Building for the future, the La Porte community celebrated the groundbreaking of the New La Porte Hospital on August 23. This project marks the largest update to the downtown La Porte area in decades and the new facility is projected to open its doors Fall of 2020. Hospital and community officials expect that the $125 million-dollar investment will progress healthcare in the community, and benefit the city both economically and from a healthcare standpoint.
Ashley Dickinson, CEO of La Porte Hospital, spoke about the necessity for a new hospital.
“The new La Porte Hospital has been something needed and wanted in the community for a long time,” Dickinson said. “Our current hospital is about 50 years old. The cause of this celebration is bringing that to fruition.”
Dickinson continued about the focus of the new facility and expectations in terms of healthcare at La Porte Hospital.
“One thing we are focused on through the design process is efficiently taking care of our patients; making sure we can get them in and out, and on with their lives,” Dickinson said. “We want to make sure they can access our facilities quickly to get the care they need.”
Dickinson expressed the passion behind the work ahead.
“This is a long-awaited day for many of us in this room. For many of you, your work has just begun. When you are finished you will leave the community with a work of art,” Dickinson said.
The event displayed renderings of the new La Porte Hospital so guests could see what the future holds.
Mayor Mark Krentz spoke about his excitement for the upcoming enhancement of the city of La Porte.
“In just two short years, the new La Porte Hospital will grace the skyline of La Porte, adding what we are expecting as a new work of art to our downtown landscape,” Krentz said. “I can’t think of a better way to end the summer other than with the groundbreaking of something positive and remarkable to anticipate as we look forward to the future.”
Dr. Tommy Mislenkov, president of the La Porte Hospital Medical Staff, spoke about La Porte’s commitment to supporting a community-based acute care hospital.
“We know patients want and deserve high-quality, life-saving, healing care in a hospital that is comfortable and easy to navigate,” Milenkov said. “We will create an acute care hospital that delivers on these expectations.”
Mayor Krentz concluded by referring to the new La Porte Hospital as a win for the city.
“More than 30 locations were considered. In the end, the hospital decided downtown La Porte was the right location 45 years ago, and it’s the right location for our hospital now!” Krentz said. “This is a huge win for our city, and the La Porte County community.”
La Porte Hospital is a high-quality acute care facility that continues to grow in various ways. If you are interested in the progress of the New La Porte hospital, visit www.laportehealth.com/new-community-hospital.
