University Medical Center New Orleans Celebrates First Anniversary

(New Orleans, La.)­ —August 1 marked one year since the opening of University Medical Center (University Medical Center) New Orleans, home of the Reverend Avery C. Alexander Academic Research Hospital. University Medical Center opened its doors to the public following the successful transfer of 131 patients from its predecessor, Interim LSU Hospital (ILH). University Medical Center celebrated its anniversary with an August 5 event with hospital and medical staff. Click here for the gallery.

In its first 365 days in operation, University Medical Center significantly contributed to positive economic development, academic training, and access to quality healthcare for thousands.

Economic Development

University Medical Center is proud to employ 2,241 full-time staff. This number represents a 25 percent increase since LCMC Health, University Medical Center’s parent company, took over operations from the state in 2013. Located in the heart of the BioMedical District of New Orleans, University Medical Center has spurred development across the area.

“We couldn’t be prouder to be a part of the revitalization of New Orleans and to bring more jobs to our community,” said Gregory C. Feirn, CEO of LCMC Health. “As University Medical Center continues its momentum toward becoming a regional medical destination, we expect to see additional growth in jobs, visitor dollars, and development in New Orleans and the BioMedical District.”

Academic Training

Training the next generation of physicians and healthcare professionals is at the heart of the University Medical Center’s mission. More than 5,000 residents, students, and trainees have conducted rotations and classes at University Medical Center over the last year. As the state’s largest academic training center, University Medical Center is responsible for preparing many of Louisiana’s future physicians.

“Academic training remains at the heart of our mission,” said Peter DeBlieux, MD, Chief Medical Officer of University Medical Center. “Not only do we offer robust, hands-on experience to our medical students, residents, and fellows, but our patients gain the benefit of the latest treatments, technology, and research each day.”

Healthcare

University Medical Center has provided compassionate and quality care to thousands since its opening. In one year, University Medical Center saw 155,835 clinic visits 81,330 emergency visits, and 11,736 admissions. University Medical Center’s helipad received 150 helicopter landings, allowing critically ill patients to receive quality care quickly. As the region’s only

Level One Trauma Center, University Medical Center’s Norman E. McSwain Jr. MD Spirit of Charity Trauma Center has more than 2,000 trauma activations a year.

The launch of Medicaid expansion brought access to healthcare to tens of thousands. As one of the state’s main enrollment centers, University Medical Center has seen 520 individuals enroll onsite since June 1, 2016. University Medical Center continues its tradition of caring for all who need it.

University Medical Center has delivered care with the help of hundreds of volunteers. These volunteers dedicated more than 13,500 hours at University Medical Center over the last year.

“Continuing the legacy of compassionate patient care and academic medical training in a facility like University Medical Center has been a dream realized,” remarked Bill Masterton, President & CEO of University Medical Center. “The passion, innovation, and dedication demonstrated by our employees and physicians, paired with the latest technology, create a healing environment for the delivery of quality care for all.”

University Medical Center offers comprehensive primary care and specialty care, cutting-edge research, and the region’s only Level 1 Trauma Center. University Medical Center has a capacity of 446 beds, including 60 behavioral health beds. University Medical Center is located at 2000 Canal Street, near downtown New Orleans.