Trauma Center and ER Expansion

The new Trauma Center will provide access to the highest level of trauma care for the most critical cases. Currently, OLOL treats an average of 900 trauma patients per year even without a Level 1 Trauma Center. Today in Louisiana, there are only Level 1 Trauma Centers in New Orleans and Shreveport. Level I Trauma Centers have dedicated resources such as the 24/7 surgeons already at the Lake today, but also on-site anesthesia doctors round-the-clock. The intention of a Level I Trauma Center is to minimize the time from an accident or disaster to the injured patient being in an operating room. Time - often referred to as the "Golden Hour" - saves lives. More lives are saved in communities with Level I Trauma Centers.

The expanded emergency room will be about the size of two football fields with separate treatment areas for adults, children and trauma patients.

In December 2012, OLOL opened a helipad that can support two helicopters simultaneously if needed. The helipad is a post-tension concrete structure, approx. 10,000 square feet, which is raised 50 feet above street level.  It has the ability to support more than 60,000 pounds and can hold two Army Blackhawk Helicopters simultaneously, or up to four regular Medevac Helicopters.

Thank you for your patience as construction is underway on the new heart and vascular tower at Our Lady of the Lake. You will notice dust walls in our lobby, construction fencing along Essen Lane, and work in our parking garage. For an ongoing list of our progress and how this work might affect you, please visit our Construction Updates page. We are trying to keep disruption to a minimum. Our team members are ready to assist you find your way on our campus or tell you about our new plans.

The ER Expansion and Trauma Center are expected to be completed in the Fall of 2013.