Lakeview Regional to join Tulane Medical Center, strengthen system of care throughout region

LCMC Health MidAmerica Division, in partnership with Tulane University, plans to have Lakeview Hospital in Covington, Louisiana, become a campus of Tulane Medical Center in early 2017, leveraging the expertise and resources of both hospitals to enhance the incredible care provided to all its patients.

This merger will allow Lakeview Regional to work more closely with Tulane Medical Center in New Orleans and its Lakeside Hospital for Women and Children campus in Metairie. All three campuses are a part of the LCMC Health MidAmerica Division, which operates multiple hospitals and other healthcare facilities in Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Kansas.

“Greater alignment and integration among our facilities, physicians and staff will provide multiple benefits to patients and caregivers alike,” said Walter C. Flower, chair of the Tulane University Healthcare System Governing Board that directs Tulane Medical Center. “This change will facilitate the sharing of best practices across all campuses, while expanding services and increasing access to specialty care on the North Shore.

“Residents there have already seen the benefit of this relationship with several Tulane specialty clinics operating in the Mandeville and Covington communities, most recently in a new Tulane pediatric multi-specialty clinic that opened in Mandeville this summer.”

Lakeview Regional patients and caregivers will now have more convenient access to the cutting-edge training, research and clinical trials led by Tulane Medical Center partner Tulane University School of Medicine, he said. And when a higher level of care is needed, access to the advanced treatments and services of Tulane is streamlined and simplified.

“We’re looking forward to many positive changes associated with this new alignment – but there are also a few key things that will not change,” said Willie Paretti, chair of the Lakeview Regional board of trustees. “Lakeview Regional will always maintain its commitment to providing the North Shore community with expert, compassionate care.”

The change is expected to be finalized in early 2017, pending regulatory and governance approval.

“Throughout the region and country, patients and caregivers are realizing the benefits of greater alignment within a larger system of care,” said Paul Salles, president and CEO of the Louisiana Hospital Association. “We applaud this decision and are eager to see it bear fruit in the communities served by these organizations.”

All involved campuses will continue to provide considerate, quality care without interruption throughout this transition. There are no plans to eliminate jobs as a result of this new structure, and facility leaders on all campuses will maintain their day-to-day responsibilities and functions.

The hospital’s name will remain Lakeview Hospital , with the addition of “A campus of Tulane Medical Center.”

“Every decision we make is done with the goal of improving patient care and the patient experience,” said M. L. Lagarde III, president of LCMC Health MidAmerica Division. “I am confident this change will improve both – in our North and South Shore facilities. I am grateful for the leaders on our medical staffs, on our governing boards and in our hospitals who are helping make this possible.”