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Ashtyn Jany, daughter of Jeremy and Kelly Jany of Chester, IL is the winner of this year’s Healthcare Pathfinder Scholarship awarded by the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. Ashtyn graduated from Chester High School this year and will be attending Southwestern Illinois College’s Nursing Program this fall. At the beginning of the Healthcare Pathfinders Program, Ashtyn stated her interest in becoming a Registered Nurse or “definitely something in the medical field.” She applied for the Pathfinder’s Program, looking forward to the opportunity to explore different options in the healthcare field. Ashtyn is also a member of Memorial Hospital’s Volunteer Program and Medical Explorer Program. The Chester Exploring chapter is in its charter year and Ashtyn was active at the meetings and had the opportunity to see what each department does first hand. In her Pathfinder application essay, she expressed that, “I feel like the Pathfinders program will help me to decide for sure the career path I want to take.” Due to the COVID pandemic that swept the nation during late winter and early spring of this year. The Pathfinders’ time were cut short but many were able to complete their job shadowing hours with various departments over their winter/holiday breaks. Students in the program spend time observing the Diagnostic Imaging, Cardio-Pulmonary, Laboratory, and Nursing Departments as well as the Provider Practice. Ashtyn stated that she was “extremely grateful for the amazing opportunity that the Pathfinders Program granted [her] this school year.” With the news of the acceptance into the Fall 2020 Nursing Program at SWIC she feels confident and prepared to start her career. In her closing essay for the program, Ashtyn wrote, “I plan on working at Chester Memorial as a Registered Nurse and continuing on to SIUE to obtain my BSN, and then eventually become a FNP. This program gave me real life experiences that I could not have had reading in a textbook or sitting in a classroom.” Ashtyn was one of seven students to participate in the 2019-2020 Medical Pathfinder’s Program conducted by Memorial Hospital. Additional students included Mabry Miles, Avery Runge, Brianna Surman and Mallary Vasquez, all from Chester High School, Alexandria Hinnerichs from Steeleville High School, and Victoria Frederking from Trico High School. Each student spent a total of 6 hours, job shadowing medical professionals. Students spent time with doctors, nurses, sitting in on general surgeries and patient evaluations. “I learned how seriously talented and skilled one has to be to pursue and excel in a career like theirs,” stated Brianna. During their 6 hours, the students were evaluated by the staff they worked with and were asked to write an essay to summarize their experiences upon their completion. All seven students were very professional during their time at Memorial and walked away with a better understanding of what it really takes to be a healthcare professional, even if that time was cut short due to COVID. The Healthcare Pathfinder Program is offered every year to Seniors of area High Schools. Out of the students, one is chosen based on evaluations from the departments and their application and summary essays, to receive a scholarship to help them pursue their career.

Brett Bollmann, CEO at Memorial Hospital named Sarah Dickerson Employee of the Quarter for the Fourth Quarter 2023 on January 30, 2024. Sarah Dickerson, Lab Lead Phlebotomist, has worked at Memorial Hospital since August of 2021. When asked what she likes most about working at Memorial, Dickerson replied, "getting to be a part of our patients' lives. I hear about the newest grand baby, kids going off to college and their travels. I also like the people I work with and for. Getting through tough days is easier with people who care." Dickerson's co-workers who nominated her wrote, “This employee is always willing to go above and beyond to get things done. She is very charismatic and enthusiastic about getting things done. She has been extremely helpful answering questions and helping to figure out tests. She is very encouraging to new employees, letting them know they are doing a great job and calmly advising them if there is a better way of performing the tests. We are very grateful for her positive attitude!" "This employee is always willing to help those in need. Even on days where we are short staffed, she always steps up to help get the job done. She is an incredible advocate for patients, assisting with their needs and wants, always with a smile and a true care for patient satisfaction." Dickerson resides in Ellis Grove. She has three children, Destiny, Danny & Alexus. In her free time, she enjoys shooting pool, mushroom hunting, joking around with her co-workers, and spending time with her boyfriend and granddaughter. 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, Tracy Loos, Radiology Tech 4; CyBill DeRousse, RHC Medical Assistant; Molly Ebers, RHC LPN; and Amanda Johnson, RHC Lead Care Coordinator were the winners of a monetary award for their star nominations.

Memorial Hospital, is proud to announce it has received a Gold Seal of Approval® from The Joint Commission, following their survey in September 2023, and has been awarded a prestigious five-star rating by the National Rural Rating System (NRRS), a program recognizing excellence in rural healthcare. The Joint Commission accredits and certifies over 22,000 health care programs worldwide and focuses on continually improving health care by setting the highest standards for health care quality worldwide. By meeting these standards, Memorial received an internationally recognized symbol of quality, The Gold Seal of Approval®. The esteemed five-star NRRS designation is a testament to Memorial's dedication to delivering high-quality care and exceptional patient experiences. The NRRS evaluates hospitals based on rigorous standards, including patient satisfaction, quality of care, and overall hospital performance. "We are proud of the hard work our healthcare teams put in to ensure their departments provide the best quality care possible for our community,” said Brett Bollmann, CEO upon receiving the honors. “We thank our staff for their commitment to patient safety and satisfaction, high standards, and dedication to caring for our patients.” Accreditation by The Joint Commission is considered the gold standard of health care. During the survey, health care professionals, who are experts in their fields, visited Memorial’s facilities to conduct their reviews and monitor how well the staff: Provide a safe environment for patient care Educate patients about the risks and options for their diagnosis and treatment Protect the patients’ rights, including privacy rights Evaluate patients’ conditions, before, during and after diagnosis and treatment Protect patients from infection Plan for emergency situations The NRRS five-star rating reflects Memorial's ongoing commitment to meet 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. Brian Lee, Chairman of National Rural Rating System reflects, “This award is a testament to their unwavering commitment, dedication, expertise and compassionate care provided to the community every day. In a rural setting, where healthcare challenges are unique and often complex, achieving this level of excellence signifies not just clinical capabilities, but also a deep connection to the community. This recognition reaffirms rural healthcare to be a beacon of health, hope, and healing.” Memorial Hospital extends its heartfelt thanks to its dedicated team of healthcare professionals, whose tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to patient care have made these achievements possible. As Memorial continues to grow and build for the future of healthcare, they plan to expand services, classes, and community programs to create an environment for a healthier community.

Antibiotics can save lives. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is advising patients and their families to use antibiotics only when necessary to reduce antimicrobial resistance, help stop the spread of superbugs, and protect patients from side effects from antibiotics. Antibiotics do NOT treat viruses, like those that cause colds, flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or COVID-19. Other medications, like antivirals, can treat viruses. Antibiotics are only needed for treating certain infections caused by bacteria, but even some bacterial infections get better without antibiotics. Antibiotics are not needed for treating many sinus infections and some ear infections, which can be caused by either bacteria or viruses. When antibiotics aren’t needed, they won’t help you, and the side effects could still cause harm. Side effects range from minor to very severe health problems. The Memorial Hospital Antibiotic Stewardship Team works with our providers to improve antibiotic prescribing. “Optimizing the use of antibiotics is critical to effectively treat infections, protect patients from harm caused by unnecessary antibiotic use, and combat antibiotic resistance,” explains Dr. Lisa Lowry-Rohlfing, Family Practice Doctor, and Antibiotic Stewardship Team member at Memorial. “If you need antibiotics, take them exactly as prescribed. Talk with your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your antibiotics.” Taking antibiotics can contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial resistance occurs when germs like bacteria and fungi develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them. That means these germs are not killed and continue to grow. It does not mean our body is resistant to antibiotics or antifungals. Antimicrobial resistance is a naturally occurring process. Bacteria and fungi are constantly finding new ways to avoid the effects of the antibiotic and antifungal drugs used to treat the infections they cause. Infections caused by antimicrobial-resistant germs are difficult, and sometimes impossible, to treat. In many cases, antimicrobial-resistant infections require extended hospital stays, additional follow-up doctor visits, and costly and toxic alternatives. Anytime antibiotics are used, they can contribute to antimicrobial resistance. Everyone has a role to play in improving antibiotic use. When you need antibiotics for a bacterial infection, the benefits usually outweigh the risk of side effects. Appropriate antibiotic use helps fight antimicrobial resistance and ensures these lifesaving drugs will be available for future generations. If your doctor decides an antibiotic is the best treatment when you are sick: Take the medication exactly as your doctor tells you. Do not share your medication with others. Do not save them for later. Talk to your pharmacist about safely discarding leftover medicines. Do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else. This may delay the best treatment for you, make you even sicker, or cause side effects. Talk with your doctor and pharmacist if you have any questions about your antibiotics prescribed to you. Be Antibiotic Aware! Source: www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use

Memorial Community Pharmacy is now offering a Prescription Savings Card Program. This program is available to all patients; No account or insurance card is required. If you have a high out-of-pocket deductible, or low/no prescription drug coverage, you could save up to 80% or more on your prescriptions with this program. How it works: Present your card at Memorial Community Pharmacy whenever you fill a prescription from your healthcare provider. Our pharmacists will work with their networks to find the most cost saving medications for you. Your card activates automatically! You will become a member and start saving when you use your card for the first time. You will continue saving whenever you use your card to fill your providers' prescriptions at Memorial Community Pharmacy. Where to find your card: Cards are available at the Chester Clinic, Steeleville Family Practice, Memorial Hospital's Specialty Clinics and at the Memorial Community Pharmacy. If you have questions regarding the Savings Card Program or your medications, please contact the Pharmacy at 618-826-6134.

Brett Bollmann, CEO at Memorial Hospital named Madison Wallace Employee of the Quarter for the Third Quarter 2023 on November 9, 2023. Wallace, Admitting Manager, has worked at Memorial Hospital since March of 2021. When asked what she likes most about working at Memorial, Wallace replied, “All of my wonderful coworkers who make every day more enjoyable.” Her co-workers who nominated her wrote, “Maddie is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that all locations are following the same processes and to ensure a good outcome for other departments and patients. When Therapy came on as our staff, this employee stepped up to go out and train staff, helped find resources, and watched patient registrations to ensure timely changes were made to the accounts.” “When the Therapy Department was short staffed, she assisted by taking care of tasks from the hospital to ensure the patients were taken care of. This employee has resource books to allow for quick access and training for new staff to refer to. She is able to train other staff off-site and manage her tasks and her staff. Her assistance made the transitions smoother.” Wallace resides in Smithton with her husband Zane and their two boys. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, yoga, crochet, and spending time with friends and family. 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, Emily Colvis, RHC LPN; Treva McDonough, Cook; Aaron Stern, IT Tech 2; and Heather Williamson, Radiology Tech 4 were the winners of a monetary award for their star nominations.

Make a donation to the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary's Tree of Remembrance Fund in honor of a loved one. The Auxiliary is able to assist the hospital in purchasing needed equipment for various departments through the community's generous donations and memorials. Funds collected this year will be 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 are a drug identification software that matches the bar code on the prescription label to the shape and color of what is being placed 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. ​ This year’s Tree of Remembrance contributions will make up the majority of our fundraising for the year. Giving this year, is more important than ever. During the holiday season we invite you to contribute in honor of a loved one. Your contribution and memorial are recognized weekly on Facebook and will be published in the County Journal at the end of the Tree of Remembrance drive. ​ Those wishing to make a donation or memorial contribution in honor of a loved one may do so by mailing it to: Tree of Remembrance Chairman Apryl Bradshaw Memorial Hospital 1900 State Street Chester, Illinois 62233 ​ or donate online at: square.link/u/Cs4OEjqm

Mariah Bargman, Memorial Hospital – Chester, Marketing and Community Relations Coordinator and Jennifer Barbour, Sparta Community Hospital, Director of Marketing and Relations had the opportunity to present at the Illinois Society of Healthcare Marketing and Public Relations (ISHMPR) Conference in Galena on October 27. The annual ISHMPR Fall Conference invites marketing, public relations, and communications professionals from across the state a two-day learning and network event. Barbour and Bargman lead a breakout session on day two titled, “Building a Healthy Community – Bringing People and Services Together.” Barbour and Bargman are Healthy Communities Alliance (HCA) Executive Committee representatives for Sparta and Chester Hospitals. Barbour currently serves at the Vice-Chairman for 2023 and Bargman served as the HCA Chairman in 2022. Their presentation shared how the HCA brings community partners, organizations, volunteers, government officials, healthcare providers, and first responders together to build a healthier community. “Through collaboration and building of partnerships, and finding seats at the right tables to help resolve the big issues our residents our facing, we have established a means of directing efforts to common goals,” said Bargman. “As we found ourselves becoming immersed in our community the same issues kept arising: PREVENTION, SUPPORT, and RECOVERY. We see this in healthcare, mental health, substance misuse, poverty, and overall wellbeing,” said Barbour. “Many groups were working in silos on these issues and barely chipping away at the problems. The HCA brought those groups together.” Their presentation highlighted the development and growth of the HCA, actions, goals, and accomplishments. Healthcare professionals throughout Illinois attended the session and learned the benefits and profit-sharing advantages of community collaboration. “We hope they will use our work with the HCA as a template to create a similar cooperative in their rural communities,” said Bargman.

The Illinois Society for Healthcare Marketing and Public Relations (ISHMPR) honored marketing, public relations, and communications professionals from across the state at its 2023 Fall Conference and Pinnacle Awards held at Eagle Ridge Resort in Galena October 26-27, 2023. In conjunction with the Annual Conference, ISHMPR sponsors the Pinnacle Awards to recognize excellence and achievement in healthcare marketing and public relations. This annual competition is open to all Illinois Hospitals, healthcare systems, health-related organizations, agencies, and freelance professionals. Entries are judged on their own merit in accordance with established criteria for project planning, implementation, and overall results. There was a total of 61 submissions in 2023 from 15 different healthcare networks, hospitals, and vendors, 21 Honorable Mentions, 23 Awards of Merit winners, 4 Award of Excellence winners and 1 Best in Show. Memorial Hospital of Chester’s Medical Explorers Program and First Responder Resource Kits, created in collaboration with the Healthy Communities Alliance, both received Pinnacle Awards of Merit. Mariah Bargman, Marketing and Community Relations Coordinator at Memorial attended the annual conference and awards ceremony where she accepted the honors. She helps lead the Medical Explorers Program, for high school students throughout the region, at Memorial. She also took an active role in applying for the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) Flex Grant and preparing the materials that helped produce the Resource Kits. “It is an honor to be recognized amongst my peers for these projects,” said Bargman. “Attending this conference each year helps ensure I bring best marketing practices and strategies back to our Memorial Hospital health system to maximize our service line awareness and patient care interactions.”

The Illinois Public Health Association and National Kidney Foundation of Illinois in partnership with the Memorial Hospital of Chester, the Randolph County Health Department, and Healthy Communities Alliance hosted a kidney and diabetes screening and health fair event for the community on September 19, 2023. The event was held at the American Legion in Chester. Free screenings for kidney disease and diabetes were available, which included a urinalysis, blood pressure, blood sugar and HbA1c check, and body mass index (BMI) measurement. Each participant received a consultation at the end of their screening to review their numbers. Valerie Blechle, Family Nurse Practitioner with Memorial Hospital’s Rural Health Clinics and Rita Boyd, RN, PhD with SIUE School of Nursing, provided the consultations. Thirty-nine individuals received a health screening with 59% testing in the abnormal range for one or more tests. “These results show how important the KidneyMobile® program is to the Illinois communities we serve,” said Regina White, Senior KidneyMobile® Manager. “We greatly appreciate the partnerships in helping to spread the message of prevention and early detection of chronic kidney disease throughout Illinois. The support of our educational programs displays the community’s dedication to the people they serve and provides increased awareness of the risks associated with untreated high blood pressure and diabetes.” In the United States, diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of kidney failure, accounting for 3 out of 4 new cases, according the CDC. Because kidney disease often develops slowly with few symptoms, it can frequently go undetected until it is very advanced. Simple steps such as controlling blood pressure and blood sugar, keeping weight down, exercising regularly, quitting smoking and avoiding excessive use of pain medicine, can help reduce risk. “One in three American adults is at risk for kidney disease, while one in seven already have the disease,” said Jacqueline Burgess-Bishop, Chief Executive Officer of the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois. “That means hundreds of thousands of people in Illinois are affected. Our goal is to educate the community about the risks for kidney disease and detect it early so that they can manage the disease and slow its progression.” Events like the one held in Chester, help spread awareness of kidney disease and provide a resource for community members to have access to free screening, and catch early signs of problems. Organizations in attendance for the Health Fair included, the Randolph County Health Department, Memorial Hospital’s Diagnostic Imaging, Surgery and Nursing Departments, the Memorial Community Pharmacy, ComWell, Marion VA Medical Center, Buena Vista National Bank, the Alzheimer’s Association, the Violence Prevention Center of Southwestern Illinois, the Secretary of State’s Office Organ and Tissue Donation Department, Restorix Health with Memorial’s Wound Care Center, and Hoyleton Youth and Family Services Puentes de Esperanza (Bridges of Hope) members who also provided translation services during the event.

Memorial Hospital, Chester - Board members, medical staff, administration, rural health clinic employees, and contractors gathered on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 for the ground breaking ceremony of the new Medical Office Building (MOB) on the Memorial Hospital campus at 1900 State Street. Construction of the state-of-the-art facility which, will be the new home of the Chester Clinic and Convenient Care, is set to begin within the next couple of weeks. Once the employee parking lot addition is completed, Poettker Construction Company of Breese, IL will begin development. The projected completion date is the beginning of 2025. The contemporary building will include improved safety and convenience for patients and staff. Dr. James Kirkpatrick, Chief of Staff, was present at the groundbreaking and had this to share, “It’s been great being a part of the hospital during this time of renovation. The improvements are both functional and aesthetic. What’s nice about the MOB is that the Hospital isn’t just renovating but expanding services.” Customers will now have direct access to Hospital services, the Memorial Community Pharmacy, and less wait times for Convenient Care. With improved access to primary care and design features like a large canopy for patient drop-off, the project focuses on the patients we serve and their needs. The addition of the MOB is part of the Hospital’s long-range plan that began in 2018. Many changes and updates have taken place throughout the Hospital over the last five years. Every renovation and addition has focused on patient centered healthcare, safety, improving employee workspaces, and updating utilities. Memorial strives to deliver professional excellence by providing safe, quality healthcare, compassion and service to our customers, the community, and our staff. Through these extensive renovations, we are building a healthier community and ensuring the delivery of professional excellence. The MOB will be located on the west side of the existing hospital. The two buildings will be connected with a covered hallway making the transition from the MOB to the Hospital seamless and all services easily accessible to the customers. The current parking lot and drive will be updated as well. The new drive will incorporate a drive-thru for prescription pick-ups at the Memorial Community Pharmacy. This adds another convenient way for all retail customers to collect their medications. “We are looking forward to the many conveniences the new MOB will bring to our customers and the community,” said Brett Bollmann, CEO. “Memorial Hospital is truly a partner in building a healthier community and we are grateful for the skilled staff we have who support or mission and serve our patients.” The staff’s support and excitement for this project and current improvements has been phenomenal.

Memorial Hospital, Chester – welcomes Dr. Frederick Ochieng’, Cardiologist, to their Specialty Clinic staff. Dr. Ochieng’ specializes in general cardiology. He received his medical doctorate from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee. He completed residency in internal medicine and pediatrics at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Monroe Carrell Children’s Hospital in Nashville. He then completed fellowships in cardiovascular medicine at St. Louis University Hospital, followed by residency in cardiovascular disease and global health equity at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. He is board certified in both internal medicine and cardiovascular disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He also holds board certification from the American Board of Pediatrics, National Board of Echocardiography, and American Society of Nuclear Cardiology. Dr. Ochieng’ is part of the Prairie Cardiovascular group and practices at the O’Fallon, Illinois location. Dr. Ochieng’ joins the Memorial Hospital team of specialty providers, offering outpatient cardiology clinics beginning September 11, 2023.