Norton Children’s virtually gathers community input for new pediatric campus

JEFFERSONTOWN, Ky. – Norton Children’s is asking families to help shape the future of pediatric care as plans move forward for a new 150-acre campus and second children’s hospital in Jeffersontown.

During a virtual community listening session Tuesday night, leaders with the not-for-profit health system shared early concepts for the campus and invited feedback before final designs are completed.

Russ Cox, president and CEO of Norton Healthcare, told participants the organization wants to prioritize community voices before putting “a pencil to a blueprint.”

“We clearly know that the people who use the services and support those who need services are the ones who are best equipped to give us the information that we need to do a great job in constructing facilities for the future,” Cox said.

The new campus is expected to serve families from across Kentucky, Indiana and surrounding states, with leaders describing it as an opportunity to build a national destination for pediatric care. Plans include expanded specialty services, integrated behavioral and medical care, research and academic space, and design features centered on families.

Mental and behavioral health services were repeatedly emphasized during the session, with leaders saying they have heard consistent concern about growing needs among children and adolescents.

Families participating in breakout discussions shared ideas ranging from overnight lodging for parents to 24/7 access to healthy food, green space and easier transportation for rural patients.

One mom said having rooms designed so a parent can comfortably stay with a child at all times is critical, noting that “kids don’t want to be left alone, and parents don’t want to leave their children alone.”

Other suggestions included virtual reality rooms for teens, sensory spaces to ease anxiety, on-site laundry facilities, and transportation partnerships to reduce travel burdens for families coming from hours away.

Hospital officials said more than 4,000 surveys have already been collected from families in more than two dozen states and dozens of Kentucky counties. They say feedback gathered now will guide planning before construction timelines are finalized.

Leaders encouraged additional community members to complete the online survey as the project moves into its next phase. To do so, follow this link.