KINDRED HEALTHCARE ANNOUNCES RE-OPENING OF NEW ORLEANS HOSPITAL
Louisville, KY (November 10, 2005) – Kindred Healthcare, Inc. (the “Company”) (NYSE: KND) today announced that it has re-opened its hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Company successfully evacuated all 54 patients and approximately 240 staff and family members from Kindred Hospital New Orleans on September 2, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
The New Orleans hospital suffered some damage during the hurricane but after completing the necessary clean up and repairs, as well as conducting a detailed assessment of the building, the Company determined it was safe to begin treating patients again.
The Company recognized that there is a demand for its medical services and the physicians and medical community are pleased that the hospital is re-opening to serve their patients. Physicians who have questions or require additional information can call a special number at (504) 894-7660. Former employees and those interested in joining the Kindred team can call (504) 894-7616 for more information.
Since the Company evacuated Kindred Hospital New Orleans, the building has been used by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other government agencies as a command center. The Company continues to provide office space to the CDC, the Louisiana Office of Public Health and the New Orleans Public Health Department.
“We are pleased that we can once again treat patients in our New Orleans hospital,” said Paul J. Diaz, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. “This is a great accomplishment and is due to the efforts of numerous individuals throughout the Company. Jan Turk, the hospital’s CEO, has done an outstanding job of continuing to coordinate with key members of her management team and the medical community of New Orleans, which has resulted in the New Orleans hospital being able to once again serve the medical needs of the community.”
Kindred Healthcare, Inc. through its subsidiaries operates hospitals, nursing centers, institutional pharmacies and a contract rehabilitation services business across the United States.
CONTACT:
Susan E. Moss
Vice President of Corporate Communications
(502) 596-7296
