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Brett Bollmann, CEO at Memorial Hospital named Kaylie Klausing Employee of the Quarter for the Second Quarter 2023 on July 26, 2023. Klausing, Medical Assistant at the Rural Health Clinic, has worked at Memorial Hospital since August of 2021. When asked what she likes most about working at Memorial, Klausing replied, “My coworkers! They are always so willing to help me. They keep me laughing all day long. They are more like family and I appreciate them more than they know!” Her co-worker and patient who nominated her wrote, “During some recent health issues I was lucky enough to have this employee as my nurse. Yes, she checked my vitals, went over my health history, and did all the other standard tasks that she probably does many times every day. But what really set her apart was her compassion and caring nature. She is very friendly and makes you feel comfortable right away. She took extra time with me to explain everything and tried her best to ease my fears. At a follow-up appointment, she cared enough to ask how my test had went. This employee truly cares about her patients and deserves to be recognized for her exceptional service to them.” Klausing has also received Star Cards for her professionalism and quick action to assist in the past. During a shift at the Steeleville Family Practice, she noticed a car stuck in a muddy field behind the clinic, she helped the lady out of her car and called the local police to assist her. She has handled difficult situations very professionally, remained very calm and professional when dealing with an upset patient. These characteristics of exceptional care, compassion, and going above and beyond earned her the Employee of the Quarter. Klausing resides in Chester with her boyfriend and their three girls. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with friends and family, lounging by the pool, shopping, and watching Netflix. Each quarter employees are encouraged to submit “star cards” for their co-workers who go above and beyond in their patient care or team work. Four random cards were drawn, Renee Brown, Housekeeper; Emily Colvis, RHC LPN; Amelia Goetz, RHC LPN; and Amanda Rhyne RHC Administrative Assistant were the winners of a monetary award for their star nominations.

Memorial Hospital welcomes Cassandra Chambers, Family Nurse Practitioner, to the Rural Health Clinic staff. Chambers resides in Chester with her husband Josh and their children. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Bradley University Peoria, IL in 2011 and her Doctor of Nursing Practice with a Family Nurse Practitioner Specialty in 2019 from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She has a background in cardiology and enjoys the cardiac aspect of Family Care. She finds it extremely rewarding to help care for people, develop a plan of care together, and see the patient improve. “My entire purpose as a Nurse Practitioner is to provide effective care to help improve patients’ lives. When I am able to see that come to fruition, I feel extremely joyful.” Cassandra’s first day at the Rural Health Clinic is July 12, 2023.

With speech, language, and swallowing disorders common following stroke, head and neck cancer, and a variety of other illnesses and injuries, speech-language pathologist Isabel Hotop M.S., CCC-SLP, encourages individuals to learn the signs—and seek an evaluation—if they have concerns about themselves or a loved one. This is a timely message, as May is recognized nationally as Better Hearing and Speech Month. “A person’s ability to communicate effectively is something that’s easy to take for granted until it’s compromised,” said Hotop. “Communication enables us to connect with others. It’s needed to learn, to earn a living, and to fulfill our basic wants and needs. Given this, it is critical that people know the signs of a communication disorder, and the availability of help from certified speech-language pathologists.” The causes of speech and language problems that occur for the first time in adulthood can vary. They include brain injury, stroke, and diseases that affect the brain such as Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. They can also stem from cancers of the head and neck, breathing problems, and vocal cord injury. For adults, the signs of speech and language disorders may include the following: problems saying sounds correctly slurred or slowed rate of speech problems coordinating mouth or speech movements difficulty imitating speech sounds struggles to get out sounds or words repetition of sounds, words, or parts of words changes in voice (e.g., hoarse, raspy, breathy, nasal, or low-volume voice) trouble thinking of the words they want to say problems expressing what they want or need saying words in the wrong order trouble following directions or conversations difficulty understanding what others say new trouble reading, writing, spelling, or using numbers Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) evaluate adults for communication disorders. They help their patients and clients get back the skills important to them for their everyday activities. SLPs can help people with understanding questions, directions, conversations, and stories; expressing thoughts and words; and reading and writing. They can also help people find other ways to communicate if they are having difficulty with spoken or written communication. These may include pointing or using other gestures, drawing pictures, or using an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device. Some adults may develop swallowing problems from the same illnesses or injuries that can cause communication disorders. Swallowing disorders, called dysphagia, can affect a person’s ability to eat, drink, and take medicine. Dysphagia is also diagnosed and treated by SLPs. SLPs can help a person with dysphagia strengthen their muscles to chew and swallow, identify strategies that make it easier or safer to swallow, and advise people on changes to the textures of their diet. Memorial Hospital’s Therapy and Sports Rehab Center is now offering a new swallowing therapy modality with Ampcare’s Effective Swallowing Protocol (ESP) neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) treatment. NMES, as used in the treatment of dysphagia involves the administration of small electrical impulses to swallowing muscles in the throat through electrodes attached to the skin overlying the musculature. The therapist determines which musculature would benefit from this facilitation through a standard evaluation procedure, which typically includes a cranial nerve assessment and some form of instrumental assessment. The patient exercises the swallowing muscles for up to 30 minutes while receiving concurrent electrical stimulation. The electrical stimulation, when applied in this manner, accelerates muscle strengthening, cortical reorganization (especially after stroke), and neurovascular coupling thereby increasing the effectiveness of the therapy. Some signs of dysphagia may include trouble moving food from the mouth to the throat, coughing during or right after eating or drinking, feeling like food is stuck in the throat, and pain or discomfort during eating or drinking. “It’s important to remember that eating and drinking are not only necessary for us to live but also are often at the center of our social gatherings,” said Hotop. “Swallowing problems can improve tremendously with treatment from SLPs.” Individuals who would like to schedule an assessment for a communication or swallowing disorder may contact Isabel Hotop at 618-826-4588. More information is available at www.asha.org/public .

Brett Bollmann, CEO at Memorial Hospital named Amy Kirkland Employee of the Quarter for the First Quarter 2023 on May 2, 2023. Kirkland, Registered Nurse and Night Shift Supervisor, has worked at Memorial Hospital for a total of 17 years. When asked what she likes most about working at Memorial, Kirkland replied, “The standard of care that is upheld is unmatched by any other place I have worked. We have a friendly, patient first atmosphere. I enjoy the small-town feel while still being able to provide quality care for the patients and the community. We aren’t just co-workers; we are a family.” Her co-workers who nominated her wrote, “This employee is always willing to help, often without being asked. When working with her I always know that it will be okay because she always has her teams back. She takes on many extra roles as a supervisor including IT and a therapist to keep us grounded. Without her, I would not have been able to make it through many of my shifts and I am very grateful to her! She deserves this award for all of her knowledge and hard work that makes her one of this hospital’s greatest assets. She is always willing to help in ER when things get busy, is a team player, patient advocate and possesses excellent leadership skills.” Kirkland resides in Sparta with her husband Shawn. They have two daughters Lauren and Sadie and three grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, crocheting, and traveling whenever they get a chance. Each quarter employees are encouraged to submit “star cards” for their co-workers who go above and beyond in their patient care or team work. Four random cards were drawn, Maddie Wallace, Admitting Manager; Donna Schroeder, RHC Medical Records Clerk; Kaylie Klausing, RHC Medical Assistant; and Michelle Bert, Operating Room RN; were the winners of a monetary award for their star nominations.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) developed a roadmap for the eventual end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), which was published in August 2022 and is continually being revised. CMS has been sharing information on what health care facilities and providers can do to prepare for future emergencies. This includes facilities returning to normal operations and meeting CMS requirements that promote the safety and quality of care they provide. For Medicaid, some additional COVID-19 PHE waivers and flexibilities will end on May 11, while others will remain in place for six months following the end of the PHE, such as those used to increase the number of individuals served under a waiver, expand provider qualifications, and other flexibilities. COVID-19 testing will be affected by the updates on May 11. Starting May 12, anyone needing a COVID-19 test, will need to call their provider FIRST to obtain an order. Patients will not be able to receive testing by just showing up.

On April 3, 2023, Michael (Mike) Vasquez was presented with a plaque by Brett Bollmann, CEO at Memorial Hospital, recognizing his outstanding, 22 years, of dedication and service as a Board Member. During the April 2023 Board Meeting, Mike's son, Trent Vasquez, was appointed as a member of the board to fill his vacancy. Trent is the third generation of Vasquezes to serve on the Memorial Hospital Board of Directors. Trent's grandfather, Dan Vasquez was an active board member from 1981-1990, and Mike served December 2000 to March 2023. Mike joined the board to continue his father's community service. "I feel the advice and guidance I provided during my time as a board member was valuable in helping the administration make important decisions," said Mike. During his time as a board member he aided in many of the decisions made in remodeling the hospital, improving equipment and services. Mike is honored to have served as a Memorial Hospital Board Member and says, "We need to support our community hospital, so it is there for us when we need it. To do that, we need good board members who help support and maintain it. If you are ever asked to become a member, do it! It's a great service to rural healthcare, Chester, and the Southern Illinois region." Memorial Hospital thanks the Vasquez family for their many years of service to the hospital and the community. "We are appreciative of the support and input the family has provided through the years to help govern the hospital so we can continue to focus on improving services and quality of care for our patients," said Brett Bollmann. "As residents, raising their families in rural Illinois, their volunteer membership on the Hospital Board is appreciated." The Memorial Hospital Board holds monthly meetings to review hospital budgets, plans, purchases, performance and other hospital business. Nine members sit on the board with diverse backgrounds, skills, competencies and experiences. Each member's contribution helps guide Memorial to positive outcomes of care for the community we serve. Thank you to all of our board members who play active roles in helping us provide healthcare excellence to those we serve.

The Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) awarded accreditation to Memorial Hospital, Chester Clinic, and the Steeleville Family Practice Laboratories based on results of a recent on-site inspection as part of the CAP’s Accreditation Programs. The facility’s medical director, Michael J. Van Vrancken, MD, was advised of this national recognition and congratulated for the excellence of the services being provided. Memorial Hospital Laboratory and their Rural Health Clinic Labs are on of more than 8,000 CAP-accredited facilities worldwide. “I would like to acknowledge and congratulate all of the lab staff for their hard work and diligence. They have shown continued improvement over the years and work tirelessly for the community they serve,” said Dr. Van Vrancken. Memorial Hospital CEO, Brett Bollmann, upon learning of the laboratory’s accreditation, said: “We are very proud of our Lab Team. This accreditation award is a testament to their continued dedication to the Memorial Hospital mission by providing high quality and safe patient care” The U.S. federal government recognizes the CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program, begun in the early 1960s, as being equal-to or more-stringent-than the government’s own inspection program. During the CAP accreditation process, designed to ensure the highest standard of care for all laboratory patients, inspectors examine the laboratory’s records and quality control of procedures for the preceding two years. CAP inspectors also examine laboratory staff qualifications, equipment, facilities, safety program and record, and overall management. About the College of American Pathologists As the world’s large organization of board-certified pathologists and leading provider of laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing programs, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide. For more information, READ THE CAP ANNUAL REPORT at cap.org.

Memorial Hospital’s Diagnostic Imaging Department is excited to unveil their newly upgraded MRI Unit, the Vantage Orian Encore. This newly upgraded system improves productivity and clinical confidence in imaging results. The new system is an upgrade to their current unit, and involved replacing the technological elements of the unit, while leaving the large and expensive magnet that makes up the core of the device in place. Patients, technologists, and radiologists alike will notice the advanced improvements. Patients can now receive better imaging, faster, and more comfortably. Imaging will be up to 50% faster, which means less time on the table. The new imaging technology improves the patient’s results and aids their providers in making a better diagnosis. The Advanced intelligent Clear-IQ Engine (AiCE) removes noise from images, which results in increased resolution imaging; achieving sharp, clearer, and distinct images. Clearer images means better diagnosis and improved patient care. Clinicians can have confidence that the images will provide a clear picture of what is going on inside their patients so they can create effective treatment plans. The Diagnostic Imaging department will also be expanding their vascular exam services with contrast and non-contrast MRA (renal, carotid, aorta, and abdomen scans). “The advancements we have been able to implement in our department over the last few years have greatly impacted the quality of care we are able to provide to our community,” says Andria Zweigart, Director of Diagnostic Imaging. “We are fortunate to have skilled technologists and ARRT registered technologists who are always eager to provide the best care possible and take pride in their work. Suppling them with the latest and greatest technology is key in helping them deliver the desired results.” Memorial Hospital is currently scheduling exams with their new unit. Request your next imaging procedure at Memorial in Chester.

Buena Vista National Bank in conjunction with Memorial Hospital in Chester held its 27th annual Health Fair on Friday, March 10. Sixty participants received testing for Blood Pressure and a Complete Blood Count for Cholesterol and Glucose, along with several PSA screenings. Staff members from Memorial Hospital’s Lab, Nursing, and Pharmacy departments were present to provide information to participants. All organizations are glad to be able to offer these services to the community.

Mariah Bargman, Marketing and Community Relations Coordinator at Memorial Hospital, was awarded the “4 under 40” leadership award at the Illinois Critical Access Hospital (ICAHN) conference on November 10th 2022 in Champaign Illinois. This award honors four professionals, out of the 52-ICAHN member hospitals, who are making a significant difference and have demonstrated success in their careers. Bargman has been an employee at Memorial for 5 years and during that time has influenced their social media presence, brought changes to the Hospital Quarterly Newsletter, “The Lamp,” and created an employee bi-weekly newsletter to improve communication amongst staff. She has enhanced programs to increase student relations with the hospital such as the Medical Explorers Program and Child and Babysitting Safety Classes. She works with the hospital departments to offer additional resources and classes on a variety of topics. Her work and volunteerism expand beyond the hospital to her roles in the community. She is a Chester Chamber of Commerce Board Member, Southwestern Illinois Regional Leadership & Development Committee Member, St. John’s Lutheran School PTL President, LifeSavers Training Corporation Board Member and Secretary, and Chair of the Southern Illinois Substance Abuse Alliance (SISAA). Through her involvement in these organizations, she works on partnerships to better the community and ties things back to the Hospital and where they can be of service. She also spends much time with her husband, Charlie, and their two sons, participating and coaching athletic programs throughout the year. Memorial Hospital’s CEO, Brett Bollmann, presented during an award ceremony at the conference and shared these professional accomplishments and strong record of outstanding performance. He had this to say about her impact on the hospital, “Those that know Mariah, know she doesn’t just come up with ideas, she helps to design an action plan and then works at the activity to ensure it is successful! Memorial Hospital is extremely proud to have Mariah as a staff member and she exemplifies what it is to be EXCELLENT and deserves the award for ‘4 under 40’!” Bargman was presented with a plaque of recognition and had shared this statement, “my co-workers’ strength, perseverance, and dedication to caring for others, drives me to do all I can to help support their efforts and highlight their achievements. The reward of helping others has drawn me to this career, and I am proud to be honored by ICAHN and nominated by Memorial for this award.”

Memorial Hospital Welcomes Dr. Richard Brasington, M.D., to their Specialty Clinic Team. Dr. Richard Brasington is a nationally and internationally known clinical Rheumatologist. He has authored several articles in medical journals and Rheumatology textbooks, received the Distinguished Fellowship Program Director Award from American College of Rheumatology, and has been honored as one of America's Best Doctors for many years. Dr. Brasington is Board Certified in Rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine and was previously a Professor of Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine. He is currently a specialty provider of the Premier Specialty Network. Dr. Brasington completed his undergraduate degree at Harvard University followed by Medical Doctorate at Duke University of Medicine. He completed residency in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of Iowa Hospitals. Dr. Brasington treats arthritis, bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoporosis, psoriatic arthritis, and more. He will begin seeing patients at Memorial Hospital’s Specialty Clinic on Tuesdays beginning in August 2022. To learn more about the specialists at Memorial Hospital Specialty Clinic call (618) 826-4581 ext. 1366.

Memorial Hospital's Rural Health Clinics are proud to welcome Family Nurse Practitioner, Mindy Dudenbostel to their healthcare team. Mindy began her career as a Nursing Assistant and later a Licensed Practical Nurse at the former St. Ann’s Healthcare Center in Chester. In 2007, she earned her Associate Degree in Nursing and became a Registered Nurse. In 2011, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from McKendree University, Lebanon, IL. As a Registered Nurse Mindy worked at Southern Illinois Healthcare (SIH) in Murphysboro and In Carbondale, IL. In 2016 she earned a Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Walden University in Minneapolis, MN. She has been employed as a Family Nurse Practitioner at SIH in Murphysboro and Southern Illinois University in Marion, IL. Mindy is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. She finds the most rewarding part of her career the use of evidence-based practices to provide excellent care to her patients. Her areas of interest are acute injuries and occupational health. Ultimately, she enjoys the variety of patients she cares for as a family nurse practitioner. Mindy’s first day at the Rural Health Clinic is August 1, 2022.