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One year after announcing plans to build a new pediatric campus and second children’s hospital, Norton Children’s is advancing the project with input from families, caregivers and community members from across the region.

Over the past year, more than 10,000 families and community members from 96 Kentucky and Indiana counties and across 31 states have shared their voices through surveys and conversations. Norton Children’s has collected valuable feedback at 10 dedicated listening sessions and more than 80 events across the region. That feedback will directly impact the campus design and services with the goal of shaping the future of children’s healthcare locally and nationally.

“The level of passion and engagement we’ve seen over the past year has been remarkable,” said Russell Cox, president and CEO, Norton Healthcare and Norton Children’s. “People care deeply about this project, and we appreciate their willingness to share thoughtful, practical feedback. We’re taking that input to make decisions about how this campus will serve families.”

The campus, planned on 150 acres off Tucker Station Road in Jeffersontown, Kentucky, is designed to expand access to specialized pediatric care and increase capacity as demand continues to grow. It will serve families from across Kentucky and Southern Indiana, while positioning the region as a national destination for pediatric care.

The project will build on Norton Children’s existing network, which serves more than 215,000 patients a year, and grow national reach, strengthening the health system’s ability to care for children with complex conditions while keeping families at the center of every decision. Through its affiliation with the University of Louisville School of Medicine, Norton Children’s integrates clinical expertise, academic research and education to support that level of care.

Since initially announcing the project June 11, 2025, Norton Children’s has engaged families, caregivers, community members and kids to help guide decisions about how the campus will function. That input is now shaping key elements of the project.

Several priorities have emerged from the feedback:

• Expanded mental health and autism services
• More support for families during hospital stays, including family lounges, playrooms and restaurants
• Patient rooms with family sleeping areas, refreshments and video games
• A welcoming outdoor environment with sensory trails, quiet reflection spaces and playgrounds

Norton Children’s will continue community engagement efforts throughout 2026, with additional surveys, listening sessions and outreach designed to gather more input as planning progresses. Feedback will continue to inform design, services and the overall campus experience. Fill out the brief survey here.

Planning and early development work is ongoing. Additional updates will be shared as the project moves forward.