In Three Weeks, Hospital Returns to Full Operation Following Interruption of Service Due to Hurricane Rita
Pacer Health Corporation (OTCBB:PHLH), an owner-operator of acute care hospitals and psychiatric care facilities, today announced the reopening of Calcasieu Oaks Geriatric Psychiatric Hospital in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Following a temporary interruption of service in the aftermath of Hurricane Rita, Pacer Health reports that all physical damage to the facility has been repaired, and the hospital has returned to full operation in just over three weeks since the hurricane made landfall nearby.
The announcement follows an inspection of the facility by local officials and Pacer Health management, both of whom have approved the opening and deemed the facility safe for the delivery of healthcare services.
"Our hospital staff responded quickly and returned to their work as soon as officials indicated it was safe to do so. Emergency generators were in place almost immediately to begin repairs on the facility, and our staff was successful in limiting any interruption of service by establishing temporary facilities as soon as was feasible," said Rainier Gonzalez, chairman and CEO of Pacer Health.
"Pacer Health is committed to restoring healthcare service to Southwestern Louisiana, home to a significant portion of our patient base. We are delighted to report that Calcasieu Oaks will continue to offer its original, comprehensive suite of short term acute care services to its patients ages 50 and over in the area," added Gonzalez. "I am moved by the tenacity of our staff and their commitment to providing quality healthcare services in the communities they serve. We are also on course with our efforts to restore healthcare services in Cameron Parish."
Prior to the landfall of Hurricane Rita, all patients at Calcasieu Oaks were evacuated safely along with hospital staff. Calcasieu Oaks Geriatric Psychiatric Hospital is a 24-bed, 24-hour hospital that assesses the mental health and medical status of mature adults, and provides short-term acute care to individuals with emotional and behavioral disorders. The facility offers both private and semi-private rooms and is equipped with a spacious family room.
About Pacer Health Corporation
Pacer Health Corporation is an owner-operator of acute care hospitals, medical treatment centers, and psychiatric facilities, primarily serving the growing senior citizen population and non-urban areas throughout the Southeast. Shareholders are encouraged to visit the company's web site at http://www.pacerhealth.com and register to receive Pacer Health news updates.
Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: "Forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 may be included in this news release. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance. These statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual future results or events. Pacer Health disclaims any intention or obligation to revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. There are important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to risks associated with changes in general economic and business conditions (including in the information technology and financial information industry), actions of our competitors, the extent to which we are able to develop new services and markets for our services, the time and expense involved in such development activities, the level of demand and market acceptance of our services, changes in our business strategies.
