Regional Healthcare Update

SWLA has a variety of healthcare providers to ensure you have choices and the best care possible during the best or worst times of your life. In the following pages, local institutions update us on new technology, growth opportunities and their dedication to making our community healthier without the need for patients to travel for many advanced procedures.  

WEST CALCASIEU CAMERON HOSPITAL

Reflecting on Progress, Looking Ahead with Purpose. 

As Southwest Louisiana continues to experience growth and change, West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (WCCH) remains focused on strengthening access to high-quality, patient-centered healthcare close to home. Strategic planning and investments in providers, technology, facilities and quality standards have laid the groundwork for continued strides in 2026. 

Recent highlights included welcoming two new physicians to the WCCH medical staff, enhancing the hospital’s ability to meet growing patient demand across multiple specialties in the local community. Dr. Charles Hansen, orthopaedic surgeon, joined Collins Orthopaedics, and Dr. Yazan Alqara, internal medicine specialist, joined Primary Care Associates.   

Renovations to WCCH’s Pulmonary Clinic have been completed, creating a more modern, welcoming environment for patients managing chronic and acute respiratory conditions. The updated clinic reflects the hospital’s broader focus on improving both the clinical experience and patient comfort. 

One of the most innovative investments of the year was the installation of the uCT Atlas CT Scanner, a next-generation imaging system designed to deliver faster scans, clearer images and greater diagnostic precision. The advanced scanner features high-speed imaging technology that reduces scan times and improves patient comfort while producing exceptional image quality for physicians. Enhanced dose efficiency helps limit radiation exposure without sacrificing clarity, supporting safer imaging across a wide range of diagnostic needs, from emergency evaluations to routine outpatient studies. The new system allows providers to make quicker, more confident diagnoses, improving care coordination and treatment planning. The uCT Atlas CT Scanner is located in the WCCH Sulphur Diagnostic Center at 250 S. Beglis Parkway in Sulphur.

In addition to clinical and technology upgrades, WCCH achieved Joint Commission reaccreditation in the fall of 2025, reaffirming its adherence to rigorous national standards for patient safety, quality and operational excellence. 

These accomplishments reflect the dedication of the hospital’s leadership, physicians and staff to delivering care that puts their community first.  

Looking ahead to 2026, recruiting experienced physicians who share a commitment to compassionate, community-based care will remain a priority, and WCCH plans to welcome another new provider in February, further expanding access to care. The hospital is also broadening its slate of community education programs, offering more opportunities focused on prevention, chronic disease management and overall wellness. 

A key initiative launching in the year ahead is WCCH’s new campaign, “Your Health. Your Choice. Your Hospital.” The campaign emphasizes the expertise of local providers, highlights the wide range of services available, advocates for informed decision-making and reinforces WCCH’s role as a trusted, community-focused healthcare provider. 

As healthcare needs continue to evolve in Southwest Louisiana, West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital remains committed to moving forward with purpose—guided by progress, innovaation and patient choice. 

Learn more at wcch.com. 

LAKE CHARLES MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

In the last year, LCMH has implemented advanced cancer treatment, added new, precise robotic-assisted surgery options and expanded diagnostic access. 

Lake Charles Memorial Health System continues to focus its investments and advancements on this guiding principle: decisions are centered on the needs of patients. From major technology upgrades to expanded access points across the region, Memorial remains committed to delivering high-quality healthcare where patients are—close to home, close to family and close to the communities they know and love. 

Access to care plays a critical role in patient outcomes. Studies consistently show when patients can receive care closer to home, they are more likely to keep appointments, complete treatment plans and experience better overall outcomes. In Southwest Louisiana, where long travel distances have historically created barriers to care, Memorial focuses on removing those obstacles. 

This commitment is especially evident in cancer care. For years, many patients in Lake Charles and surrounding communities faced the difficult reality of traveling hours to larger cities for oncology appointments and radiation treatments. Long drives, overnight hotel stays, time away from work and family, and the added financial burden of travel compounded the physical and emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis. While radiation therapy has long been available at Memorial, patients whose cases required the most advanced levels of precision often had to travel outside the region for treatment. 

That changed with Memorial’s $11 million investment in the Varian Edge Linear Accelerators at the Radiation Oncology Clinic within the Cancer Center at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, making Memorial the first and only hospital in Louisiana to offer this advanced technology. This advanced radiosurgical system delivers highly precise radiation treatments, allowing oncologists to treat complex tumors with exceptional accuracy. By integrating advanced imaging, motion management and precision targeting, the Varian Edge delivers radiation directly to tumors while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. This level of precision can allow for fewer treatment sessions and may expand treatment options for tumors located near critical organs—bringing world-class cancer care closer to home for Southwest Louisiana patients. 

Memorial’s focus on local access to advanced technology and care extends beyond oncology. The health system also introduced the Globus ExcelsiusGPS® robotic navigation system for spinal and cranial procedures. This robotic-assisted technology enhances surgical precision by combining real-time imaging, navigation and robotic guidance to support complex neurosurgical procedures. Since its implementation, Memorial’s neurosurgeons have performed more than 100 cases using the ExcelsiusGPS system. For patients, this can mean greater surgical accuracy, enhanced safety and improved recovery experiences during treatment for conditions such as Parkinson’s, herniated cervical and lumbar discs, brain and spinal tumors and many others.   

In addition to specialized technologies, Memorial also expanded access to everyday diagnostic services in 2025 with the addition of new laboratory locations in Jennings and Welsh, with a Sulphur location opening soon. These sites make routine lab testing more convenient for patients who previously had to travel to other locations, allowing many to complete essential testing near where they live and work. 

Whether through advanced cancer treatment, robotic-assisted surgery or expanded diagnostic access, each investment reflects Memorial’s commitment to meeting patients where they are. As healthcare continues to evolve, Lake Charles Memorial Health System remains focused on thoughtful growth, innovation, and patient-centered care—ensuring residents of Southwest Louisiana have access to advanced medical services right in their own communities.

IMPERIAL HEALTH URGENT CARE

Trusted Care When and Where It’s Needed.  

When unexpected illnesses or injuries happen, having access to timely, high-quality care matters. Imperial Health Urgent Care Centers deliver exactly that, providing convenient, walk-in medical care backed by the strength, expertise and resources of Imperial Health, the region’s largest independent multi-specialty medical group. 

Imperial Health opened the first Urgent Care Center in Southwest Louisiana over 25 years ago in Lake Charles, with their second location in Moss Bluff opening in 2008. These centers offer Southwest Louisiana residents a reliable alternative to the emergency room for non-life-threatening conditions, including minor injuries, sprains and strains, cuts requiring stitches, respiratory infections, flu symptoms, fevers, ear and sinus infections, rashes and more. Patients are seen by experienced providers with access to Imperial Health’s broad network of physicians, specialists, and diagnostic and treatment resources, something no other urgent care in the region can offer. 

Across the country, urgent care centers are increasingly filling an important gap in community healthcare by providing timely, convenient access to medical services without the long wait times or higher costs often associated with emergency rooms. For many patients, particularly those who do not have a primary care provider, urgent care offers the right level of care for minor illnesses and injuries, such as infections, minor fractures, sprains, cuts and seasonal illnesses. By extending hours into evenings and weekends and offering walk-in availability, urgent care centers like Imperial Health’s help keep communities healthier, reduce unnecessary emergency room visits and ensure patients receive prompt treatment when they need it most. 

More recently, in response to community needs, Imperial Health’s Urgent Care Centers have expanded their services to include routine and seasonal vaccinations, flu and COVID testing, school and sports physicals, and occupational medicine.  The centers also offer on-site lab and x-ray capabilities, making it even more convenient for patients to receive a rapid diagnosis and treatment in a single visit. 

What truly sets Imperial Health Urgent Care Centers apart is the connection to Imperial Health’s extensive physician network. As the only urgent care backed by the physicians and resources of a multispecialty medical group, patients benefit from seamless continuity of care. If a follow-up with a specialist is needed, referrals can be made quickly and efficiently within the same trusted healthcare group. 

Most major insurance plans and Medicare are accepted, and self-pay options are available, ensuring care remains accessible for individuals and families throughout the community. 

Looking ahead, Imperial Health Urgent Care Centers will continue to expand services to meet the needs of the community it serves across Southwest Louisiana. Imperial Health’s Urgent Care Centers are open early, late, weekends and holidays.

Learn more at imperialhealth.com.  

OSHSNER CHRISTUS HEALTH

Your health is their primary care, right here in Southwest Louisiana.

Your health is important and having care close to home makes all the difference. That’s why Ochsner CHRISTUS Health is dedicated to providing high-quality primary care in Southwest Louisiana. With convenient locations and trusted providers who understand your needs, they believe that primary care is the foundation of a healthier community. And here, community is everything. 

Primary care matters. 

Primary care is more than just annual checkups; it is the foundation of good health. It’s where prevention begins and where strong relationships with your health care providers are formed. From routine checkups and screenings to managing chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, primary care helps you stay ahead of your health concerns. Providers take the time to listen, understand your needs and create personalized care plans that fit your busy life. 

Care that fits your life. 

Your time is valuable, and health care should never feel out of reach. That’s why Ochsner CHRISTUS Health offers convenient locations and access to advanced technology, all designed to make health care simple and stress-free. Whether you need to schedule a routine visit or seek care for an unexpected illness, they’re here when you need them most. 

Expertise you can trust. 

Providers combine experience with compassion, taking the time to listen to you and creating personalized care plans for every stage of life. Whether young or old, they’re here to help every member of your family thrive. 

Building a healthier community together. 

Ochsner CHRISTUS Health takes pride in serving Southwest Louisiana with primary care, supported by a network of specialists and two hospital locations in Lake Charles. By working together, they make it easier for families like yours to get the care they need, close to home, and from people they know and trust. 

Take the next step. 

Your health is too important to wait. Find an Ochsner CHRISTUS Health primary care provider near you and experience care that’s personal, convenient and rooted in faith.  

Visit Ochsner.org to learn more.