Hospital set to open in Gonzales
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GONZALES — Patients will be admitted to the new St. James Behavioral Health Hospital in Gonzales starting Saturday, hospital Administrator Candy Lewis said Wednesday.
Lewis and other hospital administrators held an opening ceremony for the 24-bed facility that was recently completed after seven months of construction.
“We have taken many steps to provide best care for our patients,” said the hospital’s chief financial officer, Gopi Gopalam.
Deputy Secretary Sybil Richard of the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals attended, praising the hospital’s commitment to the River Parishes region.
“This is a wonderful facility, but more important than the aesthetics of the facility is the service they will provide,” Richard said.
The chief executive officer of the hospital, Wendell Smith, said that beyond the direct in-patient treatment, the hospital also is a large employer with more than 200 people on staff, many living in Ascension Parish.
Gopalam said the hospital will provide outpatient services and community education, too.
St. James Behavioral Hospital has operated a 18-bed facility in Lutcher, but more room was needed, Smith said.
The company also operates outpatient facilities in Kenner, and Baton Rouge and is starting a program in Reserve, Gopalam added.
At the new hospital’s Gonzales location, 3136 S. St. Landry Road off La. 30 near Interstate 10, there is room to add 12 more beds.
Gopalam said that services for children and adolescents may be added at the Gonzales facility.
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