Slidell Memorial Hospital

✨ Now accepting new patients! ✨

Looking for a pediatrician you can trust with your child's care?

Deborah Tender, MD, specializes in pediatrics and is committed to helping children grow, thrive and stay healthy through every stage of development. Dr. Tender earned her medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans and completed the Tulane-Ochsner Pediatrics Residency Program. She is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatrics.

From routine wellness visits to ongoing pediatric care, Dr. Tender is here to support your family's healthcare needs.

📅 Schedule an appointment today. https://ow.ly/TYou50Zq1lv

When A.G. arrived at Slidell Memorial Hospital on his 78th birthday, he had never spent a night in a hospital. He had recently developed a dull but persistent pain in his lower left side. A CT scan was ordered, and after reviewing the results, his urologist called and told him to go to the emergency room immediately.

He came through the SMH emergency department facing an unexpected medical challenge and, like many patients, unsure of what would happen next. What followed became a testament to the physicians, nurses, and care teams who serve the Slidell community every day.

“The moment we arrived, a nurse named Rachel greeted me with a warm, comforting smile,” A.G. said. “Immediately, I felt at peace.” As he met members of his care team, his uncertainty began to disappear. “With every nurse, doctor and team member who entered my room, my concerns faded more and more.”

After a thorough evaluation and imaging, his physicians identified the problem as an abscess on his colon. The surgical team, led by Dr. Kyle Ingram, determined that antibiotics could treat the issue without surgery.

On Mother’s Day, hospitalist Dr. Drew Newberry stopped by his room and said that he was doing so well he could go home that afternoon. A.G. remarked how a moment and conversation of shared faith and a gesture of kindness from Dr. Newberry moved him to tears and further affirmed his gratitude.

Looking back on his experience, A.G. wrote, “This was my first hospital stay in 78 years, and I can honestly say I encountered extraordinary people at every turn. What could have become a tragedy instead became a testimony of faith, prayer, friendship, compassion and God’s goodness and a heightened appreciation of Slidell Memorial Hospital. Linda and I are truly blessed, blessed with each other, blessed with wonderful friends, and blessed by the remarkable care we received at Slidell Memorial Hospital.”

Together Slidell Memorial Hospital and Ochsner Health’s surgeons, physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, therapists, technicians and support teams work together to provide coordinated, patient-centered care. Whether someone arrives for a routine procedure or an emergency, our goal is the same: to deliver exceptional clinical care while treating every patient like family.

Thank you to every member of our care team for the difference you make in the lives of our patients every single day.

Slidell Memorial Hospital Proudly serving Slidell for more than 65 years. Through our partnership with Ochsner Health, we provide innovative, compassionate care close to home through two hospital campuses and a dedicated team committed to our community.

Recently the Slidell Memorial Hospital | Ochsner leadership team joined forces with the Northshore Community Foundation and the St. Tammany Parish Public School System for a day of service at Brock Elementary right here in Slidell.

Thirty-five of the Northshore and Mississippi Gulf Coast regional leaders rolled up their sleeves to build large wooden vegetable gardens and raised ADA-compliant box gardens, ensuring every child, including those with disabilities, can experience the joy of growing their own food.

We are proud to serve the students and families of Slidell, not just inside our walls, but out in the community where it matters most.

When John B. experienced a sudden, severe headache unlike anything he had felt before, he knew something was not right.

What began as a severe headache quickly progressed to nausea, dizziness and difficulty focusing. His wife immediately recognized that the symptoms could be serious and urged him to seek medical attention. By the time they arrived at Slidell Memorial Hospital, his blood pressure had reached 198/108.

John was triaged through the emergency department almost immediately, and a Code Stroke was activated within minutes of his arrival. He underwent a CT scan shortly afterward. Fortunately, imaging showed he was not experiencing a stroke.

While relieved by the outcome, John said the experience reinforced the importance of acting quickly when stroke symptoms appear.

"Everyone communicated. Everyone showed compassion," he said. "My wife was kept informed throughout the process, and that meant a lot to us. Thankfully, it wasn't a stroke, but if it had been, I knew I was in the right place."

John and his wife chose Slidell Memorial Hospital because of their confidence in the stroke team's ability to respond when every minute matters. Having previously received care at SMH during a heart attack three years ago, he said the experience only strengthened his trust in the care team there.

"If I'm in trouble, this is where I'm going," he said. "The people here make the difference."

His story is also an important reminder to know the warning signs of a stroke. Warning signs of a stroke include sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body, facial drooping, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, sudden confusion, vision changes, dizziness, loss of balance and a sudden severe headache with no known cause.

If you or someone you are experiencing these symptoms, call 911 immediately. Do not wait to see if symptoms improve. When it comes to stroke, every minute counts.

Learn more about emergency medicine at Slidell Memorial Hospital. https://ow.ly/zQLB50Zigbo

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