NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Touro Infirmary, the only not-for- profit, faith-based, full-service community hospital in New Orleans, has announced that it will re-open its emergency department on Wednesday, September 21 at 7 a.m. to again serve the city’s healthcare needs.
“The immediate goal is to bring essential healthcare services back to New Orleans,” said Les Hirsch, President and CEO of Touro Infirmary. “We are working closely with government officials to restore Touro’s full operations incrementally over time.” Touro Infirmary is asking that all employees call in to the company’s hotline (888-TOURO-411) to advise about their availability.
“The immediate goal is to get the emergency department operational. We want to do this exclusively with Touro staff but may need to supplement this effort with other staff from governmental agencies or other hospitals in the city that are now closed, depending on the availability of Touro staff,” said Hirsch.
Despite the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, Touro is determined to carry on the longstanding history of the institution and its service to the residents of the Crescent City. While the losses are significant, the essence of Touro Infirmary is alive and thriving.
“The opening of the emergency department is the first step in the rebuilding process. Reinstating healthcare services marks a starting point from which the city can be rebuilt,” said Hirsch.
About Touro Infirmary
Touro Infirmary is a not-for-profit, community-based hospital, located in New Orleans, LA. The institution is guided by the principles of Judaism and is dedicated to the health status and well-being of the diverse people it serves. Touro Infirmary subsidiaries include Woldenberg Village, Crescent City Physicians and Metro Lab.
The hospital is a full-service healthcare facility. In 1923, Touro was one of only fifteen hospitals in the country approved to use insulin to treat diabetes and was also one of the first hospitals in the United States to have a physical therapy department. Today, Touro Rehabilitation Center is one of the premier rehabilitation centers in the country. Touro was also recognized as one of America’s Best Hospitals by U.S. News and World Report.
Touro Infirmary is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the nation’s oldest and largest hospital accreditation agency. The hospital has academic affiliations with Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center and Tulane University Health Science Center. To learn more about Touro Infirmary, visit http://www.touro.com.
About Touro Foundation
Touro Foundation is dedicated to promoting the goals of Touro Infirmary by improving the health and well-being of the entire community through the provision of effective, efficient and compassionate healthcare through leadership, resource development and financial stewardship.
Philanthropy is the cornerstone of Touro Infirmary and every aspect of Touro Infirmary’s proud heritage -- from outstanding patient care, to health education and community outreach -- has been enhanced by its legacy of support. Funds are used to support ongoing initiatives and to expand services and facilities for patients. Through the efforts of the Foundation, Judah Touro’s vision of community service, begun more than 150 years ago, is still amply evident today. To learn more about Touro Foundation, visit http://www.touro.com.
Touro Infirmary
CONTACT: Kelly Banaszak, Star
Web site: http://www.touro.com/