University Medical Center is an important source of quality healthcare and graduate medical education for the Acadiana area of south Louisiana. An acute care hospital for all of Acadiana, UMC is the major site for the LSU Rural Scholars Track Program, which is offered through the LSU School of Medicine New Orleans. UMC’s Medical Library serves as a regional Learning Resource Center for the Southwest Louisiana Area Health Educational Center (SWLAHEC) and provides medical and healthcare related information and research for healthcare providers and students in the southwest portion of Louisiana. In addition, through the National Library of Medicine, UMC’s Medical Library is a resource for first responders and healthcare providers during periods of disaster and emergency.
To meet the demand for cardiology services, UMC added a new cardiologist in 2011 and recently expanded and remodeled the cardiology clinic. UMC entered into a cooperative endeavor with Louisiana Immersive Technologies Enterprise to research new innovative treatments for cardiac disease. The partnership with LITE makes available to UMC state-of-the-art diagnostic cardiology software to help with the treatment of cardiac patients.
The Vascular Laboratory at UMC achieved four-year national accreditation from the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission Vascular Testing/ICAVL. The accreditation covers extracranial cerebrovascular, peripheral arterial, peripheral venous and visceral vascular testing.
UMC continues to implement the medical-home concept in all clinics, providing the best available primary care and coordinating access to specialty care. UMC also participates in the LSU Disease Management Program, managing chronic diseases according to nationally accepted, evidence-based guidelines.
UMC recently received funding to remodel and expand its Emergency Department. The project will improve patient flow, greatly reducing patient waiting time.
Patient satisfaction surveys show that UMC continues to excel. For two consecutive years, HealthGrades, the nation’s leading independent healthcare rating organization, awarded to UMC the Outstanding Patient Experience Award for ranking in the top 15 percent nationally for exemplary service to patients. In 2011, 76 percent of patients gave UMC an overall favorable rating.
UMC received other notable recognitions, including Quality Respiratory Care Recognition from the American Association for Respiratory Care and the Department of Defense Pro Patria Award for supporting employees who are members of the National Guard and Reserve.
History
St. John Hospital
The State of Louisiana purchased St. John Hospital in 1937 to become the state provider for Southwest Louisiana.
Lafayette Charity Hospital
In 1942, the hospital became known as Lafayette Charity Hospital. In the late 70’s, construction began on a new building at 2390 West Congress Street in Lafayette.
University Medical Center
In 1982, the hospital moved into the new building becoming University Medical Center. In 1997, Louisiana State University – Health Care Services Division took over the state run hospitals.
