The new Porter Hospital is growing closer to fruition. On Wednesday, July 21, a groundbreaking ceremony was held at the site for the new hospital, located at the corner of US 6 and Highway 49. A large crowd of community members came out to celebrate the progress and see the steps being taken, as construction workers are already hard at work, leveling the earth. 
A white tent provided shade from the hot sun as guests were served refreshments and hors d’ oeuvres and entertained with music from a live jazz band. Porter CEO Jonathan Nalli spoke about the highlights of the new hospital project, including job creation and retention. The construction of the new hospital has created and will create 600 construction jobs and 126 new jobs at the facility when it is built, creating $65 million dollars in payroll for Northwest Indiana.
The new hospital will boast 225 rooms, all of which are private. The emergency department will double in size, along with the intensive care unit. 
To address concerns about growth after the new facility is built, the hospital will have the ability to add on two additional floors to meet growing needs. “As your health care needs evolve, we will evolve with you,” stated Nalli.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Sudhakar Garlapati, and President of the medical staff, Dr. Douglas Mazurek each had a chance to speak, sharing their thanks with the hospital administration and their excitement over the progress that is being made. The ceremony then ended with the traditional turning of the dirt.
Click here to view more photos from the groundbreaking!
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