New Wishard Hospital to open in 2013

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Mayor Greg Ballard, community leaders and Wishard officials broke ground at the site of the new Wishard Hospital on Wednesday.

The new hospital plans include a 315 bed inpatient hospital, 18 operating rooms, more labor and delivery rooms, and a new emergency room.

“Today we affirm our city’s most cherished values. We recognize health care and compassion for all as priorities in Indianapolis, we recognize health education and life sciences research as avenues for economic development and growth, and we recognize first-rate burn and trauma care as integral to the health of the community. We recognize diversity and equal opportunities for competition as central to doing good business, and we recognize the substantial impact we can have by creating a climate in Indianapolis that is conducive to creating jobs and economic opportunity for all,” said Ballard.

"This will be the state's first green hospital. The hospital will use natural light and materials. Even the demolition building parts are being used as recycled materials for fill at the site," said Matthew Gutwein, President and Chief Executive Officer at Health and Hospital Corporation, which owns and operates Wishard.

Marion County voters accepted the hospital plan November 3, 2009, with 85% voter approval.

"The new 1.2 million square foot facility will create about 4,400 jobs for Indianapolis community," said Lisa Harris, CEO at Wishard.

The New Wishard will open at the end of 2013.