New Orleans Health Care System

Struggles to Survive in a Post Katrina Era

Jul 25, 2007 Kathy Quan

Massive flooding destroyed several of New Orleans' most established hospitals. Almost two years later they still need to be rebuilt.

New Orleans' health care system is struggling to survive nearly two years after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city. Of the seven general hospitals in the city, only one is operating at it's pre-Katrina full capability. Four of the area hospitals remain closed and two are only partially open. In all, the number of available hospital beds has been reduced by two-thirds throughout the city.

In the suburban areas, there are several hospitals open and they are always packed. Health care has always been a big part of the economy in New Orleans. Next to tourism and retail sales, health care was the third largest employer in the area. Today however, there are 16,800 fewer health care jobs. Many medical personnel especially doctors and nurses who were forced to evacuate, have never returned.

Downturn in Health Care

Of course those hit hardest by the downturn of the health care industry in New Orleans are the poor, but no one is exempt. At the same time, patients are sicker. The lingering effects of the flooding, such as the mold, have caused a lot of illness and it is more severe than normal. Many have had to give up their health insurance because of the lack of a job, or the high cost of insurance on a fixed income. Those without insurance are having to seek care far from the city's boundaries.

The downturn in health care has had its effects on the general economy as well. Other businesses which rely on the doctors and nurses and patient's families for support are hurting. Florist and coffee shops are seeing fewer customers due to fewer patents. And a medical uniform shop reports a sharp decrease in sales in the months since Katrina because there are far fewer doctor, nurses and other medical personnel.

Hospitals Too Damaged to Reopen

Many of the hospitals closed after the hurricane and have not reopened. Some were badly damaged, and some were already in such ill repair that they cannot reopen. Plans have been set forth to rebuild several hospitals or medical centers, but this will take years and the need is already exceeding the supply now.

There are also several large clinics opening up to treat non-urgent illnesses and injuries. These are far and few between, but they are beginning to help especially with the uninsured and the long waits to see a physician. Shortages of doctors and nurses limit the number of clinics that can be set up to help. Even those who have insurance or the means to pay for care are having a difficult time being seen by physicians especially if they are a new patient.

Source: New York Times July 24, 2007

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