Pediatric Care Rivalry Intensifies in New Orleans

News Summary

The pediatric care market in New Orleans is heating up as Ochsner Health and LCMC Health compete for dominance. With substantial investments in new facilities and technology, the rivalry raises concerns about quality of care for families. While Ochsner plans a new children’s hospital, LCMC questions the sustainability of two large hospitals. This competition is expected to enhance pediatric services and accessibility for children in the city.

New Orleans Pediatric Rivalry Heats Up Between Ochsner Health and LCMC Health

In a city that loves its healthcare as much as its gumbo, the New Orleans pediatric care market is heating up like a pot on the stove! Two major players, Ochsner Health and LCMC Health, are in a fierce competition to be the go-to choice for families seeking pediatric services. Their rivalry has turned the healthcare landscape into a full-fledged contest, reminiscent of retail stores trying to outshine one another in a bustling marketplace.

A Historic Name Change and Major Investments

Just last year, in February 2025, Children’s Hospital New Orleans underwent a significant transformation, rebranding itself as Manning Family Children’s. This change honors the legendary Manning family during a memorable Louisiana Legacy event. Meanwhile, Ochsner Health celebrated a significant boost with a generous financial gift from Gayle Benson, owner of the Saints and Pelicans, to kickstart a shiny new standalone children’s hospital on its Jefferson Parish campus. This move, planned for late 2023, is just one piece in the puzzle of the massive investments both health systems are making to enhance pediatric care across New Orleans.

Investment Competition

With both Ochsner and LCMC Health pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into new facilities and technology, the stakes are higher than ever. However, this has sparked a debate among the executives. LCMC Health leaders have raised eyebrows at Ochsner’s ambitious plan for a new five-story children’s hospital, suggesting that the market may not have enough pediatric patients to sustain two large hospitals. They believe that rather than creating new facilities, focusing on quality and collaboration is the key.

Concerns for Patients

Dr. Mark Kline, the chief medical officer at Manning Family Children’s, has voiced concerns that increased competition might dilute the quality of care at both institutions. The challenge is clear: as demand for pediatric services rises—especially given that Ochsner’s current children’s hospital is running at full capacity and turning away patients—the worry builds around whether families will have enough access to quality pediatric care.

Optimism Amidst Rivalry

Despite these concerns, Ochsner remains optimistic, arguing that its new facility reflects its long history and deep experience in pediatric care. They believe that rivalry can actually lead to improvements in healthcare services, raising the quality of treatment available for the littlest patients.

A Complex History

This rivalry is not new; it has developed over decades. Attempts to collaborate have often faltered due to disagreements over control and location. Interestingly, LCMC Health has catapulted from just one children’s hospital since 2008 to an expansive eight-hospital system, employing over 18,000 people dedicated to pediatric care. In contrast, Ochsner Health operates an impressive 46 hospitals throughout the Gulf South, caring for over 1.6 million patients each year with a dedicated workforce of around 40,000.

The Competitive Landscape

The current competitive environment raises critical questions. Are two large pediatric hospitals really feasible for the community? Historical attempts at merging the two systems have fallen through, citing disagreements on how to join forces. Revenue reports from recent years show that Ochsner Health is leading the pack with $7.7 billion made in 2024, while LCMC Health reported $3.48 billion.

The Future of Pediatric Care

It’s also noteworthy that Ochsner has quadrupled its number of pediatricians in the past few years, indicating a serious commitment to expanding pediatric services. Medical experts often note that a child’s hospital should focus on specialization to ensure better outcomes. Thus, collaboration may be the most effective approach instead of drawing lines in the sand.

As the rivalry between Ochsner Health and LCMC Health continues to develop, families in New Orleans are hopeful that all of this competition will ultimately lead to better, more accessible pediatric care for their children.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• New Orleans City Business
• NOLA.com
• Louisiana Illuminator
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Healthcare in Louisiana
• Fox8 Live