07/17/2026
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.
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.
