In the early 1950's, visionaries from the west side of the Calcasieu River dreamed of having a community hospital. Their dream became reality in 1953, when a fifty bed facility opened to the public. What began as a small hospital built to answer the needs of the fast-growing population in the post World War II decades, grew to become a vital part of the community it serves. For the last 55 years, West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital has provided Southwest Louisiana with local access to experienced physicians, skilled health care professionals, the latest medical technology and an unsurpassed tradition of caring.
The hospital has undergone many renovations over the years. Upon opening, there were 50 patient beds. Due to increased demand for more space, beds were added over the years to accommodate the increased need. Today, the hospital is licensed for 101 beds. Recent renovations and additions also include the emergency center, the cardiac catheterization lab, state-of-the-art surgical facility, the labor, delivery and recovery suites, and the Wound Healing Center.
In 2006, West Calcasieu voters approved a $25 million bond earmarked for hospital expansion. Earlier this year, construction began on the first phase of a three-phase expansion project. In Phase I, a new radiology department and a new intensive care are being built, both increasing in size from their present dimensions. Patient rooms are also being updated. Slated for future expansion are the laboratory, dietary and materials management departments. "Over time, we are essentially creating a new hospital in place without interrupting the services and patient care we currently provide,” said Bill Hankins, CEO of the hospital.
Census data provided by the Imperial Calcasieu Planning Office shows a substantial growth in population within WCCH's service district. The Carlyss area to the south and the Houston River area to the north have grown 78% in the last 14 years. In addition to this, there are residents of Southeast Texas who find it advantageous to utilize the services of the hospital. All of this adds to up to growth in services to the surrounding areas by West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital.
