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During the construction and renovation phase at Memorial Hospital, a photo contest was held to select local photos as artwork for the new spaces. The response was overwhelming, with multiple talented individuals submitting their work. Staff had the pleasure of anonymously selecting the photos they liked best for their new space. We are thrilled to announce the selected photographers whose beautiful images now adorn the new Medical Office Building and Memorial Hospital Outpatient Lab.   Charles Bargman of Chester had his photo of thick snow clinging to the branches on Fern Valley Road in winter selected. The tranquil and stunning scene is displayed in the main hallway of the new Chester Clinic.   Patricia Bradley of Ellis Grove had her photo of Tower Rock chosen for the new Lab at the Hospital. Taken from the Missouri side of the river, her image captures the large earth monument during a low river stage at sunset, with people walking around the rim of the stone visible in the left panel. Michael Feaman from Ellis Grove , a retiree from Memorial Hospital, submitted a vibrant photo of an orange sunset along the shadowed skyline of Ellis Grove. This striking image now stands out on the walls of the Chester Clinic. Keri Hamilton and son Brantley Hamilton of Rockwood   both had photographs selected for the new Convenient Care side of the Medical Office Building. Brantley's photos, taken for a 4-H project, include a combine during a wheat harvest and a cow at dusk, which can also be found in the new Specialty Clinic. Keri's photo features her daughter, helping daddy, as they walk past a large planter. Karla Klindworth of Chester had two photos selected: a flagpole during a full moon, decorating the waiting room in the Medical Office Building outpatient lab, and a serene seat along the Mississippi, displayed in the Chester Clinic and Hospital outpatient lab.   Heather Phelps from Chester and RN at Memorial captured a stunning view of a pond following a day of fishing. Her photo is a focal point at the end of the hallway at the Chester Clinic for all to see. The pristine lake reflects the sunset sky beautifully, creating a double image of the fantastic colors.   John Reith of Chester had multiple photos chosen for the first photo contest at Memorial Hospital, displayed in patient rooms on the Medical Surgical Unit. His new submission for Convenient Care depicts a long-lost tractor entangled in green vines and trees, discarded in Tilden. Megan Schoenherr of O’Fallon submitted her photo titled “Morning Landing” for the photo contest. A lover of art and photography with family ties to the Chester area, she was honored to have her photo selected. The beauty and splendor of the up-close shot highlights the details of the colorful Monarch butterfly on the bright pink flower. Emily Waeltz of Marissa , who previously had her photos selected for the new Specialty Clinic, had additional images chosen for the new Medical Office Building. Her sunflowers grace the walls of the Chester Clinic, and her new photo of a combine wrapping up the day at sunset is displayed in the triage room of Convenient Care.   Rick Weber of Waterloo had his photo of cherry blossoms in full bloom chosen for the Chester Clinic halls. This beautiful tree, planted in memory of a loved one, resides in his front yard. He was honored to share the beauty of this tree with the staff and patients at the clinic.   Lisa Wingerter of Chester and LPN at Memorial had her photo of an antique silo from a property in Rockwood selected. The shiny ceramic tiles of the large cylindrical structure along with the soft green moss in the cement seams provide a stunning shot on a sunny day.   Andria Zweigart of Evansville and Director of Diagnostic Imaging at Memorial had her close-up shot of red coral bells selected. The bright colors and enhanced imagery decorate the hallways of the Chester Clinic nicely.   Each winner received a gift of appreciation from Memorial. “The response from patients and photographers has been heartwarming,” said Mariah Bargman, Marketing and Community Relations Coordinator. “The photographers were honored to share their artwork with the community, and the patients and staff enjoy the beautiful imagery. It becomes a topic of conversation and joy. We love to hear the stories behind each photo.”   Memorial Hospital is proud to showcase the incredible talent of our local photographers and is grateful for their contributions to making our new spaces more welcoming and beautiful.

L-R: Susan Diddlebock, Paige Gendron, Ashley Schroeder, Dylan Dungan, and Kim Fedderke. On December 18, 2024, Memorial Hospital of Chester held a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses recognition ceremony. The DAISY Foundation was established in 1999 by the family of Patrick Barnes. Patrick died at 33 from complications of the autoimmune disease ITP. During his hospitalization, the family was very impressed by the clinical care of the nurses who care for Pat. So much so that they created a foundation to thank nurses that have grown to be international. This is their way of saying thank you to nurses for the extraordinary care they provide patients and families every day. DAISY is an acronym standing for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.   Nominees, for the second half of 2024, were presented with a pin and certificate. The nominees were: Rebekah Brueggemann, RN; Dylan Dungan, LPN; Kim Fedderke, RN; Paige Gendron, RN; and Kaity Smith, RN House Supervisor; all at Memorial Hospital and Ashley Schroeder, LPN at the Rural Health Clinics.   Memorial Hospital’s Daisy Award Honoree for the second half of 2024 is Dylan Dungan. Dylan received two nominations from patients. The submissions commended him for providing wonderful care, compassion, and grace for ALL patients.     During the ceremony, Susan Diddlebock, Chief Nursing Officer at Memorial, expressed her gratitude to staff following the reading of nominations. “Thank you to our nurses and staff for your commitment to healing here at Memorial Hospital. We hope that you will wear your DAISY pins proudly.”   Anyone can nominate a nurse for a DAISY Award. Nominations can be done at any time by paper or electronically at www.mhchester.com/DAISY-nominations . DAISY Award Recipient Dylan Dungan - " I have been to this ER many times and never have I gotten as wonderful of care as I have gotten today. This staff of ER nurses and ER doctor (Dr. Scott) are absolutely amazing and deserve recognition. I have got the best of care. I want to nominate Dylan Dugan for the Daisy award. " " Dylan is one of the most compassionate people I know. There are people that come into the ER that are a lot less fortunate then we are and can be hard to handle or unclean, even yelling and cussing, but Dylan always has a way to calm them down with his compassion, his kind words, or something as simple as 'Can I get you something?'. I said to him one day, 'Dylan, you are so kind to people and they love you so much.' His response to me was 'compassion can go along way.' He is absolutely right. We never know what a person may be going through and how a little compassion can go a long way. Thank you Dylan for you compassion and hard work. The world needs more people like you. " DAISY Award Nominations Rebekah Brueggemann - " She is very kind and polite. She is funny and is a very good nurse." Kim Fedderke - " From the very first time she walked into the room, she made me feel comfortable talking with her. I actually went to high school with her husband and she took care of my dad while he was getting his treatment. She also knows my sister, but this was the first time we had met. She made sure I had everything I needed and made sure I understood the new drugs and what they were for. We shared stories about our lives and memories of my nephew. Her son looked after him when he was younger as a big brother/protector. She surely made that last day in ICU go a little quicker. Kim is a sweet lady and a wonderful nurse." Paige Gendron - " I have been to this ER many times and never have I gotten as wonderful care as I have gotten today. This staff of ER nurses and ER doctor (Dr. Scott) are absolutely amazing and deserve recognition. I have got the best care. And I nominate Paige Gendron for the Daisy award." Ashley Schroeder - " Ashley is very kind, professional, considerate, helpful, and caring. She listens to you and understands you concerns. She also has a very sweet personality." Kaity Smith - " My mother was brought to the ED after having a possible seizure. She was transferred to Barnes in St. Louis. The ambulance service was very busy and delayed for several hours. Kaity switched beds for my mother, which made her wait more comfortable and also brought in a recliner so I would also be more comfortable. She also took the time to talk with my mother and made sure she was mentally prepared for the transfer. Kaity went above and beyond to make us comfortable. She is an asset to the ED."

Memorial Hospital, located in Chester, Illinois, is proud to announce it has achieved accreditation through the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) for the services of Home Sleep Testing and Sleep Lab Center Services. Elizabeth Brown, RPSGT, Sleep Technician and Georgia Stipe CRT, RPSGT, Director of Cardiopulmonary and Sleep Lab Accreditation is a process through which healthcare organizations demonstrate compliance with national standards. Accreditation by ACHC reflects an organization’s dedication and commitment to meeting standards that facilitate a higher level of performance and patient care. "This recognition reflects our dedication to providing exceptional care and our commitment to meeting rigorous standards. It assures our patients that they are receiving the highest quality of sleep care available," states Georgia Stipe, Cardiopulmonary and Sleep Lab Director. Memorial Hospital provides high-quality healthcare services to the residents of Chester and the surrounding communities. The hospital offers a wide range of services, including inpatient and outpatient care, specialty services, diagnostic imaging, emergency care, and community health programs. Their team of healthcare professionals is not only highly skilled but also deeply invested in the well-being of their patients. They take pride in their award-winning accomplishments and their ability to deliver top-tier healthcare in a secure and safe environment.   ACHC is a nonprofit organization that has stood as a symbol of quality and excellence since 1986. ACHC is ISO 9001:2015 certified and has CMS deeming authority for Home Health, Hospice and DMEPOS.

Memorial Hospital is proud to announce that it has been named a National Rural Rating System (NRRS) 5-Star Hospital for the third year in a row. This prestigious recognition is based on Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) patient satisfaction scores for overnight stays, with rankings compiled using data from certified Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services vendors.   Memorial Hospital is one of only 22 NRRS 5-star recipients nationwide and one of just four hospitals in Illinois to receive this honor. The NRRS five-star rating reflects Memorial’s ongoing commitment to meeting the unique healthcare needs of the rural community it serves. This recognition highlights the hospital’s success in providing outstanding medical services, despite the challenges often faced by rural healthcare facilities.  “We are incredibly honored to receive the NRRS 5-Star rating,” said Brett Bollmann, CEO of Memorial Hospital. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. We remain committed to providing exceptional healthcare services to our community and will continue to strive for excellence in all that we do.”   Memorial Hospital extends its heartfelt thanks to its dedicated team of healthcare professionals, whose efforts and unwavering commitment to patient care have made this achievement possible. Memorial Hospital is proud to be a “Partner in Building a Healthier Community”.

Memorial Hospital is excited to announce the launch of this year's Medical Explorers Program, a unique opportunity for high school students to gain hands-on experience in various medical fields. This program aims to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals by providing them with an immersive look into the medical industry. The Medical Explorers Program is designed to offer students a comprehensive understanding of different medical departments and the roles within them. This year, participants will have the chance to explore the following departments: ER Nursing, Dentistry with Chester Family Dental, OR Nursing, Memorial's Rural Health Clinic, Diagnostic Imaging, Medical Laboratory, and Pharmacy. Additionally, students will participate in a First Responder Night at the Chester Fire House, where they will learn about emergency response and the critical role of first responders in the Fire Department, Police Department, and EMS Ambulance. We are proud to welcome a diverse group of students from various schools and grades. Chester High School: Monica Anaya, Brenna Astin, Aubry Bowles, Gabe Coffman, Natalie Guetersloh, Natalie Guethle, Emily Heinemeyer, Kaylin Jany, Olivia Sellers, Rylee Shemonic, Jessie Stumpe, Kenna Thompson, Taylor Throop, and Morgan Throop. Gibault High School: Peyton Schaefer. Red Bud High School: Katie Deterding. Steeleville High School: Emma Batson, Elly Buch, Karlie Kranz, Kamryn Patterson, Lexi Smith, Ella Tripp, Karsen Wedemeyer, and Madilynn Yates. Trico High School: Aubrey Cotter, Makayla Gordon, Madi Holt, Adie Knop, and Jaelyn Kranawetter. These students will engage in practical activities and observe professionals in action, gaining valuable insights into the medical field. Explorers will have the opportunity to job shadow and interact with experienced healthcare providers, ask questions, and receive guidance on pursuing a career in healthcare. Memorial Hospital is committed to improving the quality of life for the communities we serve through exceptional healthcare and service excellence. Our Medical Explorers Program is just one of the many ways we strive to inspire and educate future, rural, healthcare professionals.

Memorial Hospital hosted their Fall Party at the VFW in Chester on Friday, November 1st. Service Awards Many employees were celebrated for their years of service. Brett Bollmann, CEO, presented the following employees with their Service Awards: 5 Years , Rebekah Brueggemann, Tabatha Colvis, Amanda Crites, Deepa Dummi, Mary Lynn Eaton, Stephanie Guethle, Stephanie Knop, Tammy Light, April Loos, Tina Pickett, Sarah Rathert, Kristen Schwartz, and Krystal Willis. 10 Years , Valerie Blechle, CyBill DeRousse, Amelia Goetz, Trevor Kelkhoff, Angela Ledbetter, Joetta McFarland, Amanda Rhyne, and David Salger. 15 Years , Angela Albertini and Laurie Pecaut. 20 Years , Lisa LaRose, Allyson McGee, Emily Schroeder, Debra Stenberg, and Denise Wilson. 25 Years , Renee Brown, Carrie Jo Dierks, and Tara Wittenborn. 30 Years , Dr. Lisa Lowry-Rohlfing and Melissa Soellner. 35 Years , Kenneth Stout. Retirees Following the Service Awards, the 2024 retirees were recognized for their years of services as well. Those honored included: Tia Reid - 15 Years, Donna Martin in Memoriam - 20 Years, Donna Schroeder - 21 Years, Laura Cleiman - 22 Years, Kari Schaefer - 22 Years, Carla Fedderke - 28 Years, Jeanette Decker - 31 Years, Deb Mevert - 37 Years, and Sue Robinson - 44 Years. Israel D. Newmark Award Memorial Hospital proudly announced the recipient of the 2024 Israel D. Newmark Memorial Award at the event. This year’s honoree, Ryan Petrowske, received the award from Chief of Staff, Dr. James Krieg. The Israel D. Newmark Memorial Award, established in 1988 by the Newmark family, is a prestigious accolade given annually to an outstanding employee who has significantly contributed to the quality of patient care at the hospital. This award celebrates individuals who demonstrate dedication, positivity, exceptional work ethic, and a strong commitment to the hospital’s mission and values. Ryan Petrowske, who has been a project foreman in the Maintenance Department since 2016, was praised by his colleagues for his exemplary service. Dr. Krieg shared their sentiments, stating, “This employee exemplifies Memorial Hospital’s mission through their dedication, positivity, and exceptional work ethic. They are a role model who values quality, safety, and teamwork, consistently going the extra mile and making others feel valued. Their significant contributions to the new Medical Office Building and their commitment to the hospital’s best interests highlight their integrity and genuine commitment to their job.”   Expressing his gratitude, Petrowske said, “I like having an opportunity to do construction work close to home that truly impacts our community. I see many friends walk through our doors needing healthcare services. Working here I get to be part of an amazing team that provides that service. It has been a privilege to have the opportunity to work with so many incredible people.”

Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce the opening of the Chester Clinic in the newly constructed Medical Office Building (MOB) connected to the hospital. This state-of-the-art facility, which began construction on September 5, 2023, is now operational ahead of its original early 2025 completion date, with the clinic celebrating their ribbon cutting on October 28, 2024.   The new location offers a comprehensive range of services, including primary care excellence with routine check-ups, preventive care, and chronic condition management provided by our Family Practice Providers. Patients can now access advanced imaging and laboratory testing conveniently located down the hall. Additionally, the Memorial Community Pharmacy offers convenient prescription pick-ups. Designed with staff workflows and patient convenience in mind, the building features a spacious canopy for easy patient drop-off and a covered hallway that seamlessly connects it to the existing hospital.   “We are thrilled to open the Chester Clinic in this modern facility, which shows our commitment to providing exceptional care and convenience to our patients,” said Brett Bollmann, CEO of Memorial Hospital. “This move enhances access to primary care and integrates our services more closely, ensuring a smoother experience for our community.”   The clinic will operate Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours available on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting at 7:00am. The Steeleville Family Practice will remain open and continue to serve patients in the Steeleville area, ensuring that the community has access to the same high-quality, compassionate care they have come to rely on.   Convenient Care will also be opening in the MOB at a later date, with walk-in services for non-emergency medical needs. This addition will provide patients with greater flexibility and access to care for minor illnesses and injuries, further enhancing the comprehensive healthcare services available at Memorial Hospital.   In addition to the new clinic space, the MOB project includes significant upgrades to the existing parking lot and drive, such as a drive-thru for prescription pick-ups at the Memorial Community Pharmacy. These improvements are part of Memorial Hospital’s long-term strategy to enhance patient-centered healthcare, safety, and employee well-being.   Over the past six years, Memorial Hospital has continuously updated its facilities to meet the evolving needs of the community. “At Memorial, we are committed to delivering professional excellence and ensuring the delivery of safe, quality healthcare, compassion, and outstanding service to our patients, the community, and our staff,” added Bollmann. “We are dedicated to building a healthier community and are grateful for our skilled staff who support our mission and provide exceptional care to our patients.”

Brett Bollmann, CEO at Memorial Hospital named Charles Bargman II Employee of the Quarter for the Third Quarter 2024 on October 9, 2024.   Charles Bargman II, Maintenance Technician and Bio Med Coordinator, has worked at Memorial Hospital since December 2023. When asked what he likes most about working at Memorial, he replied, “the small town, family-like atmosphere. Everyone is willing to help each other out.”    His co-workers who nominated him wrote, “he is very responsive when work order tickets are put in for maintenance and helping to get items fixed. He wants to make sure things are done correctly and works well with staff. He recently had to deal with a hazmat and decontamination situation and took charge, handling the situation well. He made sure the staff were safe and is always professional. He listens to concerns, is helpful, calm, knowledgeable, and a problem solver.”   Bargman resides in Chester, IL with his wife Mariah and their two boys, Duncan and Evan. Outside of the hospital he enjoys spending time with his family and friends and serving his community with the Chester Fire Department and Randolph County Emergency Management.   Each quarter employees are encouraged to submit “star cards” for their co-workers who go above and beyond in their patient care or teamwork. Four random cards were drawn at the award presentation for Melissa Collins, Linen Clerk; Adrianne Caby, Surgery RN; Deana Tudor, Surgery RN; and Richard Clasen, Director of Information Systems.

The Wound Center at Memorial Hospital's Specialty Clinic is proud to announce that it has been honored with the RestorixHealth Excellence in Patient Satisfaction Award. This award is a testament to the clinic’s unwavering commitment to providing superior patient care and achieving outstanding patient satisfaction. The Wound Center at Memorial Hospital isn't just a place for treatment. Specializing in non-healing wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers, venous ulcers, and pressure ulcers, the center's dedication to each patient's well-being is truly commendable. Led by Dr. Margret DeGuzman and Angela Albertini, PA-C, the team at Memorial's Wound Center combines expertise and empathy to deliver unparalleled care. Recipients of the RestorixHealth Excellence in Patient Satisfaction Award have demonstrated exceptional performance in overall patient satisfaction, reflecting the dedication and hard work of the entire wound center staff. This recognition underscores the clinic’s mission to deliver high-quality, compassionate care to all patients. Patient excellence isn't just a goal at Memorial's Wound Center; it's a standard.

Memorial Hospital in Chester, IL received the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) 2023-2024 EMS Education Mini Awards grant. Thanks to this grant, the hospital provided bleed control training and kits to schools in the Chester and Steeleville districts, ensuring that these educational institutions are well-prepared to handle emergencies effectively.   Bleeding incidents, though rare, can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly and effectively. According to STOP THE BLEED, "the number 1 cause of preventable death after injury is bleeding." Kim Ruebke, Memorial’s ER Nurse Manager, led the training sessions, assisted by Deb Mevert, OR Nurse Manager, Mariah Bargman, Community Relations Coordinator and BLS Instructor, and Memorial's OR nursing staff. The team conducted trainings in the spring of 2024 for the Chester public High School and Elementary School, St. John Lutheran School in Chester, and St. Mark’s Lutheran School in Steeleville. In August of 2024, Memorial wrapped up their training program with St. Mary's Catholic School in Chester and Steeleville public High School and Elementary School.   By providing bleed control training at schools, staff members are not only educated on the importance of immediate response but are also empowered with hands-on training to tackle such emergencies with confidence and competence. 200 bleed control kits were assembled for the schools, and training tools to simulate real-life scenarios were purchased for the hands-on sessions. The goal of this project was to teach the staff what to do to sustain life in a bleeding event. This training can be used for any type of injury which could cause the loss of blood, from punctures to large gashes.   In addition to providing CPR training and recertification annually, Memorial Hospital collaborates with the schools in Chester and Steeleville to offer this additional bleed control training, adding another layer of life support response to their repertoire. Mariah Bargman stated, “As partners in building a healthier community, we work with schools to provide them with resources they need to ensure a safe and secure environment for their children. We are grateful for this grant and to be able to provide the schools with these lifesaving tools and training. We hope they never need them, but through training and exercise, it helps ensure they are prepared for an emergency."

The Memorial Community Pharmacy, located inside Memorial Hospital in Chester, IL, has launched a new Drive Thru service, providing customers with convenient access to their prescriptions. Located at the arced drive by the Pharmacy entrance, the Drive Thru is open during normal service hours, Monday-Friday from 7:00am to 5:30pm, and Saturday from 9:00am to 1:00pm. Established customers also have the option to use the 24hr Pick-Up Locker located in the ER lobby for added flexibility in prescription pick-up. This enhancement aligns with the pharmacy's commitment to improving services and meeting customer needs. Learn more about the Memorial Community Pharmacy on our website or contact the pharmacy with questions at 618-826-6134.

Brett Bollmann, CEO at Memorial Hospital named Grace Knop Employee of the Quarter for the Second Quarter 2024 on July 17, 2024. Grace Knop, RN in the ER, ICU, and Med Surge Unit has worked at Memorial Hospital for almost two years. As a high school senior, she was the recipient of the 2018 Pathfinders Program Scholarship at Memorial Hospital, and has always had a love for healthcare. When asked what she likes most about working at Memorial, she replied, “I love that I can give my patients the time and care they deserve, because there is great teamwork with the nursing staff. We have got a great crew here!” Her co-workers who nominated her wrote, “This employee is a very dependable and a very caring nurse. She portrays professionalism to the ER patients, physicians and other staff. She provides urgent and compassionate care to the patients and shows empathy to them. She is a genuine, positive person. She has a warm and welcoming personality with a positive attitude. Her smile brings positive energy to the patients that she cares for which builds trust for a good relationship during their visit. She is confident in what she does and always willing to assist her co-workers and the physicians. She is energetic and uses her time wisely while on duty. This employee demonstrates the Memorial Hospital Mission Statement: Commitment to professional excellence in providing safe, quality healthcare, compassion and service to the patients.” Knop resides in Steeleville, IL and is recently engaged to Hunter Beetley. On her days off, she loves to be outside gardening, hunting, or boating. Each quarter employees are encouraged to submit “star cards” for their co-workers who go above and beyond in their patient care or teamwork. Four random cards were drawn at the award presentation for Cambrea Doeding, Medical Laboratory Technician; Rex Overbey, IT Tech 2; Amanda Rhyne, RHC Administrative Assistant; and Kristen Schwartz, Registration Clerk at the Steeleville Family Practice.