Local Healthcare Updates

Healthcare is one the largest industries in Southwest Louisiana. It contributes not only to the patients it serves but also to the thousands of people it employs. Our area has become a hub of innovation and access to premier services. Our health is a precious asset, and staying informed about the advancements and updates within our community’s healthcare facilities is paramount to nurturing a thriving family life.

From state-of-the-art medical technologies to personalized care initiatives, we’ve caught up with our local providers to keep you abreast of the healthcare resources available right in our backyard.

Meet the dedicated healthcare professionals who form the backbone of our local facilities, learn about new programs designed to promote preventive care, and discover how these institutions are tailoring their services to meet the unique needs of our diverse community. We believe that a healthy community is a strong community, and by showcasing the updates in our healthcare facilities, we aim to empower you to make informed choices for your family’s well-being.

Reaccreditations, Renewed Spaces and a Resolute Pursuit Towards Health Equity

by Christine Fisher

West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (WCCH) celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2023. As physicians and hospital leadership have taken time to recognize accomplishments, they’re also looking ahead to the future and methods to care for the community they serve.

“Throughout our history, the growth of the hospital has reflected the region’s dynamic growth, with services added to meet the needs of our community,” explains Janie Frugé, CEO of WCCH. “We’re pleased to have recently received several recognitions honoring the quality of care we provide. We’re also excited about facility improvements that are underway, as well as renewing our efforts to ensure all members of our community have access to care.”

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) honored the diabetes education program at WCCH recently and granted re-accreditation by the ADA for another four years. The program has been accredited by the ADA for the past 18 years. This recognition certifies that WCCH’s diabetes education program meets the national standards, ensuring the quality and success of education provided to people with diabetes.

The program consists of weekly education classes and one-on-one education sessions with patients when needed. A support group is also held monthly, covering topics such as heart health, diet, exercise and more.

Blue Cross Blue Shield recently recognized the Women’s Center at WCCH as a Blue Distinction Center for Maternity Care. It is given to facilities that display meaningful quality and value for consumers and show expertise in delivering specialty care.

The Women’s Center combines the latest technology with well-respected OB/GYNs and a certified midwife along with compassionate and experienced clinical staff members. Comfort, peace of mind and safety are delivered to every patient, making it among the most popular birthing centers in the region.

The Joint Commission bestowed its Gold Seal of Approval® to the WCCH Laboratory recently, demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The reviewers evaluated compliance with laboratory standards spanning several areas including bacteriology, blood transfusion services, clinical chemistry and molecular testing.

The WCCH lab is under the medical direction of Robert L. Rumsey, MD. Outpatient lab testing is also available at the WCCH Outpatient Lab Draw Station and The Pathology Laboratory located at 1327 Stelly Lane, Suite 1, in Sulphur.

Renovations are underway to OBG-1, the offices of Scott Bergstedt, MD, FACOG, OB/GYN and Allison Hansen, WHNP, certified nurse midwife, with a new provider joining the practice this month. Located at 1200 Stelly Lane, the updates are expected to be completed in the spring.

OBG-1 offers complete care for women, including pregnancy and delivery, contraception, pelvic pain, breast disorders and menopause management.

Responding to the healthcare needs of the community has been a long-standing pillar of WCCH, along with ensuring all have access to quality health services. Health equity aims to ensure that no one is disadvantaged from achieving this potential because of social position or any other socially defined circumstance, such as physical access, language barriers, disadvantaged communities or social injustice.

WCCH recently participated in a months’ long health equity review to assess organizational structure with health equity in mind, define areas within the community where additional programs are needed, implement policies and assistance to address those populations and develop a multidisciplinary health equity task force to ensure the ongoing work of minimizing health disparities in the organization and community.

With this focus in mind, the Community Health Center of WCCH provides a variety of healthcare services to all members of the community, including adult primary care, walk-ins, and specialty care for general surgery, gynecology and wound care with plans to expand service lines in the future. The Community Health Center of WCCH is open to all patients – including those with Medicaid, Medicare, insurance and those without insurance.

“Healthcare is ever evolving. As providers, we are on the forefront of ensuring our community receives quality care,” says Frugé. “As we aim to achieve excellence in all areas, we recognize that exceptional care is found in compassion, understanding and experience. The healing that happens throughout our organization is a tribute to the skill and expertise of our physicians and staff.”

CHRISTUS Ochsner St. Patrick Hospital Debuts Hybrid OR Suite

by Taylor Trahan Henry

Traditional operating rooms have long been the hub of surgical procedures, providing a sterile environment for surgeons to perform interventions. On that same note, catheterization laboratories (cath labs) are dedicated to less invasive procedures focused more on diagnosing and imaging. In many hospitals the two exist independently, with patients moving from the cath lab to the operating room as needed for surgical intervention.

In late summer of 2023, CHRISTUS Ochsner St. Patrick Hospital introduced a Hybrid OR Suite, the only one of its kind between Houston and Lafayette.  Hybrid ORs are state-of-the-art facilities that seamlessly combine traditional surgical environments with cutting-edge imaging technology, offering a versatile space that significantly enhances the precision and efficacy of cardiovascular interventions.

“For decades, our cardiologists have been at the forefront of medical technology and innovation,” says Jim Davidson, president and chief operating officer of CHRISTUS Ochsner Health Southwestern Louisiana. “This was the logical next step in continuing to bring the best cardiovascular care to our patients.”

One of the primary advantages of hybrid ORs is the ability to quickly move from diagnostics to intervention. Without having to break down the sterile field, medical teams can easily transition. When treating cardiovascular issues, time is precious, and these seamless transitions improve patient outcomes and decrease risks.

Another advantage of hybrid ORs in cardiovascular care is the ability to perform interventions with real-time imaging guidance. This allows surgeons to visualize intricate details of the cardiovascular system, facilitating precise navigation during procedures such as angioplasty, stent placement, and valve repairs.

The versatility of hybrid ORs promotes collaboration between different medical specialties. Cardiovascular surgeons, interventional cardiologists, radiologists, and other specialists can work together seamlessly, combining their expertise to address complex cases in a single, integrated environment.

When it comes to cardiovascular care in Southwest Louisiana, CHRISTUS Ochsner St. Patrick has long been the area’s choice for world-class care. “This addition was the result of philanthropic donations from our community,” says Davidson. “Patients who received and were extremely pleased with the care at our facility, and who had the means to do so, made gifts to make this a reality.”

Hybrid ORs represent a groundbreaking shift in the paradigm of cardiovascular care, offering integration of surgical precision and advanced imaging technology. The benefits of real-time imaging, minimally invasive procedures, and multidisciplinary collaboration underscore the transformative impact of hybrid ORs on patient outcomes. As technology continues to advance, the future holds promising possibilities for further refining these innovative spaces.

Healthcare Update: Lake Charles Memorial Hospital

In August 2023 Lake Charles Memorial was named on Becker’s Healthcare list of “Great Community Hospitals.” This list celebrates hospitals’ dedication to optimizing healthcare in their community.

“As Southwest Louisiana’s largest community health system, it’s an honor to be named among other prestigious healthcare organizations from around the country. This award is a direct reflection of the elevated level of care and compassion that our healthcare team offers every day,” says Devon Hyde, President and CEO.

According to American Hospital Association there are currently 5,157 community hospitals across the country. This places Lake Charles Memorial in the top 3% in the United States.

Community education and injury prevention

Since 2019, Lake Charles Memorial Hospital has been designated a Level III Trauma Center. As the region’s leader in trauma care, Memorial has taken on the responsibility of providing injury prevention education to the public, as well as high-level training to medical professionals and members of the community responsible for the provision of trauma care.

Memorial’s Trauma Symposium is a full-day program with an audience of area nurses, physicians, EMS providers, and other allied healthcare professionals. The symposium teaches best practices, tips to achieving best outcomes, and navigating obstacles so that trauma patients in the SWLA community are better cared for, from pre-hospital care through their rehabilitation process.

The trauma team is actively engaged in a state-wide effort to reduce distracted and impaired driving among teenage drivers, called Sudden Impact. The education is a three-part program in a classroom setting at the hospital, a mock car crash, and a mock legal trial to show the consequences of poor decisions. In 2022-2023 school year, the LCMHS trauma and outreach team engaged with four local high schools. For the 2023-2024 school year, the team is on track to increase that number to eight.

Precise technology, compassionate cancer care

One way Memorial is optimizing care close to home, is placing an emphasis on ensuring women in SWLA have access to accurate and advanced breast health care without having to leave the region.

Radiologists, Dr. Richard Martinez and Dr. Mark Trahan work collaboratively with general and breast surgeon, Dr. Amanda Ellington, and the rest of the radiology and cancer navigation team, to provide timely care from suspicious find, to treatment, for patients with breast cancer. Memorial offers stereotactic breast biopsies.

The stereotactic breast biopsy machine helps the doctor visualize the tissue of the breast from two different angles. These angles create a 3D image used to target and guide the biopsy needle to a precise location. Stereotactic breast biopsies are performed as an outpatient procedure. There’s minimal pain and no scarring.

By cutting down the time of a conventional biopsy, the technology available at Lake Charles Memorial ensures patients a less invasive procedure, higher level of comfort, and better accuracy—leading to earlier diagnosis of breast cancer and earlier treatment for SWLA women.

“It’s all about the patient experience, giving them an answer quickly, reducing anxiety and walking with each patient on their journey,” says Dr. Amanda Ellington.

Expansions

Lake Charles Memorial Health System announced an agreement with the Lower Cameron Hospital Service District DBA “South Cameron Memorial Hospital,” to provide the citizens of Cameron Parish with access to healthcare services in Cameron Parish.

The agreement includes the placement and operation of a temporary mobile health unit by Lake Charles Memorial Hospital that will provide primary care services to Cameron Parish residents and a lease to operate a health clinic. Additionally, the agreement names Lake Charles Memorial Hospital as the managing and operating partner of the South Cameron Memorial Hospital.

“This is an exciting partnership with our healthcare neighbors in Cameron Parish,” states Devon Hyde, President & CEO of Lake Charles Memorial Health System. “More than anything, we view this partnership as an investment in the people of Cameron Parish. It’s a true privilege and it’s the right thing to do.”

“The partnership allows Lake Charles Memorial to reach out to the peripheral of the 5-parish region, connecting the people of Cameron Parish to a strong network of providers and specialties, affording a healthcare home in their home parish,” says Jason Rashall, Chief Strategy Officer with Lake Charles Memorial Health System.

While adding over 500 new employees, along with recruiting 25 new medical providers in 2023, Memorial continues to grow and remains the second largest employer in the region, offering a place for over 2,500+ employees to provide for their families and reach their career goals.

In the new year the community can look forward to the new Memorial Diagnostic and Imaging Center. Serving the 19,000+ residents of Moss Bluff, plus the surrounding areas. Lake Charles Memorial is expanding and offering imaging and diagnostic services in the Moss Bluff area. In Spring 2024 you will no longer need to drive to Lake Charles for: CT scans, X-Rays, Mammograms, Bone Density Screenings, Ultrasounds and more.

Expert Musculoskeletal Care is a Group Effort at Center for Orthopaedics

by Kristy Como Armand

The Center for Orthopaedics (CFO) is the region’s largest musculoskeletal group, serving all of Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas. The group recently expanded to include a second location in Moss Bluff. The medical staff is now made up of 18 doctors in various specialties, along with three podiatric surgery residents and a large support staff of clinicians and office personnel.

Part of the group’s commitment to their patients includes bringing the latest advances in care to the region, from surgical technology like the MAKO robotic-assisted system for more precise hip and knee replacement procedures, new innovations to manage pain without narcotics, and advanced wound healing capabilities.

The CFO doctors also remain focused on working with young athletes. They supervise a team of experienced athletic trainers who provide sports medicine coverage for 22 regional high schools to prevent and treat injuries in young athletes. Dr. John Noble also serves as a team orthopaedic surgeon for McNeese Athletics.

Under the direction of Dr. Tyson Green, the CHRISTUS St. Patrick Southwest Louisiana Podiatric Medicine & Surgical Residency Program has continued to grow, providing the next generation of foot and ankle specialists comprehensive training in podiatric medicine, with a strong emphasis on foot and ankle surgery.

CFO’s OrthoExpress is a feature that makes quick access to care for an injury more convenient, providing an appointment within 24 hours.

Within their offices, CFO has put a level of electronic health record technology in place to enhance the connectivity and efficiency of the patient experience, from scheduling, check-in to check-out and through follow-up, that cannot be found anywhere else in the region.

The wide range of specialists at CFO allows patients to receive collaborative care when needed, all within one group. In addition, there is an imaging center contained within the group’s Lake Charles office. This collaborative approach is not only more convenient for patients, but also optimizes the level of care they receive.

Learn more about the doctors and services at www.CenterForOrtho.com.

Urgent Care Provided by a Healthcare Team

by Kristy Como Armand

As the region’s largest multi-specialty regional medical group, Imperial Health has over 75 experienced healthcare providers and 26 locations. Two critical locations for meeting the healthcare needs of Southwest Louisiana are the group’s Urgent Care Centers in Lake Charles and Moss Bluff.

“We were one of the first medical groups to offer an Urgent Care center in the region,” says Tonya Richard, chief operating officer for Imperial Health. “The pandemic served to emphasize the importance of having this type of immediate access to qualified care from a trusted source, so we have focused on expanding the resources and services available at our Urgent Care Centers.”

Richard says their Urgent Care Centers exist to provide experienced care for minor illnesses and injuries for patients of all ages. Each Center offers on-site diagnostic capabilities, including lab and x-ray. Flu shots and COVID testing are also provided. Services have expanded to meet the needs of the community, with vaccinations, sports physicals and occupational medicine services.

Imperial Health’s Urgent Care Centers are staffed by well-known, trusted physicians, certified nurse practitioners and trained clinical staff.

“Imperial Health is more than a doctor’s office; we are a healthcare team,” says Richard. “For patients at our Urgent Care Centers, this means we can provide immediate access to our primary care doctors and specialists when needed. All Urgent Care services are supported by the resources of the region’s largest multispecialty group.”

For the convenience of patients, Imperial Health Urgent Care Centers are open early, late, on weekends and during holidays. No appointment is needed. All major insurances, Medicare and self-pay accepted.

Learn more about Imperial Health’s Urgent Care Centers at www.ImperialHealth.com.