Natchitoches Regional Medical Center (NRMC) has announced a significant expansion of its pulmonology services through a collaborative effort with Ochsner LSU Health System of North Louisiana. This partnership aims to bolster pulmonary care offerings for patients in the region and enhance critical care services within the medical center.
Under the collaboration, Ochsner LSU Health pulmonologists will now provide care at NRMC Pulmonology Associates within the NRMC Multispecialty Clinic, increasing accessibility to pulmonary care services for residents of Natchitoches and surrounding areas. Additionally, critical care medicine physicians from Ochsner LSU Health will offer telemedicine services for patients in the NRMC intensive care unit (ICU), working alongside NRMC’s existing medical staff.
The decision to expand pulmonology services comes following the retirement of NRMC’s long-serving pulmonologist, Dr. Warren Botnick. Recognizing the importance of maintaining continuity in pulmonary care, NRMC sought to collaborate with Ochsner LSU Health to ensure uninterrupted access to high-quality pulmonary care for patients in the region.
NRMC CEO Kirk Soileau expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “In the past 10 years, NRMC has made significant strides in expanding lung care services to meet the needs of our community. With the retirement of Dr. Botnick, we recognized the need for additional pulmonologists to continue delivering exceptional care to our patients. We are delighted to partner with Ochsner LSU Health System, and we welcome their pulmonologists to our clinic.”
Dr. Robert Walter, Division Chief of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at Ochsner LSU Health System, emphasized the benefits of the collaboration, stating, “By partnering with Natchitoches Regional Medical Center, we can offer specialized pulmonary care conveniently to residents of the region. Additionally, our enhanced intensive care services at NRMC will ensure that patients receive advanced care while remaining close to home.”
Patients seeking appointments with NRMC Pulmonology Associates can schedule appointments by calling 318-214-5770.
About Ochsner LSU Health System: The Ochsner LSU Health System of North Louisiana is a collaborative effort between Ochsner Health and LSU Health Shreveport, providing healthcare to over 140,000 patients across North Louisiana. With multiple outpatient facilities and three acute care hospitals, the system offers comprehensive medical services to the community.
About Natchitoches Regional Medical Center: Natchitoches Regional Medical Center is one of the largest rural health systems in Louisiana, serving over 40,000 patients in the region. With a wide range of healthcare services, including acute care, oncology, behavioral health, and more, NRMC is committed to providing high-quality care to its community.
