STHS, Ochsner unveil game-changing neurosciences expansion

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Friday, April 15, 2022

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STHS, Ochsner unveil game-changing neurosciences expansion

Mike Scott, mscott@stph.org

Dr. Benjamin Brown, a neurosurgeon with the Ochsner Neurosciences Institute at St. Tammany Health System. (Photo by Tim San Fillippo / STHS)

Dr. Seth Hayes, right, a neurosurgeon with the Ochsner Neurosciences Institute at St. Tammany Health System. (Photo by Tim San Fillippo/STHS)

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:

The hospital’s newly expanded Neuro Intensive Care Unit, providing full-service, neuro-specific care to patients with complex issues that can be managed 24/7 by a neuro intensivist.

Advanced technology in its operating rooms, including the Synaptive Modus V with BrightMatter technology, a highly specialized, robotically controlled digital microscope; and Globus Excelsius GPS, a precision guidance system designed to assist surgeons in complex procedures.

St. Tammany Health System’s Emergency Department, which is accredited as a verified Level III Trauma Center by the Committee on Trauma and a certified Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission and American Stroke Association.

The Ochsner Neurosciences Institute at St. Tammany Health System is the latest example of the kind of advanced, specialized care brought to the Northshore through the longstanding partnership between St. Tammany Health System and Ochsner Health, which was initiated in 2014.

“From the standpoint of minimally invasive techniques and some of the technology, we’ve really done a great job with the partnership,” said Dr. Seth Hayes, also part of the neurosciences institute. “St. Tammany has put a lot of effort into acquiring the technology that we need.”

St. Tammany Health System President and CEO Joan Coffman echoed those sentiments.

“From the start, the goal of our partnership with Ochsner was to bring highly specialized care to the Northshore so our friends, family and neighbors wouldn’t have to travel long distances for care,” Coffman said. “We’re grateful to accomplish that together in the Ochsner Neurosciences Institute at St. Tammany Health System.”

Visit StTammany.health/Neurosciences to learn more about Ochsner Neurosciences Institute at St. Tammany Health System.

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