Norton Children’s is inviting local families to help shape the future of pediatric care by attending a community listening session on Sept. 9 at Newton Parrish Elementary School in Owensboro.
The session, part of the “Follow the Balloon” series, will run from 5:30-7 p.m. and is one of more than 100 stops Norton plans to make across the region over the next 18 months. The events are tied to the development of a new pediatric campus in Jefferson County, which officials said will feature one of the largest children’s hospitals in the country.
Russell F. Cox, president and CEO of Norton Healthcare, said Owensboro is a key stop because of the organization’s longstanding relationship with the community.
“We’ve always had a good and strong relationship with the good folks in Owensboro,” Cox said. “We serve about 17,000 patients from Daviess and surrounding counties. We want to make certain that we are listening to what everyone in Owensboro would like to see from a children’s hospital and pediatric village. This is about making certain that we are listening to as many people as possible.”
The new campus will be built on more than 150 acres near the intersection of Interstates 64 and 265 in Louisville. Cox said the design process will follow 18 months of listening sessions and surveys, with input from families helping determine services, technology integration, and the overall look and feel of the facility.
Renee Murphy, chief marketing and communications officer for Norton Healthcare and Norton Children’s, said the project will complement the organization’s existing downtown Louisville children’s hospital while expanding access across the state and region.
“This could be one of the largest pediatric care campuses in the country,” Murphy said. “We want this to be innovative, a leader in research, and focused on what can be one of the most difficult times for families. We want to reimagine care for kids and make sure this is exactly what families want and need.”
Murphy said the goal is to ensure Owensboro and Daviess County families have seamless care both close to home and in Louisville if a hospital stay is needed.
Families can register for the Owensboro listening session by scanning the QR code on the event flyer. Feedback can also be shared through a survey at NortonChildrens.com/New-Campus.
