In what is being described as a major advancement of neurological care on the Northshore, Ochsner Neurosciences Institute at St. Tammany Health System has expanded its footprint and its capabilities at the health system’s hospital campus in Covington.
The groundbreaking expansion allows for many patients with complex brain conditions who would have previously been transferred to a hospital outside the region to remain on the Northshore for the duration of their treatment.
Among other things, the expansion increases the number of dedicated beds in the hospital’s neurology unit from eight to 10, with room to expand to 14, and the number of beds in its Neuro Intensive Care Unit from six to 10.
The neuro care team also now includes a round-the-clock neuro-specific ICU physician and a dedicated neurosciences physical therapist.
Taken together, the moves allow for 24-hour neuro-focused intensive care at the hospital.
“Previously, we would have had our neurosurgeons perform surgery and then transfer the patient to Ochsner on the south shore,” said Corey Olson, director of the neurosciences program at St. Tammany Health System. “Now, we can perform these complex surgeries, and then the patients are being transferred down the hall to the neuro ICU and staying with us, here, close to home, for the extent of their care.
“So, we’re really caring for the patient now from start to finish. They can get top-notch neuro treatment here – and stay on the Northshore.”
In addition to the expansion of the hospital’s neuro units, Ochsner Neurosciences Institute has also relocated to St. Tammany Health System. The practice will continue its focus on brain, back and spine care, but with the added benefit of proximity to the hospital.
“Caring for brain and spine takes a huge team of neurosurgeons, neurologists, therapists, intensive care specialists, and then the emergency personnel in the hospital,” said Dr. Benjamin Brown, a neurosurgeon with the institute. “St. Tammany has done a great job of building the full services around neuro.”
The practice is located in the STHS Medical Office Complex at 1203 S. Tyler St. in Covington, which is connected by pedestrian skybridge to St. Tammany Parish Hospital, the flagship facility of St. Tammany Health System.
Among other things, that provides its physicians and other members of its care team convenient access to: