Search Results

Memorial Hosptial is working to protect our patients, visitors, staff and community. We are working with the Randolph County Health Department, Illinois Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Top of Page Testing Patient and Visitor Information Frequently Asked Questions Vaccination Results COVID-19 Information ! Memorial Hospital is working to protect our patients, visitors, staff and community. We are working with the Randolph County Health Department, Illinois Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Testing Results Vaccinaion FAQs Patients & Visitors Masking Policy Memorial Hospital is monitoring COVID-19 resurgence levels. If the community is under a resurgence of the illness, masks could be required. Please follow any marked signage at entrances regarding masking. All patients, visitors, and staff will be required to wear a mask in the following settings: Have suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection or other respiratory infection (e.g., those with runny nose, cough, sneeze); or Had close contact (patients and visitors) or a higher-risk exposure with someone with COVID-19 infection, for 10 days after their exposure; or Source control is recommended by public health authorities Individual employees, visitors, and patients are welcome to continue to wear source control based on personal preference. Individuals that have suspected or confirmed COVID infection or other respiratory infection and or known close contact with COVID positive individual must wear mask while in our facility Testing COVID-19 Testing Updated 8/14/2024 Anyone needing a COVID-19 test, will need to call their provider FIRST to obtain an order. Patients will not be able to receive testing by just showing up. (effective as of May 12, 2023) TESTING HOURS: Monday-Friday 6:00am-6:00pm TESTING PROCESS: We are no longer offering drive-up testing. Must have a Dr. order Must wear a droplet mask when entering building Register with admitting rep. Explain why you are there Registration will notify lab of potential Covid patient coming to lab to be swabbed If patient is positive for Covid, someone from the hospital or clinic will contact patient RESULTS: If you have not been contacted with your results AFTER 3 days, you can call the hospital for results at 618-826-4581 ext 1349 Monday-Friday 7a-3p and ext. 1235 after hours and on weekends. You will be contacted by one of our nurses if your results are positive. Need a Copy of Your Results? If you need a copy of your COVID-19 Results you can: Request a copy of results from Memorial Hospital, call 618-826-4581 ext. 1241 or 1247. Request a copy of results from Chester Clinic/Steeleville Family Practice provider, call 618-826-2388. Results Billing Related to COVID-19 Testing Guidelines and your insurance coverage may change for testing. We recommend that you contact your health insurance carrier for specifics on your benefit coverage. Coverage requirements may vary by Medicare, Medicaid, Commercial, and self-funded plans. COVID -19 Symptoms include: Fever or chills Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Fatigue Muscle or body aches Headache New loss of taste or smell Sore throat Congestion or runny nose Nausea or vomiting Diarrhea COVID-19 Vaccination Updated 10/20/2022 COVID-19 Vaccines are available in Randolph County! Call the Randolph County Health Department to schedule yours at 618-826-5007. Vaccination Memorial Hospital's COVID-19 Hotline Available Monday-Friday 7:00am-3:00pm 618-826-4581 ext 1349 Staff members will be available to answer your COVID-19 questions regarding testing and what to do if you were exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19. Is Memorial Hospital testing for COVID-19? Yes. A physicians order is required for testing. See testing instructions above. I was exposed to a positive COVID-19 patient. What do I do? If you are having symptoms, you need to call your provider and explain your symptoms and your exposure and determine if you need tested. If you are not having symptoms and feel that you were exposed, you need to stay home, monitor your temp and your symptoms. Report any symptoms and/or fever to your provider. Are you having symptoms? Fever, Sore throat, cough, shortness of breath? Yes Call your provider and explain your symptoms and he/she will determine if you need testing or if you need to stay home. No Monitor you symptoms twice a day and report any symptoms to your provider Stay at home. Frequently Asked Questions Memorial Hospital Patient and Visitor Information Updated 8/14/2024 1. All visitors and patients exhibiting respiratory symptoms will be given a droplet mask to wear, and be asked to receive Covid testing in our out patient lab. 2. Covid positive patients are not permitted to have visitors in room. Modifications to this policy can be accommodated in certain end of life, compassionate care or other special circumstances. (please assist these visitors on proper donning and doffing of PPE, and hand hygiene Patient and Visitor Information

Memorial Hospital offers the Home Noxturnal Sleep Study. This service is available to qualifying patients for simplification, increased efficiency in the comfort of their own home. This portable monitor is very easy to use with a full set up and instruction by a sleep specialist. Memorial Hospital offers the Home Noxturnal Sleep Study This service is available to qualifying patients for simplification, increased efficiency in the comfort of their own home. This portable monitor is very easy to use with a full set up and instruction by a sleep specialist from Memorial Hospital. Contact your provider to find out if you are a candidate. Download Brochure Sleep Disorder Treatment & Sleep Lab Physicians typically refer patients to the Sleep Lab when they display signs and symptoms of possible sleep disorder. Signs and symptoms of sleep disorders may include; morning headaches, daytime fatigue, daytime sleepiness, snoring, waking up gasping for air, irritability, anxiety, depression, loss of concentration, falling asleep while driving, increased work place accidents, high blood pressure. Other circumstances in our daily lives may cause these signs and systems. Sleep Hygiene or other medical conditions should be discussed with your physician to determine which path of treatment is right for you. Once your physician reviews your signs and symptoms along with a physical exam, he/she may determine a sleep study is right for you. During the sleep study the sleep technician will monitor brain waves, eye movements, muscle activity, multiple breathing variables, heart rate/rhythm, position, limb movements, and blood oxygen levels during sleep, using specialized recording equipment. Sleep problems and disorders have been linked to a multitude of short and long-term health problems. Studies have shown that some patients with chronic sleep disorders may be at higher risk for blood pressure and heart disease. If you feel that you or someone you know may be suffering from a sleep disorder, there is help. Contact your family physician to discuss your symptoms. Memorial Hospital has been providing sleep diagnostic testing since 1998. Memorials registered polysmnographist (sleep technician) is a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Memorial Hospital is also a Community Sleep Awareness Partner of the National Sleep Foundation. Terry M. Brown, D.O. Sleep Medicine Learn More Achieve Better Sleep: Tips and Insights from Memorial Hospital's Sleep Lab Memorial Hospital Achieves Sleep Lab Accreditation with ACHC How to Spot Sleep Apnea Early To learn more about our sleep center or services we provide, please call 618-826-4581 Sleep Lab ext. 1106 | Cardiopulmonary ext.1283 HOURS: Cardiopulmonary Mondays-Friday 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Weekends and Holidays 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sleep Lab Tech Hours Sundays-Tuesdays 6:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Scoring Tech Hours Tuesdays-Thursdays 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Director’s Sleep Lab Hours Tuesdays-Thursdays 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On call coverage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call our toll free number 833-687-6502

Ryan Schaal, PT, DPT is the Program Director at Memorial's Therapy & Sports Rehab Center in Chester, IL. He joined the team in December 2021 and has over 10 years of experience in Physical Therapy. He is passionate about physical fitness and overall wellness. BACK TO ALL PROVIDERS Doctor of Physical Therapy/Program Director Ryan Schaal, PT, DPT Ryan graduated from Graceland University in Lamoni, IA in 2008. He then attended the University of Missouri and graduated in 2011 with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. He has been a staff therapist at hospitals and clinics, as well as a network development coordinator, general manager, and program director at locations throughout Missouri. He joined the Memorial Hospital, Therapy & Sports Rehab Center as a DPT and Program Director in December of 2021.He loves helping people and seeing patients progress through their programs and meet their goals. He is passionate about physical fitness and overall wellness, loves football and being active outdoors fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family. The Therapy & Sports Rehab Center is open:Monday, Wednesday & Friday 7am-5:30pmTuesday & Thursday 7am-5pmTo schedule an appointment call 618-826-4588 Physical Therapy Therapy & Sports Rehab Center More Info "Leaking When You Sneeze? How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help" Hospital News May 9, 2024 Memorial Hospital Hosts Go Red for Women Event Our Community Feb 26, 2024 The Unique Role of Occupational Therapy in Rehabilitation of the Hand Health Information Jul 15, 2021 April is Occupational Therapy Month: Managing your Arthritis and Chronic Disease Health Information Apr 27, 2021 Regain Your Balance Health Information Mar 23, 2021 Healing Through Rehab Health Information Jan 26, 2021

Dr. Samuel Medaris provides ENT specialty clinic hours at Memorial Hospital weekly and utilizes the Same Day Surgery department for procedures. He specializes in Ear, Nose and Throat/Otolaryngology. Dr. Medaris provides consultations on the following: • Postnasal Drip • Deviated Septum • Nasal Tumors • Sore Throat • Tonsillitis • Laryngitis • Vocal Cord Conditions • Snoring or Sleep Apnea • Hearing Loss • Ringing in Your Ears • Ear Infections • Ruptured Eardrum • Hole in Eardrum • Sinus Infection • Nosebleeds To learn more about surgical procedures performed for ears, nose, and throat visit www.mhchester.com/surgical-procedures or call Memorial Hospital Specialty Clinic at (618) 826-4581 ext. 1366

Kristyn Riley, Women's Health Physical Therapist at Memorial Hospital's Therapy and Sports Rehab Center specializes in treatment and therapy for many conditions that may be causing pain, discomfort, and disruptions due to pelvic floor weakness or dysfunction. A pelvic floor is made up of the muscles that support the urinary and reproductive tracts. These muscles also control your bladder and bowels. Functions include: support for your abdominal and pelvic organs, controlling your ability to hold or release contents of your bladder and bowels, sexual function, and posture. A women's health physical therapist goes through additional post graduate training to evaluate and treat musculoskeletal conditions specific to women, including: • Pregnancy and post-partum related issues • Pelvic pain • Urinary or fecal incontinence • Pelvic organ prolapse Pelvic floor muscles can become stretched during childbirth, weak with aging, or hypertonic with increased stress. If you experience any of the following, you may benefit from seeing a women's health PT: • Leaking of urine or feces when you cough, sneeze, jump, or perform any other form of exercise • Frequent need to urinate, strong urgency or feeling of incomplete ability to empty your bladder • Any leaking of urine, unrelated to movement or activity. • Pain with intercourse or gynecological exam • Pregnant and experiencing back pain, pubic symphysis pain, hip pain, or round ligament pain • History of childbirth and have diastasis recti (when your belly sticks out because the space between your left and right belly muscles has widened) or problems with a c-section scar • Pelvic pressure or prolapse During your first consultation with Kristyn she will ask a variety of questions regarding your symptoms, family history, and health history. Then she will perform a physical exam of your posture, lower back and SIJ movement, abdominal muscle function, and hip muscle flexibility. An internal assessment of the pelvic floor may be needed to assess the following: • Muscle Tone • Flexibility • Pain • Prolapse • Coordination • Strength, Endurance • Patient's Ability to Voluntarily Contract or Relax A treatment plan typically consist of 1-2 visits per week over a span of 8-12 weeks. Many patients reach their goals within just 4-8 in-person visits. Ask your doctor for a referral to Kristyn Riley, Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in Women's Health Physical Therapy.

Endoscopy is a procedure that lets your doctor look inside your body. It uses an instrument called an endoscope, or scope for short. Scopes have a tiny camera attached to a long, thin tube. The doctor moves it through a body passageway or opening to see inside an organ. Sometimes scopes are used for surgery, such as for removing polyps from the colon. There are many different kinds of endoscopy. Here are the names of some of them and where they look. • Arthroscopy: joints • Bronchoscopy: lungs • Colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy: large intestine • Cystoscopy and ureteroscopy: urinary system • Laparoscopy: abdomen or pelvis • Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: esophagus and stomach

BECK Nursing Students: 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. Throughout the semester, students will rotate through a variety of departments, including Chester Clinic, Specialty Clinic, Emergency Department, Infusion, Surgery, and Medical-Surgical. This broad exposure will allow students to develop essential nursing skills while experiencing the unique aspects of healthcare delivery in a community hospital setting. “We are proud to partner with Beck School of Nursing to help prepare the next generation of nurses,” said Susan Diddlebock, Chief Nursing Officer at Memorial Hospital. “These students bring enthusiasm, dedication, and fresh perspectives that benefit both our staff and the patients we serve.” The partnership reflects Memorial Hospital’s ongoing commitment to supporting healthcare education and workforce development. By providing real-world training opportunities, the hospital ensures that students gain the knowledge and confidence needed to excel in their nursing careers. Memorial Hospital welcomes the Beck School of Nursing LPN students and looks forward to a successful semester of learning, collaboration, and service to the community.

Heather Cheaney, APRN, FNP-BC 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. Heather’s first clinic is scheduled on Monday, September 8th, 2025, with clinics initially planned for Monday mornings, every 2nd and 4th week. Heather has been a registered nurse since 1999, graduating at that time with an Associate of Science in Nursing from St. John’s School of Nursing, Southwest Baptist University at Springfield, Missouri, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Southwest Baptist University at Boliver, Missouri in 2000. Heather attended Southeast Missouri State University at Cape Girardeau, completing a Master of Science in Nursing (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Family Nurse Practitioner) in 2016. She is board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

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. Through monthly presentations and hands-on experiences led by professionals from the Hospital and partnering organizations, students gain valuable exposure to real-world medical careers. The program began with 23 students in its first year, but like many initiatives, it faced an unexpected challenge when the COVID-19 pandemic forced an early end to the inaugural session in March 2020. Rather than pause indefinitely, Memorial Hospital adapted by launching a virtual version of the program for the 2020–2021 year. Twenty-five students enrolled and remained highly engaged through online sessions, where they heard from professionals across various healthcare disciplines. By the fall, in-person meetings resumed with safety protocols in place. The students’ continued enthusiasm during this time reflected their resilience and deep interest in caring for others. Memorial Hospital is now entering its sixth year, as a registered Exploring Post with the Boy Scouts of America. The Medical Explorers Program has welcomed more than 140 participants from across the region since its start. Students from Chester, Trico, Steeleville, Sparta, Gibault, and Red Bud High Schools, as well as Southwestern Illinois College and homeschool programs, have taken part. The program is open to high school students age 14 years and older, as well as college students up to age 20, who reside in Randolph County, Illinois, and neighboring counties including Perry County and Ste. Genevieve Counties in Missouri. Participation is completely free, with all registration fees covered by Chester Cohen Funds, Memorial Hospital, and required apparel provided by the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. Each year, the program’s schedule is thoughtfully curated to expose students to a wide range of healthcare careers. Presenters include professionals from departments such as nursing, pharmacy, laboratory, diagnostic imaging, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and both family medicine and specialty providers. Guest speakers from outside organizations such as MedStar Ambulance, Chester Family Dental, Rheinecker Chiropractic, ComWell, AirEvac, and local fire and police departments further enrich the experience. According to Program Director Mariah Bargman, the goal is to introduce new careers each year to ensure returning students continue to learn and explore. “You never know what will be the spark that sets a student on their future path,” she says. “Those who join the program multiple years, walk away with a broader and deeper understanding of the many health care career opportunities available.” Students participate in a variety of hands-on activities that allow them to use diagnostic equipment, start IVs, draw blood, practice suturing, and take vital signs. These experiences often complement what students may be learning in school or in advanced programs such as those at the Career Center of Southern Illinois, helping them build confidence and practical skills. “This program is truly about building understanding and confidence,” says Bargman. “It is amazing to watch the students grow in their understanding and comprehension of how everything fits together. When we interview potential employees, we can see a difference in those who have been immersed in a program like Medical Explorers or job shadowed as a student versus those who have not.” The program’s impact extends beyond education. Since 2019, Memorial Hospital has hired 12 former Explorers into roles in nursing, diagnostic imaging, laboratory, admitting, and medical records, an 8% hire rate that is expected to grow as more alumni complete their degrees. Former Explorers are currently pursuing careers in occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, nursing, health administration, pharmaceuticals, surgery, social work, physician assistant programs, art therapy, military service specialties, and other health-related or non-healthcare fields. While not every student chooses a healthcare career, the program helps them make informed decisions about their future, saving time and money in the long run. The program also helps Memorial Hospital address staffing shortages by cultivating a pipeline of local talent committed to serving their communities. “Our rural communities face unique challenges when it comes to recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals,” says Brett Bollmann, CEO of Memorial Hospital. “The Medical Explorers Program is one of the most effective tools we have to grow our own workforce. By engaging students early and showing them the value of serving their hometowns, we’re not only filling critical roles we’re strengthening the future of rural healthcare.” In addition to educational presentations, students can shadow professionals in departments of their choice, gaining real-world insight into their areas of interest. High school seniors and college students are eligible for an annual scholarship from the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, and they are introduced to additional scholarships, tuition reimbursement opportunities, and educational experiences through Memorial and other institutions such as South Central Illinois Area Health Education Centers (AHEC). In 2023, Memorial Hospital expanded its outreach by launching the Junior Explorers Camp, a three-day summer program for students entering grades six through eight. The camp offers department tours, first aid training, hands-on activities, and engaging presentations designed to introduce younger students to the many careers available in healthcare. The fast-paced format keeps students engaged and gives them a glimpse into the wide range of roles beyond doctors and nurses that exist within the hospital and the broader rural healthcare system. Through both the Medical Explorers Program and the Junior Explorers Camp , Memorial Hospital is investing in the future of healthcare by inspiring the next generation of professionals and strengthening the connection between education and community service.