CONNERSVILLE — Reid Health broke ground on a new hospital in Connersville on Wednesday. The eyesore empty lot on Park will soon be a new facility rife with services, including a helipad linked to an emergency department, something Fayette County hasn't had in 30 years.
"We're going to bring more services, such as infusions, we're going to have our sleep lab here. We'll have rehab and primary care and specialty care physicians, as well," Reid Health president and CEO Craig Kinyon said.
In its health assessment, the state health department identified Fayette County as having a shortage of primary care physicians, dentists, and mental health services. Members of the community attended the groundbreaking, relieved that much-needed medical services are on the horizon.
Connersville High School student body president Jocelyn McClung spoke at the ceremony about the opportunities the new facility will bring to the area.
"It's scary knowing you'd have to travel so far, especially in an emergency. You could travel to the hospital and get there too late in an extreme circumstance," McClung said.
Kinyon hopes the hospital will provide more than just healthcare services. He hopes it will attract other employers and be a source of hope for the future. That's why local children were the ones who broke ground.
"If you can support the children of the community to be successful and want to stay here because they've grown to love this community, then that gives them the opportunity to build this community," Kinyon said.
The facility should be opening in 2024. It will replace the old facility on Virginia Avenue.
-
DOJ sues to force Google to sell Chrome over monopoly claims
The Department of Justice has asked a judge to compel Google to relinquish control of its Chrome and Android platforms, which could dramatically alter how Americans use the internet.11-car train derailment in Frankfort closes roads for several hours
According to Clinton County EMA, no injuries were reported and one of the train cars contains vegetable oil, but there is no reported leakage.Local businesses concerned about future in Circle Centre Mall
“Some believe we’re being pushed out, but we’re being kicked out.” A new company took over the mall with new plans for it, but it’s leaving some business owners frustrated.1984: Jukebox collection, classic cars fill new 1950s-themed restaurant
Jim Head began collecting jukeboxes in 1976. Head displayed some of that collection inside Sha-Boom's, a restaurant he opened in November 1984.