Louisiana's First Critical Access Hospital
When St. Helena Parish Hospital opened its doors in Greensburg, LA on 9 August 1966, medical and hospital facilities with the parish were available to St. Helena’s 10,000 residents for the first time in history.
At the time of its dedication on 7 August, the hospital had 35 beds and was equipped with the latest equipment in its patient rooms, emergency room, operating room, labor room, delivery room, laboratory, X-Ray room, nursery, and kitchen. There were nine private and 13 semi-private rooms available for $20 and $15, respectively.
Authorized by a parish-wide bond election in 1962, the hospital was built with funds from the bond sales and Federal Assistance. Then hospital Administrator, W.K. Lea, said the cost of construction and equipment for the hospital was approaching one million dollars.
Operating policy for the hospital was set by a six-person Board of Commissioners, who is appointed by the parish Police Jury. During this time the Board of Commissioners was Henry B. Meyers, Chairman; Stanley Hornsby, vice-chairman; W.E. Dykes, secretary; Leonard Newman, treasurer; Leo Doughty, member and W.K. Lea, administrator.
The St. Helena Parish Police Jury, at this time, included Willie Newman, president; Felix Sharkey, vice-president; and members Cleon Hutchinson, Leroy Nesom, Horace Lee and Lester Hornsby.
Dr. Stringer, head of medical staff at the time the hospital opened, included general surgeons, pathologists, radiologists, orthopedists, and oral dental surgeons. Professional nursing care was available 24 hours a day.
Dr. Stringer came to Greensburg from the U.S. Naval Hospital in Pensacola, Fl where he completed his residence in general practice. He had a B.S. degree from Mississippi State University and a M.D. from the University of Mississippi. Dr. Stringer had extensive experience in urology, plastic surgery, anesthesia and ear, nose and throat cases.
W.K. Lea, hospital administrator at the time the facility was opened, was originally from Livingston. Lea came to Greensburg from Lutcher in St. James Parish where he was also a hospital administrator. A graduate of Doyle High in Livingston and became a registered X-Ray technician at Baton Rouge General Hospital.
The Co-Op, in support of this long needed facility, installed a 125 kilowatt emergency generator to supply vital electricity to all of the hospital in case of power failure. Unlike most emergency generators at the time, this gigantic generator would keep the entire hospital in operation in any situation.
For residents of St. Helena Parish at the time, medical services were now available within minutes rather than hours. Administrator Lea was quoted at the time saying, “The hospital is proud of its life saving role."
On 1 July 1979, Dr. J.W. Varnado became the Resident Director with two staff doctors, himself and Dr. L.E. Stringer.
Nursing
St. Helena Parish Hospital’s Nursing Staff is dedicated to providing safe, high-quality patient and family centered nursing care. This care is provided by a team of professional Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses and Certified Nurse Assistants. The nursing care of each patient and family is individualized, compassionate, and culturally appropriate. Our professional nursing care is based on scientific and ethical principles, research findings, cultural understanding, and experience to achieve an optimal level of health and wellness.
•24 Hour Emergency Room Access
St. Helena Parish Hospital’s Emergency Department nurses embrace a life of extreme variability and dynamic excitement. The nurses provide round-the-clock care where the pace is swift and interdisciplinary collaboration and respect go without saying. Our Emergency department nurses comfort patients, make astute assessments and implement care every minute at “Louisiana’s First Critical Access Hospital”
•Acute/Inpatient Care Services
At St. Helena Parish Hospital, we recognize that medical surgical nursing is the foundation of all nursing practice. Our highly experienced nurses ensure the physical, emotional and psychological well-being of all patients who are ill or injured and in varying stages of recuperation regardless of religious, racial, socio-economic or cultural differences. Our nurses understand the cultural diversity of our patients, therefore, are very sensitive and receptive to their unique needs. To ensure the best comprehensive care of our patients, our nurses recognize the importance of supporting families as well as patients. The nurses at St. Helena Parish Hospital strive every day to deliver ideal care and to treat each and every patient like family.
-Skilled Service; "Swing Bed"
St. Helena Parish Hospital’s Swing bed services include long term antibiotic therapy, wound care, terminal care and therapy needs. Our supportive environment empowers nurses to combine leading-edge care with a high level of compassion. The nurses at St. Helena Parish Hospital collaborate with patients, families, and other health care team members to provide holistic, coordinated, and effective patient care.
•Outpatient Services
St. Helena Parish Hospital’s Outpatient Services provided by our professional team of nurses includes, but not limited to, IV therapy, intramuscular or sub-Q injections and blood transfusions as ordered by a patient’s physician to be delivered in an outpatient setting.
Services:
Nursing
Swing Bed-Skilled Nursing
Laboratory
Cardiology
Pharmacy
Respiratory Therapy
Radiology
Nutrition
Rehabilitation
Behavioral Health
Fitness Center
