Norton Healthcare is a not-for-profit health care system headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, serving adult and pediatric patients across Greater Louisville, Southern Indiana, and the broader Kentucky region. Established in 1886, the organization has grown to become Louisville's second-largest employer, with over 23,000 employees, including more than 1,750 employed medical providers and a medical staff exceeding 3,000 professionals.
Mission and Vision
Norton Healthcare's mission is to provide quality health care to all those it serves, responding to community needs while honoring its faith heritage. The organization's vision is to be the region's most comprehensive, strongest, and preferred health care provider, setting the standard for quality and caring.
Facilities and Services
The health system operates six hospitals in Louisville with a total of 1,927 licensed beds and three hospitals in Southern Indiana with 347 licensed beds. These facilities offer a wide range of inpatient and outpatient services, including specialties in heart care, neuroscience, cancer treatment, orthopedics, women's health, and pediatrics. Additionally, Norton Healthcare provides care through over 400 locations, encompassing 10 outpatient centers, 19 Norton Immediate Care Centers, 14 Norton Prompt Care clinics, and an expanded telehealth program.
Key Service Lines
- Norton Cancer Institute: Offers comprehensive cancer care, including treatments for various types of cancer such as brain, breast, lung, and prostate cancers.
- Norton Heart & Vascular Institute: Provides diagnostic, medical, interventional, and surgical cardiovascular care. In October 2023, Norton Healthcare consolidated its heart and vascular services into a new 31,000-square-foot facility on the Audubon Hospital campus, representing a $10 million investment.
- Norton Neuroscience Institute: Established in 2009, it offers treatment for complex neurological disorders, including stroke care, brain tumor treatment, epilepsy, and movement disorders.
- Norton Orthopedic Care: Provides services in general orthopedics, joint replacement, trauma, pediatrics, oncology, spinal conditions, and sports health. In 2012, it received The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval for knee and hip replacement.
- Norton Women's Care: Offers gynecologic care, obstetrics, including high-risk pregnancy care, newborn care with access to Level III and IV neonatal intensive care units, cancer prevention and treatment, and a women's heart and vascular center.
Financial Overview
In the second quarter of 2024, Norton Healthcare reported an operating income of $30.2 million, reflecting a 2.6% margin, compared to a $7.9 million gain (0.9% margin) in the same period the previous year. Revenue increased by 23.6% year over year to $1.14 billion, while expenses grew by 22.4% to $1.07 billion.
Leadership Team
- Russell F. Cox: President and Chief Executive Officer.
- Michael W. Gough: Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.
- Steven Hester, M.D.: Division President, Provider Operations & System Chief Medical Officer.
Recent Developments
- Acquisition of Southern Indiana Hospitals: In September 2024, Norton Healthcare acquired the remaining 75% stake in the Regional Health Network of Kentucky and Southern Indiana joint venture, which included Clark Memorial Health in Jeffersonville and Scott Memorial Health in Scottsburg.
- West Louisville Hospital: Norton Healthcare is constructing the Norton West Louisville Hospital, set to open in 2024. This facility will feature 20 inpatient beds and a comprehensive range of outpatient services, marking the first hospital in Louisville's West End in over 150 years.
Awards and Recognitions
- Forbes' America's Best Large Employers: Ranked No. 106 in 2025, No. 124 in 2024, and No. 128 in 2022.
- Forbes' America's Best Employers for Diversity: Recognized in 2024 and 2025.
- Human Rights Campaign Foundation: Designated as LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leaders in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2022.
- Disability Equality Index: Named among the "Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion" in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
- Becker's Healthcare: Included in the "150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare" list in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Competitor Profile
Norton Healthcare operates in a competitive landscape alongside several major health systems:
- HCA Healthcare: A for-profit operator of health care facilities headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. As of 2024, HCA operates 186 hospitals and approximately 2,400 sites of care across 20 states and the United Kingdom. In 2022, HCA reported revenues of $60.23 billion.
- Baptist Health: A non-profit health system based in Louisville, Kentucky, operating nine hospitals and numerous outpatient facilities across Kentucky and Southern Indiana.
- University of Louisville Health: An academic health system affiliated with the University of Louisville, offering a range of inpatient and outpatient services, including specialized care and research initiatives.
Strategic Collaborations and Community Initiatives
Norton Healthcare is committed to addressing health inequities and expanding access to care:
- Health Equity Initiatives: In 2020, Norton Healthcare pledged to focus on health equity, leading to the development of the Norton West Louisville Hospital. This facility aims to reduce health disparities by providing accessible care to underserved communities.
- Community Investments: In 2019, Norton Healthcare opened a primary care practice in the Republic Bank Foundation YMCA on West Broadway and committed $5 million to the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center. Additionally, the organization announced a $20 million investment over five years to address health needs in underserved areas.
Contact Information
- Website: Norton Healthcare
- Social Media:
- Facebook: Norton Healthcare Facebook
- Twitter: Norton Healthcare Twitter
- LinkedIn: Norton Healthcare LinkedIn
Norton Healthcare continues to expand its services and facilities, focusing on providing comprehensive, high-quality care to the communities it serves.
