Officials with Jennie Stuart Health planted shovels and turned fresh dirt Thursday morning in Hopkinsville, ceremonially initiating what will be a $32.1 renovation and expansion of its emergency department and ambulance bay, as well as a thorough revitalization of its oncology wing — the EC Green Cancer Center.
Eric Lee, president/CEO of Jennie Stuart Health, said the project should be finished by the first quarter of 2024.
In what should bring more comfort, intimacy and privacy to patients, construction along Canton Pike and Kenton Street will change that part of the hospital’s campus.
Long-time JSH Board Member Charles Turner strongly iterated that this such project has long been in the making.
Jennie Stuart Health Foundation Executive Director Tracey Clark gave thanks to trustees and leadership for the “substantial” local investment, and noted the improvements would be “state-of-the-art.”
Built in 1914, the Jennie Stuart Health Foundation has only served the hospital for the last three years. Clark, however, recognized its already close link to the EC Green Cancer Center, and further added that its upcoming changes are going to provide families and loved ones even better accommodations than current standards.
JSH Board of Trustees President Derrick Watson said this project embodied three truths, and is asking the community to think about what the future of local health care might look like — especially after this investment.
Watson, celebrating his birthday Thursday, also asked for three wishes — all related to the hospital’s expansion.
One, he wanted his daughter, Sarah, to plan a birthday party for him 20 years from now at this new expansion. Two, every year on his birthday, he wants the number of people served by these up-and-coming services and facilities.
Located at 320 W 18th Street, JSH can be reached at (270) 887-0100.
