By KEVIN CHIRI

Editor and Publisher

LULING – The much-anticipated public opening of the new St. Charles Hospital three-story wing will greet residents here this Saturday, displaying a sharp step up in technology and comfort for those who need the hospital services.

St. Charles will unveil the wing in a private reception to officials and special guests on Friday, then will open the three-story building to the public on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with tours during the four-hour gala event.

“We’re just so excited about this since so many people have been waiting, and asking so much about when it would be ready,” Director of Marketing Pam Norfleet said.

The wing was officially named the David J. Vial, M.D. Patient Care Centre in honor of the St. Charles coroner for 37 years, who has a long reputation as a dedicated caregiver for St. Charles Parish.

Hospital CEO Federico Martinez Jr. said that the three-story expansion of the hospital was in direct response to planning and economic forecasts that clearly pointed to the need for increased healthcare services.

“This new facility is replacing a 40-year-old building, so you can see how badly it was needed, and how much it will help us right away,” Martinez said. “This was on the table for so long that we’re real pleased to finally get it finished, and we’re very pleased with how it came out.”

The need for improved and additional health care facilities is clearly seen when considering that St. James Hospital to the far west just opened their new hospital two weeks ago, and River Parishes Hospital in St. John Parish is talking about also building a new hospital in the near future.

The St. Charles hospital was originally bid out for $9.5 million before Hurricane Katrina, but the delay from the storm saw the price soar to $14 million after the hurricane.

“That’s when we had to go to the public to help us get it done, but they were very supportive, and for that, we are thankful,” Martinez added.

The new wing is approximately 56,000 square feet of space, with the CEO pointing out the computerization of the hospital as perhaps the biggest advancement for the public.

“We are designed so that everything we do is now computerized,” he said. “The hospital facility will make us as up-to-date in technology as we can be now.”

The groundbreaking took place in November, 2006 and the hospital was completed about three months behind the original schedule.

“Considering construction difficulties post-Katrina, we felt like that wasn’t too bad,” Martinez said. “But now we’ve got it finished and we’re very excited to open it to the public.”

That official day for services will be around April 25, depending on passing final state approval, he said.

One of the key features of the St. Charles hospital will be advanced level technology, which offers innovative patient monitoring systems that will convert the hospital to an entirely electronic medical record system.

Other special features for the public to see on Saturday will be:

** A Cardiology Department double in size, with focus on prevention and healing.

** Dialysis services that are upgraded and extremely patient friendly.

** An Intensive Care Unit with industry-leading technology and located near surgery.

** A Medical Surgical Unit that will enhance the healthcare environment through aesthetics and patient conveniences.

** Adult Behavioral Health Inpatient Unit that will provide a secure, therapeutic environment to promote patients healthy return to their community.

** A chapel with a private, tranquil setting for patients and families to connect with their faith and inner resources.

** Courtyards that are both beautifully landscaped, one for social interaction and the other for quiet moments of reflection.

Grand Opening & Dedication Ceremony

Saturday, April 19

Event Schedule

10:00 a.m: Ribbon Cutting & Dedication Ceremony – (Rear entrance to David J. Vial, M.D. Patient Care Centre’)

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m: Tours – (Rear entrance to David J. Vial, M.D. Patient Care Centre’)

11:00 a.m: Music by Blanche Newsome – (Under big tent)

11:30 a.m: Dedication of Chapel – (Chapel)

12:00 p.m.: Allemands Elementary School Cajun Dancers – (Food & activities area)

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.: (Food & activities area):

Teddy Bear Clinic – St. Charles; Community Health Center; Finger Printing – St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Department; Face Painting – Student Volunteers; “Sparky” the Fire Dog – Norco Volunteer Fire Department; Safety Houses – Luling & Hahnville Volunteer Fire Departments;     Fire Truck – Luling Volunteer Fire Department; Balloon Animals & Hand Puppets – Jerusalem Temple Clown Unit; Ambulance – St. Charles Parish Hospital EMS; Food & Beverages.