LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Future mothers who live in south Louisville neighborhoods like Shively, PRP and Valley Station will soon have maternity services closer to home.
Just south of the Watterson Expressway in the Hazelwood neighborhood, construction is underway at the UofL Health - Mary & Elizabeth Hospital as they make room to welcome new families. The health system is looking to construct "The Birthing Place" which will include multiple maternity suites and other amenities with their $20 million budget.
On Thursday, officials and state representatives gathered for a sledgehammer ceremony to showcase the hollowed out section of hospital that will undergo a redesign.
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"We are going to make a difference in the health of this community," the CEO of UofL Health, Tom Miller, said.
According to UofL Health, the last baby delivered west of Interstate 65 in a birthing center was nearly 50 years ago in 1974.
"Currently obstetrics services in Louisville are concentrated in downtown and east Jefferson County," said Sean Francis, a doctor in the department of OB/GYN & Woman's Health for UofL. "South Louisville and west Louisville deserve a woman's healthcare program that's closer to home."
UofL Health released several renderings of what they will construct. It shows what one of the eight labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum suites dedicated both natural and traditional childbirth. Each room will include a spa-inspired labor tub area with private bathrooms. The redesign also includes a specialty suite specifically for C-Sections, a well-baby level 1 nursery, and Labor Lounge that should provide a calming space for laboring mothers.
GALLERY | Renderings of new maternity center at UofL Health - Mary & Elizabeth Hospital
Construction is still in the early stages, but the hospital hopes to welcome their first family by spring of 2025.
"This project would not be possible without the $8.25 million grant that was generously granted by the Louisville Metro Government," said CEO of the hospital Melisa Adkins. "We're so grateful."
UofL said this hospital already serves zip codes with some of the highest birth rates within the city.
"We know that having care local does make a difference in improving the well being of people and we really do think we can do that here," Miller said.
The hospital will break this barrier and will soon open their doors to future parents.
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