Cancer. Survivors. These two words are linked together more frequently than ever, and our Cancer Center is working to ensure the continued increase of cancer survivors in our area.
An estimated 22,000 people in our state will be diagnosed with cancer this year alone, and now they will have the peace of mind knowing premier cancer care is as close as their community hospital.
Slidell Memorial Hospital broke ground on the new regional cancer center in August 2009 with construction projected to be complete in 12-15 months. The new center will centralize all of the current cancer treatments underway at SMH and will be located next to Founders Medical Building on Robert Blvd. directly across Gause Blvd. from the hospital. Its location within close proximity to the hospital will give patients convenient access to both inpatient and outpatient services.
Area voters overwhelmingly approved the proposal in Nov. 2007 in support of a $17.5-million tax millage to create the new cancer facility. Due to the population increase in the area, the center could be built with existing millage rates while homeowners saw no increase in their tax rates.
The new center is expected to draw patients from the entire Gulf South, an exciting opportunity for both patients and physicians. In addition to the quality care this will bring to the community, the center is expected to generate jobs, both during construction and in staffing the center.
Most importantly, the Cancer Center at SMH will bring hope and healing to cancer patients and their families in our community.
The 2007 SMH Cancer Program Report is available for download here.
