The family medicine clinic formerly operated by the Louisiana Heart Hospital reopened this week under a new provider, the Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group.
After the Louisiana Heart Hospital closed in February, the Baton Rouge-based provider took over the facility and opened its second clinic in Mississippi, a press release from the company states.
“Back in the 1900s, nuns from France settled in Louisiana and began spreading the healing mission of Christ, especially to those most in need,” Dr. Curtis Chastain, president of the Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group, said during a phone interview with the Item. “In Picayune there was a need all of a sudden…we stepped in and said we believe we can fill that need.”
Chastain said he’s been with Our Lady for 24 years, and that most other medical systems would have reopened the clinic but put their own staff in place.
However, Chastain said bringing Dr. Walter Gipson, IV and Nanci Parish, FNP-BC back was the best choice for the community.
“I love the guy, he’s so passionate and he loves the community,” Chastain said. “He was devastated when he thought he couldn’t continue his practice there.”
With 420 physicians working under Our Lady of the Lake’s umbrella, Chastain said each clinic can provide resources and specialists to any location at a moment’s notice.
“In situations when you need specialty care and you need it right now, like congestive heart failure or an abnormal valve, you’re in a jam unless you can pick up the phone and call one of your new colleagues,” he said. “As a primary care physician, when you’re in a jam and you need help, its like the cavalry is coming.”
Chastain declined to comment on whether the group would take over other former Louisiana Heart Hospital locations.
In Picayune, the highest priority is to leave the clinic as it was as much as possible.
“We want there to be minimal change, everything was going fine before we got there and we don’t want to be disruptive to the practice,” Chastain said. “That’s not what a community of 10,000 people wants is change.”
Southern Surgical Hospital in Slidell and Our Lady of the Angels Hospital in Bogalusa are also part of Our Lake of the Lake’s family of services, according to the release.
“Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group – Picayune treats patients of all ages with preventive care, evaluation and care of illnesses and minor injuries, management of chronic illness, urgent care, school and sports physicals, and more,” the release states.
The clinic is located at 1702 Hwy. 11 North, Suite A in Picayune.