Natchitoches Regional Medical Center (NRMC) hosted a legislative luncheon on Friday, welcoming state and regional leaders for a guided tour of the hospital’s facilities and an overview of ongoing initiatives focused on access, quality, and innovation in patient care.
During the visit, attendees toured several areas of NRMC’s campus, including the operating room where they observed a live robotic-assisted surgery performed by NRMC Urology Associates Dr. Erik Castle and Dr. Kenneth Perego. The group also toured NRMC’s Wound Care Center, which provides specialized treatment for patients with chronic and complex wounds, many of whom would otherwise need to seek care outside the region.
Following the tours, NRMC Chief Executive Ocer Kirk Soileau de livered a presentation highlighting NRMC’s mission of caring for the community and its con- tinued eorts to expand access to high-quality healthcare services. The presentation included an overview of patient safety achievements, service growth, and innovation initiatives designed to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the region.
Attendees at the legislative luncheon included State Senator Alan Seabaugh (District 31); Representative Gabe Firment (District 22); Representative Jack Mc-Farland (District 13); Representative Jason DeWitt (District 25); and Representative Michael Melerine (District 6). Additional attendees included Laura Seabaugh, Deputy Secretary of State – Constituent Services; Shane Cheatham, Governor’s Representative and Director for the Oce of Rural Development; Bethany Blackson, Di- rector of External Aairs for the Louisiana Department of Health; Johnny Koch of K2 Advocacy; Monte Wilson, CEO of Christus Hospital; Je Reynolds of the Rural Health Coalition; and Mike Newton, Chairman of the NRMC Board of Commissioners.
NRMC oers a com prehensive range of inpatient and outpatient services, including emergency medicine, cancer care, cardiology, orthopedics, women’s health, wound care, and advanced surgical services. The hospital continues to invest in programs and partnerships that strengthen access to care and support patients across Natchitoches Parish and surrounding communities.
“Our goal is to ensure patients in our region have access to high-quality healthcare close to home,” Soileau said. “We appreciate the opportunity to welcome our legislative delegation and partners to provide an inside look at the work being done at NRMC to serve our community.”
One of the largest rural health systems in Louisiana, Natchitoches Regional Medical Center provides access to care for more than 100,000 patients in the 5-parish region. The 216-bed healthcare system has over 1,000 Associates and more than 100 active and consulting physi- cians on its medical sta.
The system is comprised of the 96-bed acute care facility and is home to the NRMC EMS services and training center; NRMC Cancer Center with medical oncology, hematology, and radiation oncology; a nationally acclaimed award-winning Wound Center; NSU Sports Medicine; Breast Center; Behavioral Health Services in partnership with Compass Health; Ambulatory Treatment Center; the Courtyard of Natchitoches, a skilled longterm care facility; Pain Institute; retail pharmacy; Sleep Center; NRMC Imaging Center; and the NRMC network of clinics including Regional Cardiology; OB/GYN Associates; Walk-in and Primary Care; Pulmonology Associates; Urology Associates; Orthopedic Associates; General Surgery Associates; Medicine Associates; and North Natchitoches Medical Clinic. The NRMC Foundation helps support the hospital’s mission through its generous donors and signature events including the annual gala, golf tournament, TappedTober, and Steel Magnolia Run.