Since first opening its doors in 1960 with 40 beds, three physicians, and 25 staff members, Lane Regional Medical Center has grown in tandem with the evolving needs of Zachary and its surrounding communities. After expansions in 1965, 1973, and 1981, Lane is now preparing to open its most transformative project yet. This state-of-the-art patient tower redefines what healthcare can look like in our region.
Opening in mid-to-late September, this milestone is more than a new building. It’s an investment in the future of patient care, medical innovation, and community well-being.
Lane Regional Medical Center Expansion from Vision to Reality
The idea for the new patient tower began in 2018 with a clear mission: expand access to exceptional care for residents in Zachary, neighboring parishes, and even across state lines into Mississippi. Built by Womack Construction, the tower seamlessly integrates advanced medical technology with a patient-first design that prioritizes comfort, healing, and efficiency for both patients and staff.
With its first surgery already scheduled, the facility is positioned to enhance patient experiences, streamline operations, and make specialized services more accessible than ever.
Private Patient Rooms and Modern Hospital Design in Zachary
Every detail of the new facility was carefully planned to create an environment that supports recovery and comfort, blending a warm, patient-focused design with the advanced resources of a modern medical center.
Key features include:
- 48 private patient rooms with in-room telemedicine capabilities for faster consultations and specialist access
- Strategically placed nurse stations — one central hub and two smaller stations per hallway — to keep care teams closer to patients
- Six new ICU beds, bringing the total to 14 for expanded critical care
- An operating room 2.5 times larger than the current OR, providing more space for advanced surgical equipment and procedures
Advanced Surgical Technology at Lane Regional Medical Center
The patient tower will be home to some of the most advanced surgical technology available in Louisiana. This includes:
- An orthopedic surgical robot, affectionately nicknamed “Sally” by staff, designed to assist with knee replacements and, in the future, hip procedures
- Next-generation surgical suites built to accommodate the latest technology and provide space for more complex procedures
These advancements ensure patients can undergo highly specialized surgery and treatment in a modern environment, supported by the resources of a top-tier medical center without having to leave their community.
Expanded Specialty Healthcare Services in Zachary
The added space also allows Lane to expand critical specialty programs. Nephrology and pulmonology services will be offered through telemedicine within the new tower, giving patients access to essential treatments close to home, without the need for extensive travel.
The expansion also creates opportunities for growth in other areas of care. New services in pediatrics, gastroenterology, and emotional wellness strengthen Lane’s ability to care for patients at every stage of life, addressing both physical and mental health needs within the community.
Lane Regional Medical Center’s Commitment to Quality Healthcare in Zachary
Lane Regional Medical Center’s growth is deeply tied to the community it serves. CEO Frank’s background as a nurse ensures that every decision reflects a commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. Today, Lane is the largest employer in Zachary, and the new tower reinforces its role as both a healthcare leader and a trusted member of the community.
“This expansion is about more than a building,” Frank says. “It’s about our patients, our staff, and the community we’ve been honored to serve for decades.”
With its new patient tower, Lane Regional Medical Center continues to build on a legacy of excellence by delivering advanced medical technology, expanded services, and an environment designed for healing and recovery. For patients in Zachary and beyond, world-class care is now closer than ever.
