Opelousas General Health System history

In 1963, the third floor was completed and there was a much-needed expansion of obstetrics, surgery, laundry, dietary, lab, business office and storage.

In July 1966 the OGH Administration deemed it necessary to participate in the Medicare Program sponsored by the Federal Government.

By 1970, another expansion was critical.

In 1972, the Marianite Sisters voluntarily ended their contract to manage OGH. Daryl Wagley was named Administrator.

In March 1973, after creation of the Opelousas General Hospital Authority (A Public Trust) revenue bonds in the amount of $3.2 million were sold to expand the facility.

In 1976 with the expansion completed, the hospital became the fourth largest hospital in Acadiana with 155 beds and a seven-bed intensive care unit.

In 1977, OGH celebrated its 20th Anniversary.

The year 1979 saw the completion of a new Administrative Wing that offered more spacious accommodations for the business office, administration, personnel, and conference rooms.

In 1981, several projects were undertaken to improve services for the community.

In 1982, a total renovation of the hospital's obstetrical delivery rooms and new expanded nursery and post-partum area was completed.

In 1983, the hospital converted the sixth floor to a 24-bed chemical dependency unit and completed construction on its new Ancillary Wing.

The hospital completed renovations to the old admit offices and expanded the DRG department and data processing in 1984.

In 1985, the hospital began remodeling the administrative wing, expanding several departments and began construction of a new medical office complex.

Completed in 1986, the new office complex housed the offices of seven physicians, a lab, radiology department, and a pharmacy.

Remodeling began in 1987 on the Obstetrics and Gynecology wing, expanding the radiology department and construction began on the Community Cancer Center.

In 1989, OGH opened its skilled nursing unit, installed Doppler Imaging, and a State-of-the-art Mammography System.

1990, OGH opened its new pediatrics unit with a Ronald McDonald Room and celebrated the opening of its $3.5 Medical Office Complex.

A new 10-bed intensive care unit was opened in 1991 and OGH initiated its "Heart Smart" menus in area restaurants.

In 1992, the Industrial Medicine program began.

1993 saw the opening of OGH's first heart catheterization lab with Med Cath, Inc. and the board approved construction of a new Women's Health Center and surgery suites.

In 1994, OGH opened its rural health clinics in Melville and Palmetto.

OGH began renovation to the exterior of the hospital in 1995 and the Health & Wellness Center celebrated the groundbreaking for its expansion.

In 1996, the Women's Health Center opened and the hospital acquired a new Echocardiography System.

OGH celebrated its 40th Anniversary in 1997 and OGH entered into a contract with Cardiovascular Institute of the South.

In 1999, OGH offers Lithotripsy, the Business Office moves to its present location, the After Hours Clinic Opens and OGH's Healthtalk premiers on KATC TV 3.

The new inpatient Rehabilitation Center opens in 2000.

In 2001, OGH introduces FastHealth on its website.

2002 saw the hospital's first water birth delivery and the opening of the Vein Clinic.

In 2004, OGHS and CIS announce plans to open the Heart & Vascular Institute and breaks ground on a 6-story medical complex and parking garage.

A ribbon-cutting was held in 2005 for the newly renovated Wound Treatment Center and OGHS wins Most Wired Award.

In 2006, OGHS held a ribbon-cutting for the facility's new 6-story medical complex and parking garage.

In April 2007, construction of a new Sleep Disorders Center for children and adults was completed and opened.

In 2009, the unveiling and ribbon-cutting ceremony took place for the opening of our South Campus location, the former Doctor's Hospital.

In 2010, the OGHS Board of Trustees selected Gary Keller to serve a third term as President/CEO. Gina Bradley Tuttle was elected Board Chairwoman.

In 2014, OGHS and CIS were among the first in the state and country to use the Diamondback 360 Coronary Orbital Atherectomy System.

OGHS selects Kenneth J. Cochran as the new President/CEO effective July 1, 2015.

In 2016, OGHS welcomed Doctor Lori Gautreaux, Internal Medicine, Doctor Andrew Sicard, General Surgeon, Doctor Tiffany Liu, Neurologist, Doctor Ashwin Jaikishen, Nephrologist and Doctor Supraja Yeturi, Rheumatologist to the OGHS medical staff.

In 2017, OGHS began plans for year-long 60th-anniversary celebrations.

In 2019, OGHS hosts first Hall of Fame event inducting Sidney Sandoz, Chairman of the Board; Stella Thomas, Board Member; Doctor George Prather, Pediatrician; Doctor A.C. Terrance, Family Practitioner and John Clary, Sr., Director of Laboratory Services.