Tag: Ochsner

National Recognition for Ochsner St Anne Commitment to Quality Care

Ochsner St Anne Hospital, located in Raceland, Louisiana, has been named one of the Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals in the United States for 2025 by Chartis, a nationally recognized healthcare advisory firm, as per this articlefrom the Houma Times. This distinction is particularly significant as Ochsner St. Anne was the only hospital in Louisiana to earn a spot on this prestigious list.

Sheri Eschete, the chief operating officer of Ochsner St Anne, emphasized that this recognition was a reflection of the hospital staff’s dedication and the positive impact their efforts had on the communities they served. She noted that the hospital’s commitment to maintaining high healthcare standards and ensuring top-tier patient care remained its foremost priority.

Ochsner St Anne Hospital plays a critical role in providing essential medical services to residents of Lafourche Parish and neighboring areas. The hospital operates under the Critical Access Hospital (CAH) designation, a classification established by Congress in 1997 through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This designation aims to support small rural hospitals by reducing financial burdens while ensuring that vital healthcare services remain accessible in underserved areas. The program was developed to enhance healthcare availability in rural communities while safeguarding the financial stability of these essential medical institutions.

The selection process for the Top 100 Critical Access Hospital list is based on the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance Index. This comprehensive evaluation considers several key performance indicators, including the ability to manage financial risk, deliver high-quality patient care, improve patient outcomes, enhance patient experiences, and maintain cost efficiency. The ranking acknowledges hospitals that continuously strive to elevate their financial and operational performance while staying committed to the healthcare needs of their communities.

As a fully accredited healthcare facility, Ochsner St Anne offers a broad range of medical services, staffed by experienced physicians and specialists. One of its standout features is its 24-hour full-service emergency department, which boasts an average wait time of less than 10 minutes, ensuring that patients receive timely and critical care when they need it most. The hospital also provides advanced stroke care and intensive care services, reinforcing its commitment to delivering specialized medical attention to its patients.

In addition to emergency and critical care, Ochsner St Anne is home to multiple surgical specialties, catering to diverse medical needs. Services include general surgery, pain management, gynecology, and urology. Patients also have access to maternity suites equipped with cutting-edge monitoring systems designed to ensure the safety and well-being of both mothers and newborns. Moreover, the hospital provides inpatient behavioral health services, addressing the mental health needs of the community.

Beyond its primary and emergency care services, the hospital is equipped with a full range of diagnostic and treatment facilities. These include a comprehensive laboratory and imaging center, an infusion center, and a wound care center. Each of these services plays a vital role in providing continuous and specialized care to patients, minimizing the need for residents to travel long distances for medical treatment.

The recognition of Ochsner St. Anne as a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital underscores its unwavering dedication to enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality for rural populations. By prioritizing patient-centered care, efficient hospital operations, and ongoing service improvements, the hospital continues to be a cornerstone of health and wellness in Raceland and surrounding areas. This distinction reflects the hospital’s relentless pursuit of excellence in healthcare delivery and its commitment to bridging gaps in medical access for rural communities. Through state-of-the-art technology, highly trained professionals, and a patient-first philosophy, Ochsner St. Anne remains at the forefront of advancing rural healthcare and ensuring that individuals receive the highest level of treatment possible, regardless of their geographic location.

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Ochsner Children’s Hospital: Four Years as Louisiana’s Best

Ochsner Children’s Hospital has once again earned national acclaim, securing its place as Louisiana’s top-ranked hospital for children for the fourth consecutive year. According to the U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-2025 Best Children’s Hospital rankings, Ochsner has maintained its commitment to pediatric excellence since this level of recognition began. Beyond this milestone, the hospital has achieved national rankings in at least one specialty for eight consecutive years, cementing its reputation as a leader in pediatric healthcare, as per this article from The Advocate.

Dr. Vincent “Butch” Adolph, the hospital’s chief medical officer, attributed these achievements to the dedication and teamwork of the hospital’s staff. He explained that while accolades like these are rewarding, they are not the ultimate goal. Instead, they reflect the consistent efforts of a multidisciplinary team committed to delivering innovative, high-quality care to children across Louisiana and the Gulf South region. Dr. Adolph emphasized the hospital’s decades-long tradition of collaboration and innovation in pediatric healthcare.

For the second consecutive year, three specialties at Ochsner Children’s Hospital were ranked among the top 50 nationally. These include pediatric cardiology and heart surgery, pediatric gastroenterology and gastrointestinal surgery, and pediatric orthopedics. Each program showcased remarkable progress and consistent excellence:

  • Pediatric Orthopedics: Ranked nationally for three years in a row, this specialty has developed into a regional hub for advanced care. Dr. Lawrence Haber, the section head of pediatric orthopedic surgery, highlighted the team’s expertise in treating a wide range of conditions, from fractures to complex spine disorders like scoliosis. Notably, the department has pioneered the use of vertebral body tethering (VBT), a minimally invasive alternative to traditional spinal fusion surgery. The orthopedic program also offers specialized clinics for neuromuscular disorders, bone health, and hip preservation.
  • Pediatric Cardiology and Heart Surgery: Recognized for six years straight, this specialty advanced from No. 34 to No. 31, marking its highest ranking yet. Dr. Benjamin Peeler, chief of pediatric and adult congenital cardiac surgery, noted that the program is unparalleled in the region, particularly for its treatment of complex neonatal cases. Procedures such as pediatric heart transplants and the use of mechanical assist devices are unique to Ochsner in the New Orleans area. Dr. Peeler highlighted that nearly half of the department’s heart surgeries are performed on newborns and infants under one year old. Despite the challenges, these procedures often result in outstanding outcomes, even for the most complex cases.
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Surgery: This specialty earned its place in the top 50 for the fourth time, thanks in part to the hospital’s comprehensive pediatric liver care and liver transplant program. Dr. Ryan Himes, who joined Ochsner five years ago, has been instrumental in expanding the program’s reach and capabilities. Under his leadership, the department received a Center of Excellence designation from the National Pancreas Foundation for its care of children with pancreatic disorders. Additionally, the intestinal rehabilitation program has grown significantly, helping children transition from intravenous nutrition to oral or tube feeding.
  • The success of Ochsner Children’s Hospital is rooted in a collaborative approach to care. Teams across multiple specialties work together seamlessly, supported by strong partnerships with institutions like the University of Missouri and the Mayo Clinic. These collaborations enable Ochsner to remain at the forefront of pediatric medical advancements. Dr. Haber emphasized that the hospital’s achievements are the result of a collective effort involving not only surgeons and physicians but also nurses, dietitians, therapists, and other support staff.

The hospital’s forward momentum is set to continue with the planned construction of the Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children’s Hospital near Ochsner’s main campus in Old Jefferson. Dr. Adolph expressed excitement about this development, viewing it as an opportunity to expand the hospital’s nationally ranked programs and further enhance pediatric healthcare in the region.

The ongoing success of Ochsner Children’s Hospital reflects its unwavering commitment to providing world-class care for children. By fostering innovation, collaboration, and a patient-centered approach, the hospital has solidified its position as a leader in pediatric healthcare.

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