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West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital Celebrates 70 Years of Service
by Christine Fisher
In the 1940s and 50s, Sulphur grew rapidly thanks to the addition of several large industries that were contributing to the manufacturing and fuel needs during WWII and the post-war boom. These companies relocated hundreds of employees and their families from across the country; that, along with the natural progress of a vibrant city, enhanced the growth of Sulphur and surrounding areas.
With the growing number of families came the need for quality healthcare in the community where they lived and worked. “Civic leaders, physicians and dentists realized the desperate need for a healthcare facility west of the Calcasieu River and took the necessary action to bring the need to reality,” explained Frank Gayle, administrator of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital from 1963 – 1991, in a hospital newsletter published in 1978.
On August 19, 1953, West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (WCCH) was established — a 50-bed hospital dedicated to serving the healthcare needs of West Calcasieu and Cameron parishes. As a testament to the need of the hospital, the first baby was born two days later.
The architectural design of the original hospital was progressive enough to draw attention from Architectural Record, a national publication. WCCH was named one of the five best designed hospitals in 1953 — “an exceptionally good example of planning for function.”
From the beginning, the strength of WCCH has been its physicians, leaders and employees. Their camaraderie and vision have created a strong foundation. “Beyond the brick, mortar and equipment of the hospital buildings, the health services that it offers are directly related to the employees of the hospital,” explained Gayle. “We have been, over the years, blessed with dedicated, hardworking people who were sincerely interested in providing the finest care possible.”
“Patient care has always been the driving force of growth and advancements at WCCH,” says Dr. Walter P. Ledet, Jr., general surgeon and member of the WCCH medical staff since 1975. “Since the beginning, the medical staff and hospital administration have approached patient care with a collaborative spirit, which in turn has created a positive synergy that benefits our community.” The medical staff has grown from 12 members to nearly 350 members today, providing access to a wide array of healthcare services.
The science of medicine is ever-evolving, and as new technologies are created, more precise diagnostic and surgical capabilities and treatments become available. Throughout its 70 years, WCCH has continually invested in state-of-the art technology, to ensure our community has access to the latest in medical advancements here at home.
The COVID-19 pandemic tested everyone from patients to physicians during 2020 and beyond. While the times were challenging, the resiliency of the WCCH team and the community was evident. Supportive procedures were implemented to keep patients, employees and the community as healthy as possible and to comply with governmental mandates.
1950s: added X-ray service, lab and emergency room along with 25 beds for a total of 75 beds; obtained accreditation by Joint Commission for Accreditation of Hospitals and American Dental Association; received outstanding service recognition for care provided in the aftermath of Hurricane Audrey.
1960s: 40 patient beds were added, bringing the total to 115 beds; established a medical library for physician use; installed the area’s first inhalation therapy department and intensive coronary care unit; began pharmacy operations.
1970s: established WCCH Ambulance Service; completed Phase I expansion project: new three-story patient tower facing Cypress Street.
1980s: began orthopaedic service line; dedicated Phase II expansion project: clinical and anatomical lab, new cafeteria, medical records, computer services department and general business office space; opened Home Health Agency, Child Development Center and Vinton Medical Center.
1990s: cardiology services began; opened Dynamic Dimensions Fitness Centers in Sulphur and Moss Bluff, Hackberry Rural Health Center and Therapeutic Riding Center; WCCH Foundation was established; cardiac services were expanded.
2000s: new annex completed establishing Stelly Lane entrance and renovated emergency department; surgical suites added; APTC center formed; Sallye Jean Toniette, MD Women’s Center of WCCH opened; continued to care for the community during aftermath of Hurricane Rita; Johnson Bayou Rural Health Center and Sulphur Diagnostic Center opened.
2010s: expansion continued with the opening of new admissions, radiology, ICU, cath lab, respiratory therapy and APTC areas; established OBG-1 of WCCH and Calcasieu Family Physicians of WCCH; opened Westlake Diagnostic Center and ENT Associates of WCCH.
2020s: responded to needs of community during COVID-19 pandemic; continual care provided to community during Hurricanes Laura and Delta; opened Community Health Center and Calcasieu Family Physicians – Carlyss clinic; unveiled new, state-of-the-art cath lab technology.
The strength of the community was also tested through natural disasters in 2020 — Hurricanes Laura and Delta — and continuing in 2021 — Winter Storm Uri and the 1000-years’ flood. “During some of the hospital’s most challenging times, we remained confident in the future because of the resiliency, dedication and focus of our physicians and team members,” says Janie Frugé, CEO of WCCH. “We’ve proven that by working together, we can overcome anything.”
Providing care beyond the hospital walls is a cornerstone of a healthy community. WCCH has continuously brought healthcare to the residents of rural areas of West Calcasieu and Cameron parishes through the establishment of the Hackberry Rural Health Center, Johnson Bayou Rural Health Center and Vinton Medical Clinic. These locations provide general healthcare for minor and major illnesses, physicals, preventive education and screening along with the peace of mind that comes with knowing that competent medical care is available in one’s community.
“We continuously expand our events and classes, from cooking demonstrations and grocery store tours, to support groups and health fairs, to bring health and wellness directly to our community, in a format that empowers residents to lead healthier lives,” explains Matthew Welsh, chief marketing and community impact officer.
The Community Health Center of WCCH (CHC), which opened in Sulphur in 2021, embodies this commitment, ensuring every member of the community has access to exceptional healthcare. The CHC is available to all patients, including the medically underserved and uninsured, and offers primary care, walk-ins, general surgery, gynecological and wound care services.
“Care and community are at the core of our organization; they are two pillars that guide our growth and operational improvement measures,” explains Frugé. “Through recent achievements – the opening of clinics, expansion of services, and implementation of new equipment and treatments — we remember our first mission, which is to treat each patient with the utmost care and dignity. It is our honor to provide this care and we do not take it lightly. It’s thanks to our physicians, clinical team and every team member we’ve had that we’ve been able to do this for 70 years, and I look forward to many more years of service. We remain grateful for the commitment of our physicians; they are our lifeline and the heart of our organization.”
WCCH embodies all that makes Southwest Louisiana a thriving region: compassion, hard work, and hope for the future. Thanks to visionary leadership, steadfast fiscal responsibility, and the support of the community, WCCH will continue to provide an unsurpassed tradition of caring every moment, every day.
