University of Louisville Health (UofL Health) has topped off the new West Tower of its hospital in Louisville, Kentucky.

On 28 August, the health system hosted a ceremonial placement of a 30-foot steel beam that had been signed by the hospital's staff, physicians, administrators and nurses.

The event signifies progress in the $186m project, which is expected to be complete early next year.

The expansion will increase the hospital's existing operating capacity, allowing it to make full use of its licensed inpatient capacity of 404 beds.

It will also include a 30-bed observation unit and increase the number of operating rooms at the facility to 23.

UofL president Kim Schatzel said: “Expanding UofL Hospital will help us meet today’s medical needs, but this also is an investment in tomorrow.

“This investment will help us grow the numbers of physicians, nurses and other allied health professionals who are so badly needed throughout our state and our country.”

The project aims to modernise the hospital by adding private beds and improving the visitor experience with new amenities such as a waiting area and lobby, as well as revamping the gift and coffee shops.

It includes the required infrastructure for two additional floors, enabling future expansion.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said: “Every Kentuckian deserves access to quality healthcare, and the expansion at the downtown facility shows UofL Health’s commitment to providing it.

“This investment is bringing new jobs to the heart of Louisville and will allow UofL Hospital to better serve families across Kentucky.”

West Tower is part of a broader growth strategy for UofL Health, which includes creating 325 jobs for a wide range of positions, including roles in both clinical and non-clinical support.

Since its establishment, UofL Health has opened five Urgent Care Plus facilities, opened two sites for its Brown Cancer Center and recruited nearly 700 providers.