ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. — Baptist Health Hardin held a ribbon cutting Tuesday at the Baptist Health Hardin Medical Pavilion, a new $225.6 million medical facility at 200 Cardinal Drive in Elizabethtown. The new pavilion, which broke ground in November 2021, marks the largest expansion in the hospital’s history.
The completion of the pavilion represents yet another milestone for both Baptist Health, celebrating its 100th birthday this year, and Baptist Health Hardin, which celebrates 70 years of caring for the people of Central Kentucky.
“For 100 years, Baptist Health has been there for our communities,” said Gerard Colman, chief executive officer for Baptist Health System. “We continue that tradition today with the opening of this new pavilion that will transform the landscape of healthcare in central Kentucky by increasing access to services and offering newer and more advanced technology, promoting better patient outcomes. It is a shining example of Baptist Health’s vision and commitment to providing the right care, at the right time, at the right place.”
Today’s ribbon cutting is the realization of an investment by Baptist Health, that far exceeds the health system’s early promise to invest $235 million in a decade, with $150 million to be spent in the first five years.
It is the largest of several major investments Baptist Health has made in the hospital since it became part of the Baptist Health system on Sept. 1, 2020, with the first being the implementation of its new electronic health records system, Epic, in 2021. To date, Baptist Health has invested more than $275 million in the local healthcare system, which continues to grow to meet the demands of the growing region.
“The new Baptist Health Hardin Medical Pavilion demonstrates Baptist Health Hardin’s vision for the expanding communities in central Kentucky,” said hospital President Robert Ramey. “It reflects our commitment to provide excellent care and advanced technology, while offering the convenience of multidisciplinary care in one location, combined with features designed to enhance the patient experience. We are eager to build and be part of a brighter future for Hardin County and all our neighboring counties – and the new pavilion is just the beginning of much more to come.”
Baptist Health Hardin partnered with Stengel Hill Architecture to design the pavilion, which was constructed by Congleton-Hacker Construction. Both companies are based in Kentucky. Constructed largely during the pandemic, the project adhered closely to its original timeline, despite some supply shortages and delays.
“We are grateful to the many business and community partners who have made this possible, including Stengel Hill Architecture, Congleton-Hacker Construction, Hussung Mechanical Contractors, CMTA, HKS, Ready Electric, EZ Paving Company, Baptist Health system, and the generosity of the donors to Baptist Health Foundation Hardin,” said Ramey.
Many generous donors supported the expansion of services through the Onward as One comprehensive campaign. The campaign has raised $16.7 million to improve access to care, spur innovation and enhance the patient experience at Baptist Health Hardin.
The Baptist Health Hardin Medical Pavilion boasts 282,000 square feet. It is situated directly behind and is the size equivalent of 75% of the existing hospital. Baptist Health Hardin is a 300-bed acute care hospital which serves 400,000 residents in a ten-county region of central Kentucky. The new facility will help Baptist Health Hardin meet the needs of a region that has shown significant population growth in recent years which is expected to continue.
The new pavilion houses a comprehensive cancer center, twelve new surgical suites including a hybrid operating room, three new cardiac cath labs, multidisciplinary outpatient clinics, and patient-centered spaces designed to promote emotional and spiritual wellness.
The new cancer center will offer an oncology and hematology clinic, radiation therapy, an infusion clinic, and new equipment and technology. It will also feature a boutique and resource area, as well as spaces for rest, reflection, and spending time with loved ones – all designed to provide patients the support they need during the cancer journey.
The new pavilion was designed so that patients can manage multiple healthcare needs in one convenient location. It will be home to cardiology, pulmonary care, general surgery, urology, vascular care, wound care and diagnostic services.
Additionally, the new construction will feature a café, retail pharmacy, chapel and outdoor healing garden with a water feature. Baptist Health Hardin will also offer valet parking.
The new pavilion is opening in phases beginning on Nov. 4, when the cancer center will open the doors to its first patients. Other areas that will open next week are Baptist Health Medical Group General Surgery and Urology, outpatient lab, pre-admission testing, X-ray, plus a retail pharmacy and a cafe. Moves for all departments to be housed in the new pavilion are expected to be finalized mid-January.
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