The community asked for a hospital… 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.
A Memorial Legend
From the beginning, Lake Charles Memorial has been community-driven.
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First Baby Born
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.
1952
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October 1952
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Memorial Hospital Opens
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.
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.
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Did you know? 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.
1975
Cardiology Department Opens
1968
1953
Department of Physical Therapy Opens
1963
School of Medical Technology Opens
1962
A Memorial Legend
The Auxiliary Forms
1972
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.
1982
September 1972 ICU Opens
July 1977
First CAT Scan arrives at LCMH.
May 1981
April 1977
First neonatal transport isolette arrvies, allowing a new level of care for premature babies.
10 Floor Patient Tower Opens
September 1980
LCMH is designated the trauma center for SWLA
A $13.5 million dollar project. 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
The Archer Institute offers 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.
April 2018
Archer Institute Opens
Memorial expands, adding Medical Office Building I
January 2003
1995
Memorial Medical Group officially forms
Memorial for Women Opens
1992
2002
2012
1994
September 2019
The first in the nation to recieve the Transcatheter Valve Certification by the American College of Cardiology
June 2013
Memorial expands, adding Medical Office Building II 1995
Moss Memorial began Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with LSU
Memorial/LSUHSC Residency Program Begins
Lake Charles Memorial administrators and its community board felt the closing of Moss Regional would have cut important services to the community.
s r It e n e r. o r n
70 years later we built you a health system. The area’s largest, community owned, not-for-profit, healthcare system, dedicated to improving the health of the people of southwest Louisiana.
2,500+ Employees •100+ Physicians 3 Hospitals • 21 clinics 1 Memorial Health System, uniquely qualified to provide the best care for you and your family.
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nity cut
2022 November 2019
Memorial Hospital receives Level III Trauma designation
May 2019
March 2020
Memorial Medical Group Internal Medicine Clinic opens on Nelson Road
First COVID-19 Patient 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.
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