Opelousas General Health System Opens New Comprehensive Cancer Center, Centre de la Vie

Opelousas General Health System will host a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on April 26 to celebrate the opening of its new comprehensive cancer center, Centre de la Vie, (Center of Life). This new location at OGHS South Campus is designed to enhance our existing cancer services for the residents of St. Landry and surrounding communities.

The new facility, located at 3983 I-49 South Service Road, is scheduled to open on Monday, April 23 and will offer a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care that aligns patients with a highly skilled, expert medical staff.

All services will be provided in one convenient location, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, infusion therapy and blood transfusions. This will offer patients the convenience of less travel time and treatment close to home.

“Being diagnosed with cancer in itself is stressful enough. Traveling for treatment and being away from home can add to that stress. Our goal is to keep our patients close to home, family and work, because starting treatment does not mean stopping life,”said Debbie Deshotel, Director of Ancillary Services at Opelousas General Health System.

Dedicated to the provision of quality care in a family environment, the new 11,000 square-foot cancer center offers new comfortable waiting areas, state-of-the-art physician consultation rooms, the most advanced radiation and chemotherapy technology and an in-house nurse navigator to help guide patients through their journey every step of the way.

“While the new center will offer visually pleasing décor, medical modernization and convenience, our main goal is to offer highly advanced cancer treatment which will ultimately enhance patient outcomes and add quality of life to those we serve,” said Kenneth Cochran, DSc, RN, FACHE, President and CEO of Opelousas General Health System.

OGHS collaborated with Cancer Center of Acadiana, owned by Lafayette General Health in November of 2015, and they will continue to provide the latest innovation in medical oncology and hematology services for the new comprehensive cancer center.

e+CancerCare, our radiation oncology partner, will continue to deliver the most advanced clinical treatments and technology available to the patients that we serve.

Working together, the new innovative comprehensive cancer center will provide open communication between all providers to offer greater convenience and world-class, compassionate care to our patients.

About Opelousas General Health System: Since 1957, Opelousas General Health System has been dedicated to the provision of quality health care through its strong commitment and high standards. Central to the success of OGHS's commitment for excellence is the presence of an outstanding and highly qualified staff of physicians, nurses, technologists and other personnel who provide professional treatment in a caring environment. Serving as the region's referral medical center, OGHS is a 197-bed, full service medical center, and the area's most comprehensive community health care facility offering a wide range of medical specialties and state-of-the-art technology. Visit us at www.opelousasgeneral.com

About Cancer Center of Acadiana: Cancer Center of Acadiana (CCA) is a cancer treatment network with multiple locations across Acadiana. CCA staffs a multidisciplinary team of experienced professionals, including Medical Oncologists/Hematologists, experienced certified oncology nurses, Gynecological Oncologist, breast fellowship-trained Interventional Radiologists, oncology certified dietitian, PhD-trained genetic counselor, patient educator, patient navigator and PhD-trained Psychologist. Clinical trials, advanced treatments, genetic testing, a Breast Center, Lung Mass Center and several other patient-centered services are also available at CCA. The main CCA location at Lafayette General Medical Center is an Accredited Academic Comprehensive Community Cancer Program by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer (CoC). This three-year accreditation was granted to CCA with commendation. CoC accreditation is considered the hallmark of excellence and is awarded to cancer care programs that provide high quality, comprehensive and multidisciplinary patient-centered care.

About e+CancerCare

e+CancerCare is one of the leading operators of outpatient cancer care centers in the nation, and is driven by its mission of partnering with communities to fight cancer. The company’s core focus includes building a best-in-class network of cancer care facilities through partner acquisition, service-line conversion, and de novo development. Their purpose is to offer physicians and hospitals the financial and operational support they need so they can focus on delivering the highest quality care close to home. e+CancerCare creates environments for patients that meet their physical, emotional and mental health needs. Visit epluscancercare.com to learn more.