Public Relations Contacts
New Orleans - Bayou Regions:
Stafford Scott Maestri: stmaestri@ochsner.org, 504-842-9143
Giselle Hecker: ghecker@ochsner.org, 504-842-9219
Baton Rouge - North Shore Region:
Shelly Dupre, Impact Management Group: shelly@impactmanagement.com, 225-819-1540
Media Inquiries
In compliance with Federal HIPAA regulations, and out of respect for patients and their families, Ochsner Health System cannot comment on current or previous patients.
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Ochsner Named One of “America’s Best Hospitals” by U.S. News and World Report
NEW ORLEANS - For the eighth time, Ochsner Health System has been singled out from over 5,000 U.S. hospitals for its exceptional medical care. Ochsner is the only New Orleans hospital recognized as one of "America's Best Hospitals" by U.S. News and World Report. In the July 23 issue, Ochsner is listed as one of the nation's 50 best in the Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Category. This is the 18th annual report by U.S. News, which publishes a rigorous assessment of 5,462 hospitals in…
Electronic Medical Records
Saving Lives During Disasters
For Southeastern Louisiana residents and communities along the Gulf Coast, many people are preparing their evacuation kits and mentally gearing up for the peak storm season. Now just a few weeks out from the 2-year anniversary of Katrina, electronic medical records are a very important part of that preparation. The knowledge contained in a persons medical records can mean the difference between life or death, especially for severely ill patients, such as cancer and dialysis patients, in a major disaster. Following Hurricane Katrina, many New…
Ochsner Offers Tips for a Safe 4th of July Holiday
Fireworks Injuries Can Be Devastating, Yet Preventable
NEW ORLEANS Fireworks may seem like a fun way to celebrate our nations birthday, yet every year they send thousands of people with good intentions to local Emergency Rooms. In fact, the 4th of July holiday is one of the busiest days of the year for eye surgeons and others who treat victims of accidental trauma. Below are some alarming statistics: 8,500 fireworks-related injuries are reported every year in the United States. Of these, about 2,000 are eye injuries. 1/3 or 600 result in permanent…
Ochsner Offers Non-Invasive Heart Imaging
Cardiovascular MRI benefits patients with heart failure and congenital heart disease
NEW ORLEANS Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a well-recognized medium for providing detailed images of brain, spinal cord, and joints, now has a specialized component just for the heart. Ochsner is offering cardiovascular MRI, a new imaging technique that provides physicians with detailed, and potentially life-saving, images in a non-invasive way. The greatest benefit of cardiovascular MRI is its ability to show definition in the heart and lung anatomy; to measure cardiac function, and differentiate heart tissues, without radiation exposure, says Dr. Sangeeta Shah, Ochsner Cardiologist…
Elmwood Fitness Center Receives USA Triathlon Training Designation
Unique Certification Includes USA Triathlon Performance Center Designation
NEW ORLEANS, LA The summer months mark the peak training season for triathlons and now local tri-athletes have a certified USA Triathlon (USAT) Training Center at Elmwood Fitness Center. Elmwood, a service of Ochsner, is just one of five centers in the country with this unique certification which also includes a designation as a USA Triathlon Performance Center. "The number of athletes participating in triathlons across the nation continues to climb and we are excited to be part of this trend, says Ben Elder, USA…
Ochsner Participates in National Initiative to Reduce Medical Errors and Save Lives
NEW ORLEANS, LA Ochsner Health System is one of 4,000 hospitals supporting a national initiative to protect patients from five million incidents of medical harm over a two year period (December 2006-December 2008). The 5 Million Lives campaign is sponsored by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). 5 Million Lives is an expansion of the highly successful 100,000 Lives Campaign, which included 3,100 hospitals and resulted in an estimated 122,000 lives saved in 18 months. This new campaign will be the largest improvement initiative undertaken…
Ochsner Prepares for Projected Active Hurricane Season
Hospital Ramps Up for 2007 Storm Season
NEW ORLEANS In preparation for the 2007 hurricane season, Ochsner Health System has upgraded its hospital disaster plan and implemented additional safeguards to withstand future storms, ensure patient safety, and provide for the essential hospital staff in the event of severe weather. The hospital is taking no chances this season; were prepared for an active storm season. Our top priority is the safety of our patients and employees, and we are prepared for what the future may bring, explains Warner Thomas, President of Ochsner Health…
Ochsner ER Tips to Avoid Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
NEW ORLEANS, LA June 21st marks the Summer Solstice, the beginning of what has already become a scorching summer in Southeast Louisiana. Although summertime in Louisiana is ideal for outdoor events such as family barbeques and swimming parties, along with these outdoor activities come the dangers of heat-related illness for adults and children. The old adage, If you cant stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen, is particularly important this time of the year, says Dr. Joseph Guarisco, MD, Systems Director of Emergency Medicine…
Ochsner Provides Free Prostate Screening Blood Tests
Includes Demonstration of da Vinci Surgical System
NEW ORLEANS, LA Give the Gift of Good Health this Fathers Day. On Friday, June 15, 2007 Ochsner Medical Center at 1514 Jefferson Highway in the Main Atrium, will offer free PSA blood tests for men over 40 years of age from 10:00am 2:00pm to screen for prostate cancer as well as providing general information about prostate health, screening, diagnosis and the latest treatment options. Additionally, Ochsner will provide demonstrations of its da Vinci S Surgical System. A PSA is an easy, quick blood test…
Ochsner Summer Science Youth Academy Welcomes Students
Class of 2007 marks 1st year to offer full-day of research, classes, rotations and lab activities
NEW ORLEANS, LA Today, Ochsners Academic Division will welcome 11 students from the Class of 2007 to its Summer Science Youth Academy who will take part in a two-session, six-week intensive program. These Summer Science Scholars have demonstrated an interest in science and healthcare and have been recommended from their respective high schools. Ochsners Summer Science Youth Academy Program is designed for high school students who excel in the science arena an opportunity to participate in hands-on scientific research in a laboratory setting with research-funded…
