(La Porte, IN) - The new hospital in La Porte, being branded as Northwest Health, opens to patients on Saturday morning.  Patients at the current hospital will also be moved beginning at 6 a.m. 

According to hospital officials, more than a dozen ambulances will be involved in moving patients which should take three to five hours.  All of the ambulances taking part in the patient transfer are equipped with advanced life-saving equipment, official said.

La Porte Police Chief Paul Brettin said the westbound lanes of Lincolnway around the hospital will be down to one lane to accommodate the ambulances using Lincolnway for moving patients.  He said nine officers from his department and employees from other agencies like the street department will work all three routes to make sure things go smoothly.

Officials say three flags will be raised in front of the new hospital about 5:30 a.m.  The American Flag, the flag for the state of Indiana and a flag with the organization's name on it will go up.