South Cameron Memorial Hospital update

Upon the 30-day notice of Stonebridge Health Systems to terminate their contract to operate South Cameron Memorial Hospital, the new Lower Cameron Parish Hospital Service District Board is actively seeking a new operating company. Simultaneously, the Board is also researching options to either retain the clinic tent that was disengaged in the recent storm and replace the damaged equipment or obtain a similar structure.

The Board wants to assure the public a new emergency room and hospital will be built at the Creole location.

The Board is working with FEMA and GOHSEP on the possibility of funding a temporary structure that could also house emergency services and two acute care beds.

At the Jan. 31, meeting, the Board authorized advertising a request for qualifications for the purpose of procuring architectural and engineering services to design an elevated permanent structure. The new permanent structure will have a smaller footprint and 10 beds, the smallest number of beds that can be licensed to include emergency care. The new hospital will meet or exceed the same elevation requirements as the home and other business owners.

The Board engaged the law firm of Mudd, Bruchhaus & Keating to pursue a lawsuit against the insurance company for lack of payment of claims and other related matters. The Board continues to actively pursue FEMA funding for both temporary and permanent structure and is actively engaged in FEMA payment issues that have been ongoing since Hurricane Rita.

The clinic and prescription services that were available before last week’s storm will be reinstated as soon as possible.

Cameron Parish Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Danny Lavergne and Assistant Director Ashley Buller are working with GOHSEP in Baton Rouge to assist in acquiring a new temporary clinic structure. Cameron Parish District Attorney Tom Barrett and Assistant District Attorney Chelsea Champagne serve as General Counsel to the Lower Cameron Hospital Service District.