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Today’s reduced hospital stay often means that further recovery and rehabilitation must continue after an individual is discharged from the acute hospital environment. Often, that post-acute phase needs to take place in an environment where skilled care is available daily. Memorial Hospital provides post-acute skilled care in its Swing Bed Program. Skilled Care Memorial’s Swing Bed Program provides a wide range of interdisciplinary rehabilitation services to patients with short term rehabilitation and medical needs. The Swing Bed Program is designed to provide short-term “skilled care” to patients recovering from an acute illness, injury, or surgery. Skilled care includes post-surgical or medical care requiring special dressing changes, instruction of new treatments or physical, occupational, or speech therapy. Patients may need nutritional services or intravenous medication. There are many things that may qualify a patient for care in the Swing Bed Program. Referrals Patients may be referred by physicians, acute care hospitals or other health care professionals, for admission to swing bed status. Patients may be admitted to swing bed if they are medically ready to be discharged from acute care and they have a qualified skilled need. Patients must be able to follow instructions, be non-violent and cooperative and willing to participate in the Swing Bed Program. Family Involvement and Interdisciplinary Team Our Swing Bed team meets with the patient to evaluate their condition and level of function. The team assesses the patient’s needs, treatment plan, and establishes an estimated time frame to meet the team’s goals. Family members are an integral part of the treatment team. They are involved in decision making, made aware of daily progress, and are also invited to participate in the tri-weekly interdisciplinary patient care meetings. Three times a week the interdisciplinary care conference takes place with the healthcare team, patient, and family, where plans, progress, and goals of the swing bed patient are reviewed. Length of Stay Memorial Hospital’s Swing Bed Program is a short-term program. The average length of stay is 5-10 days. During Swing Bed, the nursing staff continues to assist the patient with their care, but as part of their rehabilitation, they are encouraged to increase their level of independence by doing what they can for themselves first then staff will assist them. The Swing Bed Program allows you to bring your family members and loved ones close to home to complete their recovery, so you don’t have to travel away from home to see them. “My family member received excellent care while in the Swing Bed Program,” stated a former family member. “The one-on-one care they received from physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and nursing was top notch…much better care than in the larger hospitals in the city.” Ask your physician, discharge planner, care coordinator or contact us directly about the Swing Bed Program and whether your loved one qualifies.

Memorial Hospital of Chester, IL will be welcoming two new family providers to their Rural Health Clinics in Chester and Steeleville during the summer of 2024. Dr. Zachary Orme, D.O. will be joining the healthcare team in July and Dr. Monica Lukose, M.D. will be joining the clinics in August. The Rural Health Clinics are looking forward to the new providers joining their family medicine practice with their unique healthcare backgrounds and specialties. Dr. Zachary Orme, D.O. is originally from a small town in Idaho, and is familiar with rural community values and finds rural medicine rewarding. He looks forward to completing his fellowship program in June and relocating to the Chester area with his wife, Heather, and their four children in July. Dr. Orme received his doctorate of osteopathic medicine from Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pikeville, Kentucky in 2020. In 2023, he completed family medicine residency at South Baldwin Regional Medical Center in Foley, Alabama, and is currently completing an addiction medicine fellowship at the University of South Alabama in Mobile. Dr. Orme is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. In addition to specializing in family medicine and addiction medicine, Dr. Orme has experience in hospital medicine and a strong background in emergency care. Drawing from his training and experience, Dr. Orme appreciates the full scope of care he can offer patients as a family medicine physician. He enjoys treating patients of all ages and is fluent in conversational Spanish.  He is passionate about establishing patient relationships, providing exceptional healthcare, and ultimately wants to improve patient outcomes. Dr. Monica Anil Lukose, M.D. and her husband find reward in volunteering within their community, and in their free time love to go hiking. She is excited to complete the family medicine residency program in June, with plans to relocate to the Chester area with her husband in August 2024.  Dr. Lukose received her medical doctorate from Ross University School of Medicine in Barbados and is currently completing family medicine residency training at Mount Sinai Health System in Chicago. Dr. Lukose’s training at Mount Sinai has allowed her to gain experience in a variety of patient care settings of different acuity and complexity, both acute and chronic and including level one trauma. Dr. Lukose, originally from Vancouver, Canada, moved to the United States to complete her family medicine residency and remained in the U.S. after meeting her husband - Varun Varghese.  As a resident at Mount Sinai Hospital- Family Medicine program, Dr. Lukose was awarded the Manthani J. Reddy, M.D. award for Resident of the Year in 2022. She was promoted to chief resident during her third year of residency. She is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and looks forward to board certification this Spring.  Dr. Lukose’s training and experience has given her the opportunity to provide care to patients of all ages as well as those of various social and economic backgrounds. She has interests in both inpatient and outpatient family medicine and enjoys women’s health. Dr. Lukose takes a preventative approach in treating her patients, and values connecting and building relationships with them.

What most women accept as normal as they age and have children is not medically the case. Pelvic floor therapy does not only help control dribbles while coughing or laughing, there are so many great benefits and most women don't know there is help. Kristyn Riley, Women's Health Physical Therapist at the Therapy and Sports Rehab Center specializes in treatment and therapy for many conditions that may be causing pain, discomfort, and disruptions to women's daily lives. "Through therapy many women start to see results in just a few sessions," explains Kristyn. "What I love most about Women's Health PT is helping women of all ages and backgrounds make a drastic difference in their daily lives, in just a matter of a few treatment sessions." What is a Pelvic Floor? Everyone has a pelvic floor. It's made up of the muscles that support the urinary and reproductive tracts. These muscles also control your bladder and bowels. The pelvic floor muscles attach your pubic bone to your tailbone and in between your sit bones to make up the floor of your core. 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. Do I Need to See a Woman's Health Physical Therapist? 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 What To Expect 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: A treatment plan typically consists 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. During your sessions there will be a strong emphasis on education and adherence to a home exercise program. Those who perform their at home exercises as instructed usually see greater results in a shorter length of time. All of these conditions are common, but they are not normal, and can be treated with physical therapy by a women's health physical therapist. No matter your age or history, it is NOT normal to leak, have pain or feel pressure "down there". Get help! Talk to your doctor about a referral to a pelvic floor physical therapist or call the Therapy & Sports Rehab Center at 618-826-4588 for more information.

On May 7, 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: Emily Colvis, LPN at the Rural Health Clinics and Memorial Hospital Wound Clinic; Tamara Despain, Medical Surgical Unit RN; Maribeth Golding, RN House Supervisor at Memorial Hospital; Greg Griffith, Medical Surgical Unit LPN; Grace Knop, Medical Surgical Unit RN; and Angie Schoenbeck, RN House Supervisor at Memorial Hospital.   Memorial Hospital’s Daisy Award Honoree for the first half of 2024 is Emily Colvis. Emily received four nominations from her co-workers, supervisor, and a patient. All four submissions commended her for going above and beyond, putting her patients first, and providing compassionate care while remaining calm and focused. Emily has worked at Memorial for 2 years. Upon receiving the award she expressed her gratitude, "Receiving this award further inspires me to continue my passion as a nurse. I am reminded that the smallest acts of kindness and caring have the biggest impact and taking the extra moment during a busy day with patients makes a difference. This recognition will forever leave an impression on me throughout my career. I will do my best to continue to try and make differences." She stated that she enjoys working with some of the best nurses, doctors, and admission receptionists. "I feel like most of the people I work with are family and that we do anything we can to be present and there when we need each other. I'm truly grateful to work for this establishment."   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 Emily Colvis - "Emily goes above and beyond for her patients. She spends extra time with them to make sure they are comfortable and understand what is going on. She goes the extra mile to make sure her patients have what they want and need. Emily can make a not so happy patient smile and laugh when no one else can." "Emily is an outstanding nurse. She goes above and beyond for patients. She has gone out of her way to get things that patients have needed at Walmart or Amazon. She even delivered compression socks to a patient’s house that has a hard time getting around. Emily loves her patients and is always one to step in when someone needs anything." "One week prior to my visit at Chester Clinic, I got burned very badly on my stomach and legs. I saw Dr. Kirkpatrick for my burns and he referred me to the Wound Center where I met Emily. Emily was in charge of changing my dressing. Emily was very patient, professional, and a breath of fresh air. Emily made me feel at ease and comfortable. Emily was very gentle and cared about the fact that I was in a lot of pain. She explained step by step what she was doing and what I needed to do. She made sure I had everything I needed for my dressing changes at home. She was a breath of fresh air and I am glad she was the one that took care of me. I don’t know how much she gets paid but it’s clearly not enough. She was wonderful and very professional. I am very pleased. Kudos to Dr. Kirkpatrick for having such a wonderful nurse on his staff." "Emily received a very distraught call from an elderly patient with concerns of her own safety in her home. Emily stayed very calm while notifying another nurse to call and have an officer go to the patient’s home for a wellness check. Emily was very patient and kept the patient calm, even though the patient’s husband was yelling and making threats in the background. Emily was on the phone for 40 minutes until there was an officer with patient and she was sure the patient was safe." DAISY Award Nominations Tamara Despain - " It is hard to just pick a few nurses that deserve to be nominated, so many of the staff were great. RN Tamara is one of those. During my 2 weeks of staying with my aunt at the hospital, Tamara was wonderful with my aunt. She took time and found things to make my aunt comfortable when she was unable to tell us what was hurting. Tamara gently and genuinely tried to make my aunt's few remaining days have quality and be comfortable. Tamara offered comfort and kind words to us and made a horrible situation less painful for our family. Tamara not only provided excellent care but was seen teaching less experienced nurses with patience and grace. Her smile and sweet interactions with my aunt allowed me the time to process the hard decisions I had to make. I could tell Tamara had a beautiful soul and an abundance of caring for others. Her kind words, knowledge, and encouragement made all the difference to me and my loved one. In a world of so much despair, a spark of humility and kindness makes an impossible situation a little better. Tamara is the role model other nurses should strive to be." Maribeth Golding - " I would like to nominate Maribeth Golding for the Daisy Award. I have never heard this awesome nurse tell another staff member no or “I do not have time” when asked if she could help with something. Most of the time, we do not have to ask at all, she is always 3 steps ahead, jumping up immediately if a call light goes off. She is the definition of a nurse and a leader in my eyes. When she is supervisor, her strong confident character, incredible work ethic, impressive skill set, and positive attitude is so reassuring to staff because they know they will have a smooth shift, even if at times it can get very busy. She will not let anyone sink, or a patient be unsafe. She has all the above attributes, but in addition she is also very compassionate to patients and families. I have witnessed her perform CPR to the extent of exhaustion, console the family when we were unable to save him/her, and then tearfully go right back to doing what she does best…..setting the example to all nurses watching her what a true rock star really is." Greg Griffith - " During the 2 weeks I stayed with my aunt when she was hospitalized, I encountered many great staff members. I would like to share my observations and interactions I had with Greg. My aunt was especially hard of hearing and he would make the extra effort to explain things to her and listen to what she had to say. Greg was so friendly and caring. No matter how busy things got, he never allowed anyone to feel unheard or too hurried to comfort my aunt. Even minor requests for more ice, Tylenol, a warm blanket, another pillow or a recliner chair was done right away. His exchanges with my aunt were comforting. She responded positively and I know she looked forward to the nights he worked. He would come in to take vitals during the night and unlike some nurses, he wouldn’t turn the lights on and be loud. He used his pen light and tried not to disturb her or myself while sleeping. Greg’s interactions were spot on with her and us. It truly made things bearable. He worked great with the CNA Brian, they worked together like a well-oiled machine. They were attentive to my aunt but also to my family staying at the hospital. My aunt loved being taken care of by them and it showed how much they love taking care of patients." Grace Knop - " Thanks so much for being a 'super nurse' when I was recently seen in the ER. You were very kind and caring to me. God bless you." Angie Schoenbeck - " When my family member was hospitalized and I had learned of how she had been neglected at her own home, I struggled with many emotions. I was heartbroken for her. I was angry. I felt guilty that I had not protected her and overall sadness as I came to the realization I would need to do what was best for her and that was to tell her goodbye, that she is loved beyond measure, and let her go to a place where pain is never felt again. RN Angie was so kind. She gave us words of encouragement, support, sound information and outpouring of love. Angie's love for patients comes out so effortlessly. It is evident she goes above and beyond and this work is not just a paycheck for her. Often it is not just the patients that need healing, but the family of the patients’ needs too. Even if it is just a smile, kind words, or asking if anything is needed, Angie exemplifies what a healthcare professional should be."

Brett Bollmann, CEO at Memorial Hospital named Emily Colvis Employee of the Quarter for the First Quarter 2024 on April 25, 2024.   Emily Colvis, LPN at the Rural Health Clinics, has worked at Memorial Hospital since August of 2022. When asked what she likes most about working at Memorial, she replied, “What I love most about working for Memorial Hospital is the amazing close-knit family that has been curated here. After leaving MH for several years and coming back it was like arriving back at home. I have always known that nursing was a passion for me, but MH has made my passion not feel like a job but more so an opportunity to give back to the community.”    Her co-workers who nominated her wrote, “This employee goes above and beyond for our patients. She is always willing to step in and help with whatever job it may be to get it taken care of. She is always a team player and never complains! She is great at explaining things to patients in a way that they can understand. Very compassionate and caring!"   "She is always willing and asking all departments at the clinic if they need help with anything, but most important Emily’s personality brings a ray of light to the clinic for not only her co-workers but also her patients. This employee makes patients and employees laugh with her spunky attitude and she always knows how to make them feel comfortable."   "She has been seen putting her clinical nursing skills to work even outside of the hospital at sporting events when players may be injured. She is a true asset to Memorial Hospital!”   Colvis resides in Ellis Grove, IL with her daughter. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her daughter and watching her journey into her nursing career while building memories with rodeos, concerts, ballgames, and hockey.    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 Bernie Ernst, Environmental Services Floor Technician; Heather Wingerter, RHC Medical Assistant; Molly Ebers, RHC LPN; and Jennifer Donjon, Lead Lab RHC Phlebotomist.

At Memorial Hospital our priority is our patients, and our mission is their safety. Every one of our employees dedicates themselves to ensuring the best safety practices possible to reduce harm and improve patient outcomes. Memorial recognized Patient Safety Awareness Week, March 10-16, with departments sharing information on the safety practices and improvements in their areas and by recognizing patient safety advocates throughout the organization who were nominated by their co-workers. The diagnostic imaging department utilizes low dose CT screening using the ALARA Principle The low dose principle, also known as the ALARA principle, is the rule of thumb in medicine, specifically radiology.  What is the ALARA principle? ALARA means the dose should be kept “As Low As Reasonably Achievable”.  Thanks to ever-improving technology and knowledge, it is possible to produce high quality images with a lower dose of radiation, and likewise improved patient safety. Below are a few of the developments helping support the ALARA principle: Hardware:  Improved X-ray tubes and detectors, using filters to pre-harden the X-ray beam. Software:  Software solutions that increasingly automate parameters such as tube current, exposure time, or focal spot size, as well as iterative reconstruction of image data. Positioning:  Dose reduction by means of optimum patient positioning and proper staff training. An example of the ALARA principle applied at Memorial Hospital is the low dose Computed Tomography (CT) scan, which is the recommended imaging test for lung cancer screening. Staff participate in emergency preparedness exercises to plan for improvements Memorial Hospital’s Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and Therapy and Sports Rehab Center (TSRC) participated in a Workplace Violence tabletop exercise with the Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA) on November 8, 2023. During the live interactive simulation, these two departments navigated an evolving workplace violence scenario that resulted in a compromised healthcare facility and a mass casualty incident. In addition to Memorial Hospital, an impressive 109 hospitals, 27 health systems and 1,500 individuals participated in the exercise, which means healthcare facilities across Illinois are now stronger and better prepared for this type of event. As a result of the exercise, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Georgia Stipe, and others who participated, identified the need for a first aid bag at the TSRC building, and patient transport backboards at both RHCs and TSRC. These will be used in the event of emergency evacuation and will help improve safe patient transport as well as staff and responder safety. The backboards were received by Memorial Hospital through a partnership and long-standing relationship with the Illinois EMS Region 4 Southwestern Illinois HOPE Coalition. RHC and TSRC staff will be trained in safe use of the backboards by Ryan Schaal, PT, and TSRC staff will be trained to use the First Aid supplies by ER Nurse Manager Kim Ruebke, RN. Pharmacy incorporates electronic pill counter to improve patient safety With the Pharmacy’s new Eyecon Automatic Pill Counter, they can fill prescriptions with an advanced level of safety and accuracy. Eyecon is the first vision-based validation and pill counting system that also saves a photo of every transaction. If a count is questioned, the photo can be reviewed. Every pill is numbered, and all the prescription data is included on the photo in the patient’s record. The Eyecon recognizes not only the number of pills being dispensed, but the type of pill or medication. This advanced resource is an added safety feature to those already in place at the Pharmacy. Outpatient lab renovations improve patient access and safety In the upcoming weeks a new outpatient lab draw station will be opening on the main floor of the hospital. The new location is just a few feet from the main registration area, making it easily accessible for patients and closer for the critical response team if assistance is needed. During Patient Safety Awareness Week, employees nominated coworkers in recognition of their outstanding efforts as safety advocates at Memorial Hospital. Those nominated were Carrie Jo Dierks, Rebecca Hahn, Rhonda Mott, Ryan Petrowske and Denise Wilson. Here is what their coworkers had to say about them: Carrie Jo Dierks, Nursing Assistant – Infusion and Chemotherapy Department “Carrie Jo always shows concern for our patients receiving treatment, by checking on them frequently and ensuring they get to and from their vehicle safely. This was especially appreciated during the construction when the direct route to infusion was not available.” Rebecca Hahn, LPN - Specialty Clinic “I would like to nominate Becky. She will stop what she is doing and go get a patient from their car and take them to their appointment or take a patient to their car to make sure they don’t fall. She will stop to pick something up from the floor and make sure the pathway is clear and safe for patients and coworkers alike. She will also offer a patient who is having a hard time getting around a wheelchair to assist them, again getting them where they need to go with a smile.” Rhonda Mott, Chief Radiologic Technologist – Diagnostic Imaging “Rhonda takes on many roles in the department to ensure patient safety. As the lead mammography technologist, she spends countless hours staying on top of the FDA safety requirements outlined in the MQSA (Mammography Quality Standards Act). She oversees all aspects of mammography for quality patient care. This includes the initial patient exam but also includes sending patient follow up exam letters, performing quality assurance equipment tests, and staying on top of the latest regulatory changes to come into effect in September of this year. Due to her efforts, Memorial continues to maintain our ACR (American College of Radiology) accreditation providing the highest level of image quality and safety with equipment, medical personnel, and quality assurance. Another role she fills is SWIC (Southwestern Illinois College) clinical coordinator. She trains the next generation of x-ray technologists in radiation safety and patient positioning. By their second year, students are well prepared to work immediately after graduation. Many who have gone through the program continue to work at Memorial Hospital. With her many roles, Rhonda consistently goes above and beyond for the patients and the community.” Ryan Petrowske, Project Foreman – Plant Operations “Each day I see him working in the construction environments or outside. Ryan is always wearing protective gear – eyewear, knee protection, safety boots, and a hardhat. Ryan is a good safety example for the others and ensures the environment for the contractors working at Memorial is safe as well.” Denise Wilson, Clinical Assistant – Specialty Clinic “She not only goes above and beyond for safety but, in all aspects of her job functions. Denise offers for patients to call her any time they need assistance getting into the hospital, regardless of whether it is one of her doctor’s patients. Denise is the employee you will find in the hallway/hospital picking up debris for the safety and cleanliness of the facility.” We take this time to share our gratitude to all employees and departments who work together to make patient safety a priority. Their dedication reflects Memorial Hospital’s longstanding commitment to professional excellence in providing safe, quality healthcare, compassion and service to patients, the community and each other.

Memorial Hospital is proud to welcome Michelle Voudrie, DNP, FNP-BC to the Specialty Clinic. Michelle works with Dr. Justin Floyd and the Oncology/Hematology team at Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois. Beginning Thursday, September 28th, 2023, Michelle will begin seeing patients in Memorial Hospital’s Specialty Clinic and Infusion Center. Thereafter, she will be here weekly, on Wednesdays starting October 11th. Michelle’s education includes a Doctor of Nursing Practice (2020) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (2014) from Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville, IL. She is board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner and is a member of the Oncology Nursing Society. We are excited to have Michelle join our team of Specialty Clinic providers.

During a virtual ceremony held November 17th, 2020, the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) recognized Memorial Hospital of Chester for its ongoing commitment to exceptional quality of care. ICAHN, located in Princeton, IL, is a network of 57 small rural Illinois hospitals dedicated to strengthening the operations of its member hospitals through collaboration. As part of the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy Medicare Beneficiary Quality Improvement Program (MBQIP), Memorial Hospital and other critical access hospitals are asked to participate in four defined domains of quality outcomes, which includes: Patient Safety/Inpatient; Patient Engagement; Care Transitions; and Outpatient Measures. Memorial Hospital’s Environment of Care and Patient Safety Committees meet monthly to work on maintaining and executing top performance in the four domains of quality outcomes laid out by MBQIP. Directors and managers representing departments throughout the hospital and rural health clinics hold active roles on these committees. Each month members review areas that need attention and provide input for improvement. Employees are encouraged to consult their immediate supervisor with questions regarding employee or patient safety. This makes safety and quality of care everyone’s responsibility at Memorial Hospital. Ideas and suggestions for improving safety programs are always welcome. “It takes a team effort from all departments to ensure service excellence,” stated Hospital CEO, Brett Bollmann. “We have worked hard over the past few years to improve the patient experience and have plans for more improvements as we move forward!” Safety programs, equipment, and articles are shared with hospital staff quarterly through the Committees’ “Safety Matters” newsletter. Memorial Hospital was honored for being a top performer in all four domains and also for gaining a ‘5-Star’ rating in HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Health Plans Survey) scores. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) created the HCAHPS Star Ratings to allow consumers to more quickly and easily access the patient experience of care information on the Hospital Compare website. “This hospital realizes how important quality of care and an engaged staff is for its patients…From its top leadership throughout the facility, each strives for continued quality on a daily basis, and that is what we are celebrating today,” said Laura Fischer, ICAHN Flex Coordinator. As Memorial Hospital continues to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic, the Environment of Care and Patient Safety Committees commend all staff throughout the organization for their willingness to remain vigilant in infection control and prevention practices for the patients, coworkers, visitors, and community. The day to day safety and infection prevention practices by each and every staff person demonstrates their dedication to healthcare, public health, and the culture of safety embraced at Memorial Hospital.

The Memorial Community Pharmacy had the honor of being this year’s recipient of the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary’s Tree of Remembrance Campaign donation. With the Auxiliary’s generous donation of $11,415 they were able to purchase an Eyecon Automatic Pill Counter. This new equipment brings improved safety features to the pharmacy department and helps streamline processes. Eyecon is the first vision-based validation and pill counting system that also saves a photo of every transaction. If a count is questioned, the photo can be reviewed. Every pill is numbered, and all the prescription data is included on the photo in the patient’s record. The Eyecon recognizes not only the number of pills being dispensed, but the type of pill or medication. “Knowing we are dispensing the correct drug, in the correct amount and have record of what we did, is a great tool,” exclaims Kathy Winker, Director of Pharmacy. This advanced resource is an added safety feature to those already in place at the Pharmacy. The Pharmacy also uses bar coding and second verification during medication dispersion, so this new device adds a third layer of protection. “You can never have enough safety features built into your workflow, particularly when it comes to patient safety,” says Winkler. The pharmacy staff pass along their gratitude and thanks to the Auxiliary and campaign contributors for their continued support of the Hospital and in turn the patients we serve.

Memorial Hospital is pleased to welcome Dr. Vamsi Chilluru, M.D. to our Specialty Clinic team. Dr. Chilluru specializes in nephrology and internal medicine. He received his license to practice medicine in India in 2010. He then completed internal medicine residency at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska in 2015. He completed fellowships in nephrology at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio in 2016 and at University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska in 2017, followed by a fellowship in interventional nephrology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 2018. He is board certified in both nephrology and internal medicine. Dr. Chilluru’s first outpatient nephrology clinic at Memorial Hospital is scheduled for October 8, 2021. He will then continue to hold clinics once a month on Fridays in the afternoon. To learn more about the specialists at Memorial Hospital visit our website at www.mhchester.com or contact our Specialty Clinic at 618-826-1366.

Dr. Robert Bell received his medical doctorate from the University of Missouri at Kansas City School of Medicine. He completed General Surgery internship at Medical College of Virginia, and returned to UMKC for orthopaedic surgery residency, followed by a combined sports and upper extremity fellowship at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, and the American Sports Medicine Institute in Birmingham, Alabama with renowned orthopaedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews. After fellowship, Dr. Bell practiced for many years in El Paso, Texas. In addition to practicing as an orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Bell spent time as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthopaedics at Texas Tech University Health Service and served in various leadership roles, including President of El Paso Orthopaedic Surgery Group. Originally from Missouri, Dr. Bell returned to the Midwest in 2016, practicing in the St. Louis region and more recently the southwest Illinois area as a specialty physician of Deaconess Illinois. He performs consults for general orthopaedics, specializing in hand surgery and upper extremity conditions. Dr. Bell is Board Certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons, holding several professional memberships including American Association for Hand Surgery and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Dr. Bell is excited to begin seeing patients at Memorial Hospital Specialty Clinic. He is available for outpatient clinic consultations and ambulatory surgical procedures every other Tuesday. His first clinic is planned for March 5th, 2024. Please refer to specialty clinic calendar for the most current clinic dates.

Memorial Hospital Auxiliary’s 2023 Tree of Remembrance fund drive raised a total of $11,415. The Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Board would like to thank those who donated to the Tree of Remembrance! The Auxiliary is able to assist the hospital in purchasing needed equipment for various departments through the community's generous donations/memorials. Funds collected this year was used to purchase an Eyecon Automatic Pill Counter for the hospital Pharmacy Department. This piece of equipment takes an image of the pills, numbers them and stores it with the prescription so our pharmacy staff can refer back to it. Some of the features included is a drug identification software that matches the bar code on the prescription label to the shape and color of what is placing on the counter. After identification of the type of medication, the machine will then go on to count and double check the pills prior to dispensing into the prescription bottle. The Eyecon Automatic Pill Counter focuses on patient safety, enhances customer satisfaction, and helps ease the workload on the Pharmacy Department. The cost of this purchase was $11,415.00. Donations and memorials received to date include: Memorials Include: Steven J. Sympson In Honor of Chester, IL BV Tom and Vicki Search In honor of Frank & Betty Derickson and Ted & Angela Search Randy Dudenbostel In loving memory of my wife, Debbie Dudenbostel Mike and Janet Vasquez In loving remembrance of the Michael and Janet Vasquez Families Mary Alice Welge In memory of 1st Lt. Bruce R. Welge The Honorable Richard A. Brown In memory of Barbara Brown Mary Welge, Betty Surman, Elaine Kattenbraker, and Jean Jungewaelter In memory of Bonnie Jones Beta Nu Chapter In memory of BSF Sisters Darrel Ehlers In memory of Carol Ehlers Ron and Jill Arbeiter In memory of Christy Wittenbrink Anonymous In memory of Debbie Dudenbostel Memorial Hosptial Materials Management and Environmental Services Departments In memory of Debbie Dudenbostel Randal and Barbara Johnson and Family In memory of Debbie Dudenbostel, John & Jessie Guthman, Bonnie Jones, and Donna Strothmann Mary and Dave Verseman In memory of deceased family members Mary Alice Welge and Family In memory of Donald E. Welge Julia Saak and Mary Alice Welge In memory of Frances Jarvis Carolyn Schwent In memory of Gary Schwent; Mike Jungewaelter; Karen Deppe; Rick Cash; Phil Fluck; Larry Costilow; and Mary Ann Stumpe. Mardell Moeller Granger In memory of Gottlieb & Marie Moeller; Frank & Emma Granger; and Ralph Granger Jeff and Gail Kordys In memory of Harry and Bonnie Jones Janice Dettmer and Gina & Shawn Straight and Family In memory of John & Rose Leaders; Ray & John Dettmer; Herman & Louise Dettmer; and Mark McLeod Nathan and Julie Stern In memory of Lloyd Stern Larry and Imogene McDonough In memory of loved ones Sandra Starr In memory of Mark Starr Mary Alice Welge and Julia Saak In memory of Mr & Mrs. Brockey Childers Mike and Betty Welge In memory of Mr. & Mrs William H Welge; 1st Lt. Bruce Welge; Mr. Donald Welge; Mr. & Mrs. Bernice Cushman; Mr. Michael Joseph Cushman; Mr. Herbert & Connie Holzum; Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Davitz Mary Alice Welge In memory of Mr. & Mrs. William H. Welge Joyce and Larry Surman In memory of our daughter, Lori Surman McCartney Pechacek Funeral Homes In Memory of Ron Pechacek B.V. Gals In memory of Rosie Craig; Marion Lutz; Millie Layton; Carole Malley; and Marlene Seymour. The Ken Rowold Family In memory of the Rowold and Welge family members Linda Butler In memory of Tony Beckner Memorial Hospital Auxiliary In remembrance of Debbie Dudenbostel Michelle Daschka In remembrance of Don Daschka Linda Rader In remembrance of my husband, Rus Rader; my brother, PFC Leonard Nitzsche; and my brother-in-law, LCPL Charles Rader Judi Hirte In remembrance of my parents, Berniece Van Sant and Ora Keith Rednour Gordon L and Barbara Ann Holley In remembrance of our parents Gordon V and Roseanne Holley & Charles and Louise Hirte Ida Gaertner In remembrance of Paul Gaertner; Husband of Ida and Father of Gary and Stan. Richard Allison In remembrance of Reuel & Ruby Allison Donna Eggemeyer In remembrance of Roger & Ruth Petrowske; Brian Petrowske; and Gary Dale Eggemeyer Dr. Allan and Louise Liefer In remembrance of Sam & Mathilda Stermer; and Elsie & Elmer Liefer Steven J. Sympson Uncle Terry and Aunt Martha Brelje Donations Include: Evelyn Schuwerk Falkenhein Accounting and Tax Service, P.C. Sandra Benedict St. John’s Lutheran Church of Bremen Altar Guild Mary and Michael Sulser City of Chester Eyecare Properties Arbeiter Law Offices Randolph County Abstract, LLC Colvis Investment Services Buena Vista National Bank of Chester Randolph County Housing Authority Dr. Robert and Pauline Platt Chester Animal Hospital Chester Masonic Lodge Jeff and Diane Kerkhover Fraternal Order of Eagles AERIE #3252 Judith Petrowske Alpha Upsilon Master MA 1242 American Legion Auxiliary - Steeleville The American Legion - Chester William and Patty Nanney Anonymous Anonymous Dr. Stephen and Diane Platt VFW Post 3553 Chester, IL Robert and Brenda Owen Brett and Shirleen Bollmann Anonymous Anonymous