Tagged: LSU hospitals

The new head of the LSU health care system says he might rework the cuts his predecessor made across the public hospitals and enact deeper slashing at some facilities, as the university-run health network braces for continued drops in funding.

Frank Opelka's comments Friday came as the LSU Board of Supervisors authorized the start of a search for private investors and health care companies who might be interested in running some of the university's hospitals.

The LSU System's top health care leader has been ousted from his role overseeing the university's network of public hospitals and clinics.

Fred Cerise had clashed with Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration over budget cuts that stripped hundreds of millions of dollars from the LSU safety net health care system.

Cerise's replacement was announced Friday by LSU with no explanation. But in an e-mail to The Associated Press, Cerise said he was notified a day earlier by LSU System President William Jenkins that, "I will no longer lead the LSU Health System."

A 17-story hotel was imploded on Sunday after months of delay.

The old Pallas Hotel on Canal Street was blown up at 8 a.m. with 400 tons of explosives, creating a huge plume of smoke. State officials say the demolition went smoothly but inspections continue.

The city closed several streets and Interstate 10 before and after the demolition.

The demolition took place to make way for the new University Medical Center, a hospital being built to replace the old Charity Hospital, which was closed after Hurricane Katrina.