Press Release: University Medical Center Opens

(New Orleans, La.)­ — Today, University Medical Center New Orleans officially opened with the transfer of 131 patients from the Interim LSU Hospital (ILH) to the new, 2.3 million sq. ft. medical complex. The move was completed at 1:23 p.m. CST, well ahead of schedule and with great success. University Medical Center New Orleans, located in the heart of the BioMedical District of New Orleans, is now open and serves as a key center for quality, patient-centered healthcare, academic training, and research.

“University Medical Center New Orleans represents the future of healthcare in our community and beyond,” remarked Gregory C. Feirn, CEO of LCMC Health. “Patients, families, staff, and physicians have a better opportunity for healing, teaching, and learning in this world-class, state-of-the-art medical center. As we reflect on this historic day, we need to thank all of those who contributed their time and talents toward making University Medical Center come to life. We are already off to a strong start and this City and State should be proud and excited for the future of University Medical Center New Orleans. ”

The ILH transition team planned for this move for more than a year, conducting numerous mock moving drills incorporating multiple scenarios in order for the staff to be prepared. Command Centers were staffed at ILH and University Medical Center New Orleans to track each patient along with an IT Command Center specifically to troubleshoot any information technology issues.

More than 600 personnel, including 350 students, residents, and physicians from LSU Health New Orleans and Tulane University School of Medicine, worked tirelessly to safely move patients from the Interim LSU Hospital (ILH) to the new medical center. To help physically move the patients, 30 ambulances, with approximately 100 EMS and law enforcement officers facilitated an uninterrupted, safe move. Over 50 volunteers were on hand to make patients and their families feel welcome and comfortable in a hospitality area. Volunteers from LCMC Health, including Children’s Hospital, Touro, New Orleans East Hospital, and West Jefferson Medical Center joined together to make the move a success. Additional community volunteers were on hand to help participate in this momentous event. Over 20,000 hours of training were conducted in preparation for today’s events.

“Today’s success is a reflection of the unwavering dedication of our incredible team,” said Dr. Peter DeBlieux, Interim Chief Medical Officer and Director of Emergency Medicine Services at University Medical Center New Orleans. “Through long hours of training and preparation, our team was able to accomplish the monumental task of safely moving our patients while continuing to provide excellent medical care. The teams at New Orleans EMS and Acadian Ambulance helped us move our patients, safely and efficiently. We are thrilled to finally begin providing patient care within the walls of University Medical Center New Orleans. Our entire team recognizes the significance of this facility and the impact it will have on our community and beyond. It’s an honor to be a part of this historic day.”

In addition to moving all current ILH patients, University Medical Center New Orleans’ Emergency Department (ED) opened at 6 a.m. this morning. Between 6 a.m. and 1 p.m. CST, the ED had already had 50 visits, including one trauma. 11 patients have been discharged since arriving at University Medical Center New Orleans.

University Medical Center New Orleans offers comprehensive primary care and specialty care, cutting-edge research, and the region’s only Level 1 Trauma Center. Home to the Avery C. Alexander Academic Research Hospital, University Medical Center New Orleans has a capacity of 446 beds, including 60 behavioral health beds. As the state’s largest teaching hospital and training facility for many of the state’s physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals, University Medical Center New Orleans plays an integral role in shaping the future of healthcare for the region. It serves as a key partner of LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans, Tulane University School of Medicine, and other academic institutions.

LCMC Health was selected as the private partner and operator of ILH and University Medical Center New Orleans. ILH, University Medical Center New Orleans’ predecessor, is closed and new patients are now being accepted solely at University Medical Center New Orleans.

University Medical Center New Orleans is planning public, celebratory events, including a ribbon-cutting on Wednesday, August 26, 2015. More details regarding the events will be released soon. For more information about University Medical Center New Orleans, please visit umcno.org.