Lafayette’s medical industry has positioned the city as a regional health center. The industry employs 14.6 percent of the city’s workforce, with area hospitals representing major employers. Three major hospitals — with more than 1,000 beds — cover much of the parish and offer everything from cancer services to neuroscience, pediatrics and emergency medicine.
Numerous surgery centers, rehabilitation hospitals, specialty hospitals, chemical dependence facilities and support groups contribute to the medical landscape in Acadiana. Lafayette also has robust dental, opthalmology, dermatology and plastic surgery communities. The parish has a 911 emergency response system and serves as headquarters for Acadian Ambulance, the country’s largest rural ambulance company with a fleet of 550 ambulances offering both ground and air service.
For senior citizens, a variety of nursing home options, along with all-inclusive assisted living and memory care facilities, are available. Excellent medical care, coupled with a low crime rate, affordable housing and moderate climate, make Lafayette a great place to retire.
Hospitals
Heart Hospital of Lafayette
Focused entirely on heart disease care and prevention with a Heart Emergency Center open 24/7, this specialty hospital is owned by Our Lady of Lourdes in partnership with a group of investors, including physicians.
Lafayette General Health
Made up of Lafayette General Medical Center, Lafayette General Orthopaedic Hospital, Lafayette General Surgical Hospital, University Hospital & Clinics, St. Martin Hospital, Acadia General Hospital and Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital, LGH is Acadiana’s largest nonprofit, community-owned regional health system.
Lafayette Physical Rehabilitation Hospital
This state-of-the-art, 32-bed specialty hospital offers a unique blend of acute care and rehabilitation services with programs ranging from stroke and brain injury to rehabilitation nursing.
Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center
Recently constructed with the patient in mind, Lourdes is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System. Made up of more than 400 physicians, this hospital offers a world-class medical experience with all the comforts of home.
Vermilion Behavioral Health Systems
Lafayette’s leading addiction and mental health treatment center and hospital, Vermilion treats adolescents and adults with a wide range of conditions and disorders.
Women’s & Children’s Hospital
Since its humble beginnings as a birthing hospital, Women’s & Children’s has been providing specialized health care services for women and children for more than 30 years. Services range from women and infant care to pediatric, emergency and cancer care.