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On May 8, 2026, Memorial Hospital of Chester held its DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses recognition ceremony. The DAISY Foundation was established in 1999 by the family of Patrick Barnes, who passed away at age 33 from complications of the autoimmune disease ITP. During Patrick’s hospitalization, his family was deeply moved by the exceptional clinical care and compassion shown by the nurses who cared for him. Their gratitude led to the creation of the DAISY Foundation, which has since grown into an international program honoring nurses for the extraordinary care they provide to patients and families every day. DAISY stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. Nominees for the first half of 2026 were presented with a pin and certificate. The nominees included Brittany Casarez, RN and Rebekah Luthy, BSN, RN from Memorial Hospital, and Robin Bixby, LPN and Molly Ebers, LPN from the Rural Health Clinics. DAISY Award Nominees. L-R: Amy Eggemeyer, Care Coordinator Manager; Rebekah Luthy, BSN, RN; Brittany Casarez, RN; Robin Bixby, LPN; Molly Ebers, LPN; and Kelly Jany, Chief Nursing Officer. Brittany Casarez, RN Memorial Hospital’s DAISY Award Honoree for the first half of 2026 is Brittany Casarez. Brittany was recognized for saving a patients life. After a year of unresolved headaches and nausea and multiple doctor visits with no answers, the family came to the ER expecting the same outcomes. Brittany advocated for the patient by encouraging the physician to order a CT scan, which revealed a large abdominal mass. Because of her persistence, the patient was immediately transferred and had life-saving surgery the next day. The patient is now home and recovering well. “If it were not for Brittany’s dedication, attentiveness, and willingness to speak up, the patient may not be here today,” stated Kelly Jany, Chief Nursing Officer at Memorial. “Brittany’s actions exemplify exceptional nursing care, and she absolutely deserves this recognition.” During the ceremony, Kelly Jany, expressed her gratitude to staff following the reading of nominations. “These nominations are a powerful reflection of the extraordinary nurses we are privileged to have on our team. Rebekah, Robin, Molly, and Brittany exemplify the true spirit of nursing through their compassion, advocacy, and unwavering dedication to both patients and colleagues. Their ability to listen deeply, preserve dignity during vulnerable moments, and step forward when it matters most makes a profound difference in the lives they touch. Whether advocating for life‑saving care, providing comfort during frightening moments, or supporting coworkers without hesitation, these nurses consistently go above and beyond. They represent the very best of our profession, and we are grateful for the care, humanity, and excellence they bring to our organization every day.” DAISY AWARD NOMINATIONS Robin Bixby, LPN Robin Bixby, LPN "Robin is an exceptional nurse. She shows compassion, dedication, and teamwork every day. Robin consistently demonstrates a caring and patient approach in everything she does. She takes the time to truly listen to each patient, ensuring they feel heard, respected, and comforted during their care. Robin's kindness and patience stand out, especially in challenging situations, where she remains calm and supportive. She goes above and beyond not only for her patients but also for her co-workers. She has recently transitioned her focus to working 1-on-1 with providers which she has excelled at. Robin is a supportive and reliable team member and her positive attitude and willingness to help others makes her a joy to work with. Robin shows the true spirit of nursing through her compassion, professionalism, and dedication." Molly Ebers, LPN Molly Ebers, LPN "Molly is the heart and soul of nursing. Her dedication to her patients goes far beyond what is expected, and she cares for each one of them like they were her own family. Whether a patient is frightened, vulnerable, or facing one of their harder days, Molly meets them with unwavering kindness, compassion, and genuine empathy. She has an extraordinary ability to make patients feel safe, respected, and truly cared for. Molly consistently provides deeply personal care in the clinic with the utmost dignity and respect. In moments when patients feel most vulnerable, she preserves their dignity through gentle reassurance, patience, and compassion. She never rushes, never overlooks comfort, and always ensures that her patients feel valued as people; not just as patients. Her selflessness extends beyond patient care to her coworkers as well. Molly willingly steps in to help with even the most difficult and unpleasant tasks, doing so without hesitation or complaint. Her positive attitude and willingness to support others create a sense of trust and teamwork that elevates everyone around her. Molly’s presence leaves a lasting impact on patients, families, and staff alike. She is an advocate, a comforter, and a constant source of strength. Through her actions, Molly exemplifies what it truly means to be a nurse, and she embodies the compassion, excellence, and humanity recognized by the DAISY award." Rebekah Luthy, BSN, RN Rebekah Luthy "She has taken the time to make sure my son fully understands everything. She helped him pick out food when he was finally approved to do so. He came onto this unit (Med/Surg) under some super scary situations. I have been extremely emotional. She has also made sure I am alright as well. She has definitely gone above and beyond to make sure he feels safe and aware of everything. Thank you for caring so much. You are an amazing nurse, keep up the great work. We are both extremely thankful for you!" Anyone can nominate a nurse for a DAISY Award. Nominations may be submitted at any time, either on paper or electronically at www.mhchester.com/DAISY-nominations.

Jennifer Sanders, DMSc, PA-C Memorial Hospital is proud to welcome Physician Assistant Jennifer Sanders, DMSc, PA-C, to our Convenient Care walk-in clinic. Jennifer’s background in healthcare started in 2014 as a special procedures radiologic technologist in the cardiac catheter lab. In 2019, she began graduate school at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Department of Physician Assistant Medicine, achieving a Masters of Science in 2021 and Doctor of Medical Science in 2022. After completing the physician assistant program in 2021, Jennifer worked in outpatient and inpatient general, interventional, and structural cardiology. In 2024, she moved to academics as an assistant professor at her alma mater, Southern Illinois University Physician Assistant program in Carbondale, Illinois, and currently continues in that role. Jennifer looks forward to working in the convenient care setting and pursuing her passion to educate patients. As a clinician, she enjoys making a difference in patient lives, and finds great reward in helping the patient feel heard and cared for during unexpected health concerns. Her healthcare experience and accomplishments have helped her grow as a professional, strengthening her confidence and clinical decision-making skills in practice. Jennifer is Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) as a physician assistant, and a member of American College of Cardiology (ACC), American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), and Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants (IAPA). Jennifer will begin seeing patients in Memorial’s Rural Health Clinic Convenient Care starting this summer. She is excited to work in the clinical setting again and looks forward to seeing patients in convenient care when she is available outside of her academic role.

Sara Harris, RN, CPRC Nurse Manager; Melissa Soellner, RD EP; Amy Mathis RN CPRC Supervisor Memorial Hospital’s Cardiac Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center has enhanced patient care with the addition of a SciFit Pro2 Total Body Exerciser, donated by the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. The new exercise equipment was installed on March 26, and is already being used in rehabilitation programs. The SciFit Pro2 is a versatile exercise system for cardiac and pulmonary patients. It can be used as an upper‑body pedaler, a recumbent bike, or a total‑body exerciser, allowing rehabilitation plans to be customized to each patient’s abilities. “The flexibility of the SciFit Pro2 allows us to safely challenge patients while meeting them where they are in recovery,” said Amy Mathis, RN, CPRC Supervisor. “This is especially helpful for patients recovering from heart or lung surgery or those with limited upper‑body strength.” The upper‑body option helps patients regain strength after chest or heart procedures, while the recumbent bike features adjustable pedals and bi‑directional resistance to improve range of motion and engage more muscle groups. As a total‑body exerciser, the system activates both upper and lower body muscles at the same time. Patients with upper‑body weakness can use leg strength to assist arm movement, promoting circulation and strength with less strain. The new equipment supports Memorial Hospital’s Phase 2 Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, considered the standard of care following a cardiac event. Studies show participation can reduce mortality by more than 45 percent and lower the risk of future heart attacks by over 30 percent. The SciFit Pro2 also strengthens the hospital’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program, which improves survival, reduces hospital readmissions, and enhances quality of life for patients with chronic lung disease. “We are incredibly grateful to the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary for their continued commitment to advancing patient care,” said Sara Harris, RN, CPRC Nurse Manager. “This donation gives our team advanced tools to deliver safer, more effective rehabilitation.” The Memorial Hospital Auxiliary supports equipment purchases through community fundraising efforts, including the Tree of Remembrance, Gift Shop sales, and charitable events, helping expand access to high‑quality rehabilitation services close to home.

Isabel Carron, CCC-SLP Isabel Carron, CCC-SLP, a speech-language pathologist at Memorial Hospital’s Therapy & Sports Rehab Center in Chester, IL, has recently completed the SPEAK OUT® Therapy Program Certification Course. The SPEAK OUT® Therapy Program, developed by the nonprofit Parkinson Voice Project®, is a specialized, evidence-based approach designed to help people with Parkinson’s disease and related disorders improve and maintain their speech and swallowing skills. The program focuses on helping individuals “speak with INTENT,” turning speech from something that happens automatically into a purposeful action. This approach combines education, one-on-one speech therapy, group sessions, daily home practice, and ongoing follow-up to support long-term communication success.   Carron shared that her favorite part of the certification was knowing the program’s proven impact. “I enjoyed completing a program that has been proven to help individuals with Parkinson’s improve their speech and communication long term!” she said. By earning this certification, Carron brings an advanced level of care to the local community, offering a valuable service for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease who may struggle to be heard and understood. Clear communication plays a vital role in maintaining independence, relationships, and overall quality of life, and this specialized training helps ensure patients receive targeted, effective support close to home.   Carron provides Parkinson's Speech Therapy along with additional speech, language, and swallowing treatment at Memorial Hospital’s Therapy & Sports Rehab Center, where she is available for assessments and works closely with patients and other healthcare providers to develop personalized therapy programs. Her goal is to help individuals living with Parkinson’s and other communication challenges preserve their voice, confidence, and ability to engage fully in daily life. Through this certification and her ongoing commitment to patient-centered care, Carron continues to support patients in living their best life with improved communication and connection.

Memorial Hospital’s Laboratory Department continues to invest in innovation, new technology, and efficiency to better serve patients and providers. Recent upgrades include a new partnership with Labcorp for reference laboratory services and the installation of a state‑of‑the‑art chemistry analyzer—both designed to deliver faster, more accurate test results.   Memorial Hospital has transitioned its reference laboratory testing to Labcorp, a nationally recognized diagnostic leader. This partnership expands access to specialized testing and enhanced clinical support while maintaining seamless workflows and dependable turnaround times for patient care.   “Our goal is always to improve how we support our providers and patients,” said Mike Whitt, Laboratory Director. “Partnering with Labcorp gives us access to broader testing options while maintaining the efficiency and quality our community expects.”   Lab staff with new chemistry analyzer behind them. In addition, the laboratory recently completed a major equipment upgrade, transitioning to the Vitros 7600 chemistry analyzer. This advanced system has significantly improved turnaround times for common tests such as glucose panels and metabolic panels, helping clinicians make timely decisions. The analyzer also improves workflow by reducing downtime, requiring smaller sample volumes, and minimizing daily maintenance.   The upgrade has already allowed the laboratory to expand in‑house testing. Soon, testing will include Gentamicin levels, which help providers safely monitor antibiotic treatment, and High‑Sensitivity Troponin testing used to rapidly assess potential heart injury in patients with chest pain. These new testing capabilities further strengthen Memorial Hospital’s ability to support critical patient care on-site.   “These enhancements reflect our ongoing commitment to efficiency, accuracy, and continuous improvement,” Whitt added. “By investing in both technology and trusted partnerships, we’re ensuring our lab is well‑positioned to meet the needs of our patients today and into the future.”

OR staff gather on the new surgical suite flooring following a successful upgrade. Memorial Hospital has completed an improvement project in its Operating Rooms with the installation of new flooring upgrade in both surgical suites. This upgrade supports infection prevention efforts and reinforces the hospital’s ongoing commitment to providing the highest quality patient care.   The project was driven by the OR team’s proactive commitment to maintaining a safe, high-quality surgical environment. Staff worked collaboratively to prepare the operating rooms for the upgrade while ensuring all equipment, procedures, and standards continued to be met throughout the process.   “This was truly a team effort,” said OR Manager Zach Dunker. “Our staff, maintenance team, and the flooring company worked seamlessly together to ensure the work was done right while keeping patient care and safety our top priority.” The flooring company demonstrated professionalism and expertise while working in a hospital environment, and the collaboration across departments allowed the project to be completed in a timely manner.   Hospital leadership expressed appreciation for the OR and maintenance teams for their flexibility, communication, and dedication throughout the process. This improvement is one of many renovations and upgrades ongoing at Memorial Hospital, reflecting the organization’s continued investment in its facilities, staff, and the rural community it serves. Memorial Hospital remains committed to growing, thriving, and ensuring patients receive safe, high-quality care close to home.

When it comes to protecting children on the road, even well-cared-for car seats may not be as safe as they appear. Memorial Hospital is helping parents and grandparents take the guesswork out of car seat safety by offering free car seat inspections led by certified Child Passenger Safety (CPS) technician Zach Dunker.   Recently, Memorial Hospital nurses took advantage of the service, not because they doubted their setups, but because they wanted reassurance. Kim Ruebke, ER Nurse Manager and grandmother to children ranging in age from 12 to 2, has always kept a car seat in her vehicle to safely transport her grandchildren. The seats looked great, had never been in an accident, and had been stored carefully. What she learned during her inspection surprised her: the seats were expired. One by only a couple months, but it had hit its replacement date.   Many car seats expire after a certain number of years because plastic weakens over time due to exposure to heat, cold, and everyday wear, even when damage isn’t visible. “Just because the seat looks fine doesn’t mean it’s safe,” Kim shared. Her experience is a reminder to grandparents who may keep a car seat on hand “just in case” that age matters just as much as condition. Sara Harris, Med Surge Nurse Manager and a mom of two, also had her children’s car seats checked. Despite carefully reading the manuals and installing them correctly to the best of her knowledge, the inspection taught her important details she hadn’t previously considered, like how different brands have different expiration timelines and that accessories such as mirrors and cameras can pose safety risks in a crash.   Even with confidence in her installation, Sara found value in having a second set of trained eyes review every step. “There are so many components to car seat safety, it’s easy to miss something,” she noted, adding that having an expert confirm everything was set properly provided reassurance she didn’t know she needed. According to Dunker, car seats should be regularly checked for proper installation and expiration dates, even if they’ve never been in a collision. “All car seats have an expiration date, have you checked yours recently?” he said. Along with product inspection, Dunker provides a thorough examination of how your child is retrained in the car seat. Are the straps, positioning, and car seat itself the right fit for your child’s height and weight. It is recommended that children attend the inspection, to make sure that they are buckled up properly and adjustments can be made for a secure fit. Memorial Hospital offers free car seat checks on Fridays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, by appointment only. These inspections include: a hands-on check of your car seat installation, verification of expiration dates and safety standards, education tailored to your child’s age and growth, and answers to common car seat safety questions.   Whether you are a new parent, a seasoned caregiver, or a grandparent wanting to keep grandchildren safe, this service is designed for you. Free car seats can be scheduled online . Because when safety counts the most, what you don’t know could matter.

Jennifer Donjon and Brett Bollmann, CEO Brett Bollmann, CEO at Memorial Hospital named Jennifer Donjon Employee of the Quarter for the First Quarter 2026 on April 8, 2026. Jennifer Donjon, Lab Lead Rural Health Clinic Phlebotomist at Memorial Hospital, has been employed at Memorial since November 2011. When asked what she likes most about working at Memorial, she replied, “The team I work with each day, including both providers and staff. I appreciate being part of a supportive environment where everyone is committed to quality care. It is especially rewarding to have the opportunity to help patients and make a positive impact on their laboratory experience. The breakfast tornados are also top notch and a great highlight when available for the day!” Multiple nominations were submitted on her behalf that expressed why Donjon was a valid candidate. She was praised by her coworkers across multiple departments for her exceptional knowledge, reliability, and dedication. “She is the person everyone turns to, whether it’s solving lab issues, helping with patient concerns, or supporting staff with questions. She approaches every situation with calmness, kindness, and professionalism.” “She consistently goes above and beyond, stepping in wherever needed, often even outside her normal work hours. Her positive attitude lifts the entire team, and her compassion creates a comforting experience for every patient she meets.” Jen embodies excellence in job performance, teamwork, and patient care. She makes her workplace stronger, kinder, and more supportive every single day and Memorial is honored to name her as the Employee of the Quarter. Donjon resides in Prairie du Rocher, IL with her husband and their three daughters. When she is not at work, she loves spending time with family and friends; camping and making the most of pool days at home together. 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 Apryl Bradshaw, Administrative Assistant; Bernie Ernst, Floor Tech; Heather Phelps, RN; and Amy Mathis, Cardiac Pulmonary Rehab Nurse Manager.

Adrienne Caby, RN, BSN, Vascular Access RN Memorial Hospital is proud to recognize Adrienne Caby, RN, BSN, Vascular Access RN, for earning the Nurse Lead III (Expert) designation through the hospital’s Professional Practice Development Program. This honor marks a high level of professional growth and leadership in patient care.   Quality and safety are the foundation of Memorial Hospital’s mission. The Professional Practice Development Program helps nurses grow in their everyday practice by advancing their skills, knowledge, and professional judgment so patients and families receive the safest, highest‑quality care. The program follows nationally recognized guidance from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), using the Synergy Model to look at eight core areas of nursing from clinical judgment and collaboration to teaching and continual improvement. Together, these areas create a profile of each nurse’s strengths and growth. Memorial Hospital organizes these competencies into nine progressive portfolio levels and uses a points system to recognize “above and beyond” professional contributions, supporting its pursuit of ANCC’s Pathway to Excellence standards. Earning Nurse Lead III (Expert) reflects achievement at one of the program’s highest levels.   Adrienne joined Memorial Hospital’s surgery department in 2011. She provides direct care to surgical patients and offers advanced vascular access services. As Memorial Hospital’s only advanced vascular access provider, Adrienne makes this specialized care available close to home and creates learning opportunities for nurses across the organization.   “Adrienne serves as a clinical expert and resource to staff across departments, promoting best practices and ensuring high‑quality, patient‑centered care delivery. Her leadership and commitment elevate care for our patients and strengthen our team,” says Kelly Jany, BSN, RN, Chief Nursing Officer.   Adrienne credits ongoing learning and teamwork for her success. “Nursing is a career built upon evidence‑based practice,” she said. “I value the commitment to continued education, as well as providing education opportunities. In my experience, my nursing peers are the greatest resources.” Adrienne’s achievement reflects the aspirations Memorial Hospital holds for every team member: to learn continuously, share knowledge generously, and deliver safe, compassionate care. We congratulate Adrienne on this well‑deserved honor.

Memorial Hospital recognized Patient Safety Awareness Week, held March 8–14 and led by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). This annual observance serves as an opportunity for healthcare providers, patients, and families to reflect on progress, learn from one another, and renew commitments to reducing preventable harm and strengthening the culture of safety.   This year’s national theme, “Team Up for Patient Safety”, highlights the power of collaboration: within care teams, between departments and organizations, and in partnership with patients and families. The “Patient safety is everyone’s responsibility and together, we continue to build a culture where every patient, visitor, and staff member feels protected and supported,” said Martha Wingerter, Director Safety, Risk Management & Professional Services.   In celebration of Patient Safety Week, Memorial Hospital employees were invited to nominate peers who exemplify extraordinary dedication to safety. Fourteen employees across the health system were recognized as Patient Safety Advocates, reflecting the diverse roles and teamwork required to protect patients every day.   L-R Back Row: Zach Dunker, Leah Freytag, Amanda Johnson, Ryan Petrowske, Sara Harris, Sarah Rathert, Laurie Treece. L-R Front Row: Maribeth Golding, Mariah Bargman, Martha Wingerter, Chris Goetz. Not Pictured: Angie Schoenbeck, Marci Klein, Brittany Casarez, and Amy Kirkland. Below are the 2026 honorees and the words of praise shared by their colleagues:   2026 Patient Safety Advocate Honorees Amanda Johnson “Patient safety is always Amanda's priority. She regularly assesses processes and procedures to make improvements as needed to ensure a safe and overall positive experience for our patients.” Amy Kirkland “Amy is the night shift fall champion for the new FALLS T.I.P.S. program on Med‑Surg. This includes monthly chart audits to ensure compliance. As the night shift supervisor, Amy fully supports patient safety.”   Angie Schoenbeck “Angie is the day shift fall champion for the new FALLS T.I.P.S. program on Med‑Surg, completing monthly chart audits to ensure staff compliance. As the day shift supervisor, Angie fully supports patient safety.”   Brittany Casarez “As weekend House Supervisor, Brittany encourages staff to use SafetyZone to report safety events, helping to build a stronger safety culture.”   Chris Goetz “Chris is dedicated to fall prevention on Med‑Surg. Any safety concerns are promptly brought to management’s attention. Chris is extremely passionate about patient safety. Her commitment to excellence makes a meaningful impact every day.”   Laurie Treece “Laurie has been a safety champion on MSU for many years. She goes above and beyond when it comes to patient safety. She recently caught an error on an admission that resulted in a ‘good catch’ on MSU. Her eye for detail and use of appropriate patient identifiers do not go unnoticed.”   Leah Freytag “Leah demonstrates exceptional attention to detail, proactively identifies potential safety concerns, and speaks up to ensure best practices are followed. Through thorough assessments, clear handoffs, and collaboration with team members, she keeps safety at the forefront. Leah encourages open dialogue, supports coworkers, and leads by example—truly reflecting the spirit of Patient Safety Awareness Week.”   Marci Klein “Marci is the ‘go‑to’ ER nurse for many coworkers. She has great knowledge of ER policies and procedures and is always willing to help or answer questions. She is reliable, collaborative, and a trusted partner during critical situations.” Mariah Bargman “Mariah always makes patient safety a priority! Working behind the scenes, she ensures appropriate signage and publications are deployed across the website, Facebook, and throughout the hospital. Whether masking guidance, visitor restrictions, or department relocations, Mariah uses creativity and communication skills to keep patients informed and safe.”   Maribeth Golding “Maribeth consistently supports safe staffing 24/7 on MSU, ER, and ICU. She goes above and beyond when staffing needs arise—planned or unexpected. Safe staffing is always a priority for Maribeth.”   Ryan Petrowske “Ryan keeps the grounds safe during inclement weather and remains mindful of patients in work areas.”   Sara Harris “Since joining MHC in September as Infection Control Nurse, Sara has quickly implemented initiatives that enhance patient safety. From Curos caps and fall‑prevention efforts to preparing for an ICAR survey, improving blood administration documentation, and assisting with ER safety measures, she has shown strong commitment to safety and quality improvement.”   Sarah Rathert “Sarah has improved our fall prevention program by developing a new FALL T.I.P.S. program involving patients and families. She has collaborated on infection prevention initiatives, created a Suicide Prevention team, researched safety solutions, and is developing a new sitter pool. Sarah is also working to launch a Care Companion program to help reduce falls and meet patient needs promptly. She strives to maximize safety without increasing workload or cost.” “Since beginning in September, Sarah has led several safety initiatives that have positively impacted the hospital. She oversees the FALL T.I.P.S. program, leads the Fall Prevention Committee, conducts mock tracers, and is developing an ER sitter pool to support behavioral health patient safety.”   Zach Dunker “Since starting as OR and Infusion Nurse Manager in January 2026, Zach has implemented safety improvements in the OR with surgical smoke evacuators, in Infusion with disposable blood pressure cuffs, and in the community with the addition of Car Seat Safety checks.”   Memorial Hospital celebrates these dedicated team members for embodying the spirit of Patient Safety Awareness Week. Their vigilance, compassion, problem‑solving, and teamwork drive safer outcomes and support the hospital’s mission of providing high‑quality, patient‑centered care.

In today’s always‑on world, getting a good night’s sleep can feel harder than ever. Many of us face “new enemies of sleep”: late‑night scrolling, constant notifications, work stress that follows us home, noisy environments, and lifestyle habits that keep our minds and bodies wired long past bedtime. These modern disruptors don’t just make us tired the next day. Poor sleep is linked to serious health concerns, including heart disease, anxiety, chronic fatigue, and even a higher risk of workplace accidents. When our sleep suffers, our overall well‑being suffers too. But the story doesn’t end there. Just as there are enemies of sleep, there are also powerful allies that can help restore balance and bring rest back into reach. Simple habits like keeping a consistent sleep schedule, creating a calming bedtime routine, limiting caffeine later in the day, and unplugging from screens before bed, can make a meaningful difference. Building a sleep‑friendly environment with cool temperatures, soft lighting, and minimal noise can also help your body settle into deeper, more restorative rest. These small steps add up, giving you tools to reclaim your nights and improve your health. And when healthy habits aren’t enough, Memorial Hospital’s Sleep Center is here as your strongest ally. Our accredited Sleep Center offers both home sleep studies and in‑lab diagnostic testing to evaluate conditions such as sleep apnea, insomnia, restless legs syndrome, chronic snoring, and other sleep‑related concerns. With guidance from experienced sleep specialists, patients receive personalized care designed to uncover the root cause of their sleep challenges and support long‑term improvement. Whether you’re struggling with daytime fatigue, loud snoring, or nights spent tossing and turning, our team is ready to help you fight back against the enemies of sleep. Talk to your provider for a referral to our Sleep Center if you need help fighting your sleep enemies. Together, we can help you rest easier and wake up ready for the day ahead.

Maribeth Golding, RN; Jennifer Colvis, Pharmacy Tech.; Paige Gendron, RN; Meredith Klausing, Pharmacist. Memorial Hospital is proud to celebrate Patient Safety Week by announcing the successful installation of new Pyxis MedStations; advanced medication dispensing systems now serving the Medical-Surgical Unit, Emergency Room, Operating Room, and Infusion & Chemotherapy Departments. These upgraded systems replace older machines that will no longer be supported by the hospital’s electronic medical record system, ensuring that Memorial Hospital continues to provide safe, reliable, and efficient care for the community.   This project was a large, multi-department undertaking that required months of detailed planning and close cooperation across the hospital. Pharmacy Director Amy Kloos shared that pharmacy, nursing, and respiratory staff participated in multiple days of hands-on training in February, where they attended classes and practiced in a testing environment with the guidance of a Pyxis training representative. When go-live day arrived, teams worked together seamlessly. Nursing staff continued to care for patients while welcoming new equipment into their departments, and pharmacy staff worked tirelessly to transition medication inventory into the new MedStations. Throughout the process, everyone remained focused on patient safety, demonstrating flexibility, collaboration, and dedication to the hospital’s mission. “It was truly a team effort,” said Kloos. “We are so thankful for the strong working relationships across departments at Chester Memorial Hospital.”   The new Pyxis MedStations enhance patient safety through improved accuracy, security, and workflow efficiency. The system supports barcode scanning to ensure correct medication stocking and dispensing, while secure, single-item access and CUBIE® pocket technology help protect high‑risk medications and reduce the possibility of errors or diversion. Built‑in safety alerts notify staff of potential concerns, particularly with look‑alike or sound‑alike medications, and automated workflows reduce the time required for medications to reach patients while ensuring accuracy every step of the way. Integration with Memorial Hospital’s electronic medical record system helps guarantee that the right medication reaches the right patient at the right time, and additional safeguards help prevent issues such as “wrong drug in drawer” errors. These combined features significantly strengthen Memorial Hospital’s ability to maintain safe medication practices and protect patients from avoidable harm.   Memorial Hospital remains committed to investing in tools, training, and technology that promote safe, high‑quality care. The installation of the new Pyxis MedStations reflects the hospital’s ongoing dedication to patient safety and reinforces its mission of providing exceptional healthcare to the community. “We appreciate the opportunity to upgrade our systems and continue offering care that our patients can trust,” said Kloos.