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The Torch
Memorial Hospital's Community Healthcare Blog, TORCH, is your resource for information regarding providers, services, classes and events at Memorial Hospital our rural health clinics and rehab center. You will also find stories on MH and employee honors and awards. Subscribe to our blog by signing up below. Or subscribe to our quarterly newsletter, The Lamp, and receive the latest news directly to your inbox.
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DAISY Awards Presented at Memorial Hospital
On December 22, 2025, Memorial Hospital of Chester held its DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses recognition ceremony. Memorial Hospital’s DAISY Award Honoree for the second half of 2025 is Michelle Tripp.
Memorial Hospital
Dec 23, 20253 min read
Memorial Hospital Conducts Emergency Preparedness Drill to Strengthen Readiness
Memorial Hospital successfully conducted a full‑scale emergency preparedness drill on December 18, bringing together staff from across the organization, including participants from the Chester Rural Health Clinic, for a comprehensive training scenario designed to enhance readiness for real‑world emergencies.
Memorial Hospital
Dec 22, 20252 min read
Memorial Hospital Hosts Hands-On Nursing Skills Day
At Memorial Hospital, training and education are not one-time events, they are a continuous investment in the safety, confidence, and excellence of our care teams. Skills Day is a cornerstone of that commitment, ensuring that every nurse is equipped to respond swiftly and skillfully in any emergency, and to deliver the highest quality care to our community every day.
Memorial Hospital
Dec 10, 20252 min read
Memorial Hospital Newmark Award and Service Awards 2025
Memorial Hospital honors Service Award Recipients, Retirees, and recognizes Newmark Award recipient, Chris Yankey at their annual party.
Memorial Hospital
Nov 11, 20252 min read
Torrie Davitz Earns CRHCP Credential
Memorial Hospital is proud to announce that Torrie Davitz, Rural Health Clinic Director, has earned the Certified Rural Health Clinic Professional (CRHCP) credential after completing the National Association for Rural Health Clinic Professional (NARHC) Academy course and testing on October 29, 2025.
Memorial Hospital
Nov 6, 20251 min read
Westmoreland Receives Employee of the Quarter
Brett Bollmann, CEO at Memorial Hospital named Ashley Westmoreland Employee of the Quarter for the Third Quarter 2025 on November 5, 2025.
Memorial Hospital
Nov 5, 20252 min read
Chemotherapy and Infusion Care at Memorial Hospital
At Memorial Hospital our Chemotherapy and Infusion Center is where clinical expertise meets genuine compassion. From the moment you arrive, our Certified Nursing Staff focuses on your comfort and safety.
Memorial Hospital
Oct 30, 20252 min read
Memorial Hospital Hosts Emergency Decontamination Training to Strengthen Regional Preparedness
Memorial Hospital in Chester, hosted a comprehensive Emergency Decontamination Training session, welcoming both its own Decontamination team and three members from Sparta Community Hospital’s Decon team.
Memorial Hospital
Oct 7, 20251 min read
Memorial Hospital Earns ISHMPR Merit Award for Community Outreach
The Merit Award represents the second highest honor in its category and recognizes the hospital’s innovative campaign introducing the new Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehab Center to area residents
Memorial Hospital
Sep 29, 20252 min read
Memorial Hospital Welcomes Beck School of Nursing LPN Students for Fall 2025 Clinical Rotations
Memorial Hospital is excited to welcome Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) students from Beck School of Nursing to its facility for the Fall 2025 semester. Beginning this fall, students will complete clinical rotations every Wednesday, working 12-hour shifts alongside hospital staff to gain hands-on experience in patient care.
Memorial Hospital
Aug 28, 20251 min read
Welcome New ENT Provider
We are pleased to announce Heather Cheaney, APRN, FNP-BC will be joining the team of specialty providers at Memorial Hospital. Heather works with Dr. Samuel Medaris and will offer ENT clinic visits at the specialty clinic starting in September.
Memorial Hospital
Aug 21, 20251 min read
Memorial Hospital’s Medical Explorers Program: Guiding Students Toward Meaningful Careers in Healthcare
Since its launch in September 2019, Memorial Hospital’s Medical Explorers Program has been guiding students toward meaningful careers in healthcare, particularly within rural communities. The program was introduced at Memorial to help high school and college students discover the wide range of professional opportunities available in the healthcare field.
Memorial Hospital
Aug 18, 20254 min read
Burmester Receives Employee of the Quarter
Brett Bollmann, CEO at Memorial Hospital named Anna Burmester Employee of the Quarter for the Second Quarter 2025 on July 22, 2025.
Memorial Hospital
Jul 23, 20252 min read
Memorial Hosts 3rd Annual Junior Explorers Camp
Memorial Hospital hosted its third annual Junior Explorers Camp from June 25–27, welcoming twelve enthusiastic students entering grades 6–8 for a hands-on introduction to the world of healthcare.
Memorial Hospital
Jun 30, 20252 min read
Memorial Hospital Laboratory Receives Re-Accreditation From College of American Pathologists
Memorial Hospital Laboratory in Chester, Illinois has once again demonstrated its commitment to excellence by earning accreditation from the College of American Pathologists (CAP), the gold standard in laboratory accreditation.
Memorial Hospital
Jun 11, 20251 min read
DAISY Awards Presented at Memorial Hospital: First Half of 2025
Memorial Hospital named John Havel the DAISY Award recipient for the first half of 2025.
Memorial Hospital
May 13, 20255 min read
Smith Receives Employee of the Quarter
Brett Bollmann, CEO at Memorial Hospital named Heather Smith Employee of the Quarter for the First Quarter 2025 on April 16, 2025.
Memorial Hospital
Apr 17, 20252 min read
Memorial Hospital Congratulates Kathy Winkler on Retirement; Welcomes Amy Kloos as New Director of Pharmacy
Congratulations to Kathy Winkler, Director of Pharmacy, on her retirement after 35 years of service. Welcome to Amy Kloos, new Director.
Memorial Hospital
Apr 8, 20252 min read
Memorial Hospital’s Names Patient Safety Advocates for 2025
Memorial celebrates Patient Safety Advocates, Heather and Kathy, who were nominated by their co-workers.
Memorial Hospital
Mar 27, 20253 min read
Cardiac Pulmonary Rehab Center Staff Attend 2025 Illinois Society for Cardiopulmonary Health and Rehabilitation Conference
The insights gained from these sessions will be instrumental in enhancing the quality of care provided at the Cardiac Pulmonary Rehab Center
Memorial Hospital
Mar 26, 20251 min read
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