Slidell Memorial Hospital

Sandy Badinger, CEO of Slidell Memorial Hospital, has been named to Becker's Hospital Review's 2026 list of 236 Women Hospital and Health System Presidents and CEOs to Know. This national recognition honors women leaders who are advancing health care through innovation, strategic leadership and a commitment to the communities they serve.

Under Sandy’s leadership, Slidell Memorial Hospital continues to expand access to high-quality care while prioritizing patient safety, workforce development and long-term growth. Through Slidell Memorial Hospital’s partnership with Ochsner Health, patients across the region have greater access to advanced treatments, specialty services and a connected network of care.

Sandy’s commitment to listening to the community and building strong relationships throughout St. Tammany Parish helps ensure Slidell Memorial Hospital remains responsive to the needs of the people it serves.

This recognition reflects the dedication of our physicians, nurses, team members and leaders who work every day to improve the health of our community.

Read the full list: https://ow.ly/b71b50ZwgoS

Slidell Memorial Hospital has earned two "High Performing" rankings in procedures and conditions from U.S. News and World Report. SMH was recognized for abdominal aortic aneurysm and hip fracture.

"This recognition from U.S. News & World Report is a testament to the exceptional care our team provides every day and the impact of our partnership with Ochsner Health. Earning High Performing ratings for abdominal aortic aneurysm and hip fracture care reflects our commitment to delivering advanced, high-quality healthcare close to home," said Sandy Badinger, chief executive officer of Slidell Memorial Hospital. "We are proud to serve the Slidell community and remain dedicated to improving the health and well-being of every patient who entrusts us with their care."

This recognition reflects the dedication of our team and the strength of our partnership with Ochsner Health. Together, we are committed to delivering expert, high-quality care to patients in our Slidell community.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/8cWj50Zw7Kt

Learn more about Slidell Memorial Hospital: https://ow.ly/gohJ50Zw7K0

We are excited to announce that The Bookman Fair is back August 6 & 7! This is the perfect opportunity to stock up on great books for your family and friends while supporting a wonderful cause.
The proceeds from The Bookman Fair benefit the SMH Foundation Medical School Scholarship program and help grow the Volunteer Services fund which allows us to grant more scholarships and opportunities for our future medical school students!
Slidell Memorial Hospital Ochsner Health

https://thebookman504.com/

An ‘A’ bond rating from S&P Global Ratings means confidence in Slidell Memorial Hospital’s financial strength and future.

That strong rating supports voter-approved investments that will expand access to care and enhance services across our community, including:

🔹 A larger Emergency Department
🔹 Expanded cancer care services
🔹 A new Women and Infants Center with advanced technology
🔹 A family-centered pediatric and primary care center
🔹 Updated imaging equipment
🔹 Additional parking and improved access to care

S&P Global Ratings also cited the hospital’s positive operating performance, strengthened through its partnership with Ochsner Health.

These investments are helping ensure advanced, high-quality care remains close to home for the families and communities we serve today and for years to come.

S&P Global Ratings affirms Slidell Memorial Hospital’s ‘A’ rating, revises outlook to stable

🚧 A sneak peek at what’s to come for moms and growing families in our community.

Construction is well underway on the new Women & Infants Center at Slidell Memorial Hospital East, and we’re excited to share a glimpse of the future of maternity and newborn care in our region.

For 67 years, generations of families have welcomed their babies at Slidell Memorial Hospital — a place filled with first cries, first photos and unforgettable new beginnings. Now, a new chapter is taking shape.

Later this year, we’ll begin opening the new Women & Infants Center, designed to provide advanced technology, personalized care and family-centered experiences for moms, babies and their loved ones.

This investment is made possible through the growing partnership between Slidell Memorial Hospital and Ochsner Health, combining a shared vision for community care, expanded resources and medical expertise to strengthen health care services for generations to come.

Families can look forward to:

🔹 Private NICU rooms designed for bonding and healing

🔹 Advanced monitoring technology for moms and babies

🔹Alternative birthing options tailored to your birth plan

🔹 A destination Women & Infants Center with convenient OB/GYN services on the first floor

Beginning in December 2026, all maternity and newborn delivery services will move to:

Slidell Memorial Hospital East Women & Infants Center
100 Medical Center Drive
Slidell, LA 70461

New place. Same heart. Still your community hospital.

Learn more about labor and delivery at Slidell Memorial Hospital https://l1nq.com/hzit852

Sometimes, all it takes is a warm smile and a caring presence to change the course of someone's day. During a recent hospital stay, a patient had little interest in getting out of bed. But when Yolanda Mitchell walked into the room with her "big, beaming smile," she quickly put the patient at ease. What began as a simple interaction turned into laughter, conversation and a meaningful connection.

"By the time they came back, he was laughing and joking with her and very much at ease."

Moments like these embody the spirit of the TULIP Award — Touching Unique Lives in Practice. The award recognizes clinical support team members who go above and beyond to provide extraordinary care, compassion and support to patients and their families.

Yolanda, a physical therapy assistant at Slidell Memorial Hospital East, was honored for the warmth, reassurance and professionalism she brings to every patient interaction. Her nomination highlighted not only her ability to put patients at ease, but also the confidence she instilled through a thorough assessment and clear communication.

Congratulations, Yolanda, on this well-deserved recognition. Thank you for touching unique lives through the care you provide every day at Slidell Memorial Hospital East.

✨ 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

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.

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.

Restful sleep is an important part of a healthy pregnancy, and knowing the best sleep positions can help you stay more comfortable as your body changes.

Leslie L. Weeks, MD, shares expert tips on side sleeping, pillow support and simple ways to improve sleep throughout every stage of pregnancy.

Best Sleeping Positions During Pregnancy: 5 Tips for Better Rest | Ochsner Health Learn the best sleeping positions during pregnancy, plus expert tips to improve comfort, reduce common sleep challenges and get better rest throughout each trimester.