Ochsner Health is a system that delivers health to the people of Louisiana, Mississippi and the Gulf South with a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate.
Effective today, Lafayette General Health (LGH) has joined Ochsner Health. Lafayette General Health will now be known as Ochsner Lafayette General and the system will enhance access to care and improve the health and well-being of communities across Acadiana. Now the largest and most comprehensive healthcare provider in the Gulf South, Ochsner is committed to expanding clinical services focused on the critical health needs of Acadiana and advancing digital innovation and patient-centered solutions in the Acadiana region. This merger includes an investment of nearly half a billion dollars from Ochsner over the next 10 years, which will infuse vital resources into the community to expand healthcare access, technology and workforce opportunities.
“Our vision is to truly improve the health of Louisianans and people across the Gulf South,” said David Wilson, Chair, Ochsner Lafayette General Board of Trustees. “Ochsner is an organization with a national reputation, but Louisiana roots. They understand our state’s unique healthcare needs and are committed to advancing care in our region. As one system, we have an opportunity to truly make a positive impact in the lives and health of the people in our state.”
Today’s announcement is the conclusion of a process that began with the Lafayette General Health Board of Trustees signing a letter of intent to merge with Ochsner in September 2019, building on their existing, successful clinical affiliation. The merger received approval from the Louisiana Attorney General on September 4, 2020, clearing the path to complete the merger today.
“We’ve been looking forward to this day for more than a year. Lafayette General is a terrific health system known for its high-quality care and extraordinary commitment to patients. Ochsner shares those values, and as Ochsner Lafayette General, we can do even more great things together for patients in Acadiana,” said Andrew Wisdom, Chair, Ochsner Health Board of Directors.
Ochsner Lafayette General will anchor services in the region for the statewide health system. Updated names and branding to reflect the new organization and its enhanced capabilities will also be rolled out at regional hospitals and clinics, including:
“We are proud to be the trusted healthcare provider of the region, and in joining Ochsner Health, we will be even better positioned to ensure access to local, quality care for generations to come,” said David Callecod, President and CEO, Ochsner Lafayette General. “We are a united team. As Ochsner Lafayette General, we’ll be able to do more to enhance and expand clinical services focused on the critical needs of our community. Our patients can rest assured that our commitment to advancing health, wellness and quality of life in Acadiana remains the same.”
As part of this agreement and commitment to the region, Ochsner will invest $465 million in capital and resources over the next 10 years to expand care across Acadiana. Those commitments include:
“We are truly excited that such a strong organization like Lafayette General Health has joined the Ochsner family. They are the leader in Acadiana, and together we are combining our strengths to lead healthcare improvement and innovation in the Gulf South. As one system, we will expand access to healthcare, keep patients local and improve the health status of people in the communities we serve,” said Warner Thomas, President and CEO, Ochsner Health. “Together we will address the health challenges of the region and are committed to making Louisiana a better place for healthcare and a healthier state.”
Ochsner Lafayette General will maintain an open medical staff, allowing physicians to choose how they affiliate with the organization. Patients can continue with their current providers and will have access to even more specialty care and services.
“As Ochsner Lafayette General, we’ll be able to provide greater access and care coordination across the state,” said Dr. Amanda Logue, Chief Medical Officer, Ochsner Lafayette General. “We will enhance key services such as women’s health and pediatrics, cancer services, neurosciences, expanded primary care and other specialties that our community truly needs. That means patients won’t have to leave the region to receive the care they need.”
###
About Ochsner Health
Ochsner Health is a system that delivers health to the people of Louisiana, Mississippi and the Gulf South with a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate. Ochsner Health is a not-for-profit committed to giving back to the communities it serves through preventative screenings, health and wellness resources and partnerships with innovative organizations that share our vision. Ochsner Health healed more than 876,000 people from across the globe in 2019, providing the latest medical breakthroughs and therapies, including digital medicine for chronic conditions and telehealth specialty services. Ochsner Health is a national leader, named the top hospital in Louisiana and a top children’s hospital by U.S. News & World Report. As Louisiana’s leading healthcare educator, Ochsner Health and its partners educate thousands of healthcare professionals annually. Ochsner Health is innovating healthcare by investing in new technologies and research to make world-class care more accessible, affordable, convenient and effective. Ochsner's team of more than 26,000 employees and 4,500 providers are working to reinvent the future of health and wellness in the region. To learn more about Ochsner Health, please visit www.ochsner.org. To transform your health, please visit www.ochsner.org/healthyyou.
About Ochsner Lafayette General
Ochsner Lafayette General has more than 5,500 employees and serves 220,000 patients per year. The organization includes Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center, Ochsner Lafayette General Orthopedic Hospital, Ochsner Lafayette General Surgical Hospital, Ochsner St. Martin Hospital, Ochsner University Hospital & Clinics, Ochsner Acadia General Hospital, Ochsner Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital, Ochsner American Legion Hospital and a number of clinics, urgent cares and professional centers. Ochsner LGMC is the only Level II Trauma Center in Southwest Louisiana. Both Ochsner LGMC and Ochsner UHC are major teaching hospitals, providing graduate medical education across many disciplines.