifesaving capabilities and innovative treatments to support our community and the entire commonwealth,” UofL Health CEO Jason Smith, MD, said in a news release. “The investment in this tower represents our ongoing commitment to ensure our patients have access to the very best in care, in a healing environment, with an expert team of collaborative and compassionate care givers guiding their recovery.”
UofL Hospital, the primary teaching and research hospital for UofL Health, is affiliated with the University of Louisville. It is home to one of only two adult Level I trauma centers in Kentucky, a comprehensive burn unit, and the state’s first comprehensive stroke center. The hospital also includes UofL Health-Brown Cancer Center.
“The West Tower was built to elevate patient-centered care and streamline nursing workflow,” UofL Health Chief Nursing Officer Shari Kretzschmer, MBA, MSN, RN, said. “Our nurses had significant input in shaping these improvements to ensure care is efficient and compassionate. Patients and families will experience enhanced accommodations, including private rooms. Spacious, thoughtfully designed rooms and open areas create an environment that promotes healing and comfort whether recovering from surgery, illness or injury.”
