History of Lake Charles Memorial Health System

The hospital’s origin goes back to 1947 when the Calcasieu Parish Medical Society filed a request with the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury to be permitted to operate a 75-bed hospital at the deactivated Lake Charles Air Force Base on a temporary basis. The Calcasieu Parish Hospital opened in that location on April 1, 1947 and it was stated that it would remain in operation until a new hospital could be built.

In 1948, the U.S. Public Health Service approved a federal grant of $422,667 for the Calcasieu Parish Hospital Corporation to assist the new hospital project. The request was made by the corporation, which Dr. Walter O. Moss was president. To meet the healthcare needs of the community during the population influx in the 1940s and 1950s, a request by the Calcasieu Parish Medical Society was finally granted to build a hospital in Lake Charles. In December of 1949, a steering committee was developed to incorporate the non-profit organization known as Southwest Louisiana Hospital Association.

Grassroots fundraising efforts were launched to “request a donation from every resident.” Just two months after the launching of the fundraising drive, records show that over $620,000 had been donated and pledges were still to be collected. This incredible response from the community further illustrated the desire for a hospital of this nature.

The area that was dedicated to build Lake Charles Memorial Hospital was situated in an up-and-coming neighborhood, Oak Park. Although there was another option of land to build the hospital, on the west side of Lake Charles near the lake, the planning committee thought it would best to build in the direction the town was starting to move: the southeast section. This would allow for easy access for medical care close to families moving to the area.

From the beginning, Lake Charles Memorial has been community-driven.

Memorial Legends

Dr. Walter O. Moss was a trailblazer in the early formation of Memorial. His passion and dedication inspired the citizens of southwest Louisiana to make financial contributions toward the project of building a community hospital. He was the president of the Calcasieu Parish Hospital Corporation at the time Memorial was being formed.

Dr. Eleanor Cook, the first woman doctor in Lake Charles, a true pioneer of the local medical community, served on the Lake Charles Memorial Hosptial medical staff.

Dr. William "Randy" Condos, Jr. ushered in a new era of cardiac care at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital and selflessly served the community for 21 years. He tirelessly dedicated his career to advancements in cardiac care, making sure that Lake Charles Memorial Heart and Vascular Center was on the map. Today, Dr. Condos remains on the Board of Trustees for the Memorial Health System. He is a trusted counsel and advocate for Memorial, especially in the realm of cardiovascular services, such as the transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure.

Dates of Significance

October 1952

• The first baby is born at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital

The hospital was up and running five days before the official opening to welcome its first baby. Margaret Joyce Miller, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joe T. Miller was born at LCMH on October 18, 1952. Mr. Miller was supervisor of construction for the facility.

• Lake Charles Memorial Hospital officially opens.

When the construction was completed, Lake Charles Memorial Hospital opened its doors to the public on October 23, 1952 with 100 beds, 20 nurses, and at a cost of $1,800,000. This not-for-profit institution was operated by the Southwest Louisiana Hospital Association, with a Board of Directors serving without compensation.

1953

• Department of Physical Therapy Opens.

1963

• School of Medical Technology Opens.

1968

• The Auxiliary Opens.

September 1972

• The ICU Opens.

1975

• The Cardiology Department Opens.

April 1977

• First neonatal transport isolette arrives, allowing a new level of care for premature babies.

July 1977

• The first CAT scan arrives at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital.

September 1980

• Lake Charles Memorial Hospital is designated the trauma center for southwest Louisiana.

May 1981

• The 10 Floor Patient Tower, a $13.5 million dollar project, opens.

Joe T. Miller, Chairman of the hospital's Board of Trustees in commenting on the growth of Memorial said, "The amount of time and work required in such a vast project is immeasurable." Miller added, "When this project is completed, Memorial Hospital will be one of the most impressive structures in Lake Charles." Construction took place from January 13, 1978 until the grand opening on May 3, 1981. Additionally, more parking for physicians, patients, and employees were added during this project.

1993

• Memorial expands, adding Medical Office Building 1.

1994

• Memorial expands again, adding Medical Office Building 2.

1995

• Memorial Medical Group officially is formed.
• The LSUHSC/Memorial Family Medicine Residency begins.

April 2018

• Archer Institute opens.

The Archer Institute is a mental health treatment for both adolescents and adults. It was the first stand-alone mental health facility built in Louisiana in 40 years. The institute was named after Dr. Dale Archer, Jr., Psychiatrist, to honor his legacy as a leader and mental health advocate in southwest Louisiana.

January 2003

• Lake Charles Memorial Hospital for Women opens.

June 2013

• Moss Memorial began Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with LSU.

Lake Charles Memorial administrators and its community board felt the closing of Moss Regional would have cut important services to the community.

September 2019

• Lake Charles Memorial becomes the first in the nation to receive the Transcatheter Valve Certification by the American College of Cardiology.

May 2019

• Memorial Internal Medicine clinic on Nelson Road opens.

November 2019

• Memorial Hospital receives Level III trauma designation.

March 2020

• The first COVID-19 patient is is admitted to LCMH.

The first COVID-19 patient was admitted to Lake Charles Memorial on March 17, 2020. Since then, our healthcare community has certainly endured tremendous trials throughout the pandemic.