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Training educator and Memorial Hospital staff participate in hands-on training. At Memorial Hospital, we’re committed to making sure our teams are always prepared, especially when it comes to caring for children in emergency situations. This February, our ER Trauma Room hosted a hands‑on pediatric training led by Dana Rolland, RN from Cardinal Glennon in St. Louis. The session featured a mock pediatric code involving a 1‑year‑old child experiencing severe vomiting and diarrhea. During the simulation, our ER nurses, Cardiopulmonary team, and OR Manager worked together to complete a rapid primary survey and respond to a life‑threatening scenario. They practiced important skills such as early airway and breathing support, establishing an intraosseous IV, and using the Broselow tape to select correct medication doses and equipment sizes. They recognized critical symptoms, safely administered fluids, medications, and blood products and provided continuous monitoring and team communication. Because true pediatric emergencies are rare in our ER, this training offered valuable “real‑feel” practice and boosted confidence for everyone involved. The class also included education on common childhood illnesses; what to look for and how to treat them quickly and safely. Kim Ruebke, ER Nurse Manager, shared the importance of this experience, saying, “Giving our staff hands‑on training is crucial. This simulation helped our team practice recognizing serious symptoms, choosing the right equipment, and working together to respond quickly. It was a valuable learning experience for everyone.” At Memorial Hospital, we’re proud to invest in ongoing education that strengthens teamwork, enhances skills, and ensures we’re ready to deliver the best care to every patient, big or small.

Robin Pratt, Certified Hand Therapist and Occupational Therapist We were proud to welcome Robin Pratt to Memorial Hospital's Therapy & Sports Rehab Center in September as an Occupational Therapist and Certified Hand Therapist. She brings focused expertise in hand, wrist, and upper-extremity care and sees patients on Wednesdays. She adds a highly specialized skill set to the team through advanced certifications and a patient-centered approach to restoring function and reducing pain. Robin earned her Certified Hand Therapist credential in 2018 and is also a Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist. She has concentrated her practice on orthopedic hand conditions and complex upper-extremity diagnoses, combining manual therapy, evidence-based modalities, and custom orthopedic devices to help patients recover strength, dexterity, and independence. She values continuous learning and professional growth, and she cites earning her Hand Therapist Certification as her proudest accomplishment. She is one of 7,322 word wide according to HTCC. Robin’s clinical scope includes a broad range of hand therapy and upper-extremity conditions: Nerve compression syndromes such as carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, and radial tunnel. Fractures and post-surgical rehabilitation for the hand, wrist, and arm. Tendon injuries and transfers and complex post-operative tendon reconstruction. Arthritis management and arthroplasty care, including CMC (base of thumb) arthroplasty and other joint replacement rehabilitation. Tendonitis presentations including lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow), and De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. Amputation care and adaptive fabrication to restore function and support vocational needs. Custom splinting and orthotic fabrication tailored to protect healing structures, position joints for function, or enhance participation in daily activities. Robin couples precise assessment with individualized treatment plans to address pain, range-of-motion limitations, weakness, scar management, and functional deficits. Her practice emphasizes measurable goals that align with each patient’s daily demands and life roles. Robin provides ergonomics services that help local workers stay safe and productive. Her offerings include: Functional capacity evaluations to objectively measure a patient’s ability to perform work tasks. Job function development testing and implementation, designing task-specific assessments that translate directly to workplace requirements. Body mechanics training and injury prevention programs that reduce the risk of re-injury and help employers meet occupational safety goals. These services support both injured workers returning to duty and employers seeking proactive strategies to maintain a healthy workforce. Robin’s greatest reward is helping patients return to the activities they love; she finds deep satisfaction in guiding them from pain to independence. “I am passionate about my patients’ care, their progress, and seeing them achieve their goals,” she says. Combining technical skill with creative problem-solving, she has fabricated finger extensions from splinting material for a patient with amputations so he could type and resume his job. She embraces evolving techniques to relieve stubborn pain: “I have learned some new techniques to even get patients out of pain and back to function especially with lateral epicondylitis.” Robin appreciates Memorial’s collaborative culture and the small-town atmosphere: “It is a great atmosphere to work in. Everyone is so willing to help out.” She finds the friendly environment supports both patient care and interdisciplinary teamwork. Though new to the team, she values the clinical variety she encounters and the challenge that comes with managing diverse diagnoses. Robin’s specialized skills offer practical benefits to patients across ages and occupations: faster, safer recovery after hand surgery or injury, targeted strategies to manage chronic tendon and nerve conditions, customized splints that restore function, and workplace evaluations that support safe return-to-work transitions. Her combined expertise in hand therapy and ergonomics positions her to address both the clinical and vocational aspects of recovery. Request a referral to Memorial Hospital's Therapy & Sports Rehab Center with Robin Pratt, OTR/L, CHT.

Board Chairman Tom Search and Auxiliary President Mardell Granger Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce a generous donation from the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, supporting critical equipment upgrades that will enhance patient care across multiple departments. At the March Board Meeting, Auxiliary President Mardell Granger presented a donation check to Board Chairman Tom Search, highlighting the organization’s ongoing commitment to supporting the hospital through community-driven philanthropy. The contribution represents proceeds from the Auxiliary Gift Shop, Auxiliary Funds, and the annual Tree of Remembrance fundraiser.   The donated funds will support two major equipment purchases, a SciFit Pro2 Total Body Exerciser and four Staxi Patient Transport Wheelchairs.   SciFit Pro2 Exerciser The Exerciser will be purchased for the Cardiac Pulmonary Rehab Center. SciFit Pro2 is among the industry’s most versatile rehabilitation tools. Its dual-function design serves as both an upper-body exerciser and a lower-body recumbent bike, providing a comprehensive total-body solution for patients undergoing cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation.   The wheelchairs will be used throughout the facility. These durable, easy‑to‑maneuver wheelchairs will improve patient transport in the Hospital, Emergency Department, and Medical Office Building.   Staxi Patient Transport Wheelchair This year’s Tree of Remembrance fundraiser, an annual tradition inviting the community to honor loved ones during the holiday season, served as the primary source of funds for the donation. In total, the Auxiliary committed $13,845 toward these improvements, with $11,251 raised from the Remembrance campaign and additional funds supplemented through Auxiliary resources.   “We are deeply grateful for the Auxiliary’s dedication and the community’s continued generosity,” said Brett Bollmann, CEO. “These new equipment additions strengthen our mission to provide exceptional, compassionate care to every patient who walks through our doors.”   The Memorial Hospital Auxiliary continues to support the purchase of needed equipment each year through donations, memorials, Gift Shop sales, and community events. Their long‑standing service remains a vital part of the hospital’s ability to offer high‑quality healthcare close to home.

Memorial Hospital hosted its annual Living Our Best Life: Go Red for Women 2026  event on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the Chester Country Club, bringing together 98 women for an evening focused on heart health, education, and community connection. The event aligns with American Heart Month and the American Heart Association’s Go Red campaign, which raises awareness about cardiovascular disease; the leading cause of death among women.   Guests enjoyed a heart‑healthy dinner and dessert prepared by the Chester Country Club staff, followed by exclusive wine samples provided by Eric Winters, National Wine Educator with PRP Wine. As part of the hospital's ongoing commitment to community health, 15% of all wine purchases from the evening are donated to the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary to support essential equipment and patient‑care needs.   This year's theme, “Living Our Best Life,” encouraged attendees to explore small, practical lifestyle changes that can lead to long-term improvements in cardiovascular health. Speakers from Memorial Hospital and the local medical community shared insights tailored specifically to women.   Cindy Snider, FNP-C Cindy Snider, FNP-C, from Memorial Hospital’s Convenient Care Center, opened the program by introducing the new care facility and highlighting services available to the community. Dr. Melaina Hess, DMD; Amy Mathis, RN; Melissa Soellner, RDN. Amy Mathis, Nurse Manager of the Cardiac Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center, discussed women-specific cardiac risks, particularly those associated with life-stage changes, and offered actionable ways to reduce them.   Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Melissa Soellner presented an approachable introduction to the Mediterranean Diet, emphasizing that it is less about rigid rules and more about making simple, sustainable substitutions that fit easily into everyday American eating habits.   Rounding out the evening, Dr. Melaina Hess, DMD, of Chester Family Dental, shared how oral health is closely connected to cardiovascular health, reminding attendees that caring for the mouth is a critical element of caring for the heart.   The Memorial Hospital Medical Explorers volunteered throughout the night, helping serve guests and support event operations.   “Every year, we look forward to hosting this event,” said Mariah Bargman, Marketing and Community Relations Director at Memorial Hospital and event organizer. “It’s a special opportunity for women to gather, take a break from their busy lives, and focus on themselves, even if just for one evening. They enjoy a wonderful meal, connect with friends, and walk away with meaningful information they can use. Each year, attendees share such positive feedback about the speakers, the food, and the overall experience. It’s truly a night dedicated to empowering women to live their best, healthiest lives.”   Memorial Hospital remains committed to supporting community wellness through educational programs, events, and resources that help individuals take simple, manageable steps toward better health.

Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce the upcoming 2026 dates for its free Prenatal and Family Education Classes , offering parents‑to‑be an engaging and confidence‑building learning experience. This year’s in‑person classes will be held on April 11, July 18, and October 3, from 8:00 a.m.–Noon in the Memorial Hospital Conference Room. Pre‑registration is required and can be completed online at www.mhchester.com/calendar-of-events or by calling 618‑826‑4581 ext. 1373. Jill Arbeiter, RN and Julie Hartman, LPN These well‑loved classes are guided by longtime instructors Jill Arbeiter, RN, and Julie Hartman, LPN, who bring a combined 75 years of experience in obstetrics and family education. Their deep knowledge, practical guidance, and down‑to‑earth teaching style have helped families for decades to feel prepared, empowered, and excited as they welcome a new baby.   Memorial Hospital has provided prenatal education since the late 1970s, and while the format has evolved, from six‑night sessions to today’s convenient half‑day class, the heart of the program remains the same: to equip expectant parents with essential knowledge, tools, and reassurance. Living in a rural community shouldn’t mean having limited access to prenatal education; although Memorial does not currently provide OB/GYN services, many local patients travel nearly an hour for appointments, making it harder to attend classes or find time to learn what to expect during pregnancy and childbirth. These classes bring that support closer to home, connecting families with local resources and evidence‑based information so they can feel confident no matter where they deliver. As Chief Operating Officer Susan Diddlebock notes, “The program helps fill a vital gap in care and strengthens community health by ensuring every parent has the tools needed for a safe, informed, and supported birth experience.”   Topics include maternal nutrition, pregnancy complications, infant feeding, child safety, newborn care, growth and development, discipline and bringing up baby, cesarean sections, epidurals, Lamaze breathing, and relaxation techniques. Throughout the session, participants are encouraged to ask questions and get personalized answers to support their pregnancy, delivery, and parenting journey. All participants receive educational booklets to take home.   In addition to the in‑person sessions, Memorial Hospital offers a hybrid option as well as a fully online course. The virtual program provides nine months of access to educational videos, printable materials, and more; available anytime throughout the year. The online class is offered in multiple languages and provides a certificate upon completion, and the hybrid option pairs the virtual content with a focused in‑person session for hands‑on practice and Q&A.   Whether attending in person, online, or a combination of both, families can expect supportive, practical instruction rooted in decades of hands‑on experience. As instructor Jill Arbeiter shares, “Parenting is the most important job any of us will ever do and giving birth is just the beginning.” To reserve a spot in an upcoming class, visit www.mhchester.com/calendar-of-events or call 618‑826‑4581 ext. 1373.

Elizabeth Hall, RT, CT Elizabeth Hall, Radiologic Technologist at Memorial Hospital, has officially earned her CT (Computed Tomography) certification. This accomplishment highlights her dedication to advancing her skills and providing high‑quality diagnostic imaging care to patients.   Elizabeth has been connected to Memorial Hospital since high school, beginning with her participation in the Medical Explorers program in 2022–2023. During that time, she took advantage of multiple job‑shadowing opportunities, which solidified her interest in pursuing a career in radiology. In 2024, while attending Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC), Elizabeth joined the Diagnostic Imaging Department as a Radiologic Technology student. She was hired by Memorial in 2025 and continued working while completing her advanced coursework. On January 28, 2026, she successfully passed her CT registry. She has enjoyed learning and growing alongside the Memorial team and is enthusiastic about continuing her professional development. Elizabeth plans to remain in the imaging field and is considering additional credentialing opportunities in the future.   Memorial Hospital congratulates Elizabeth on this significant achievement and celebrates her commitment to patient care and professional growth.

According to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) an estimated 1 in 5 adults (46 million) and 1 in 250 children (294,000) are diagnosed annually with arthritis in the United States. A study by the CDC in 2014 showed that seventy five percent of health care dollars in the United States go to treating chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and obesity which are the leading causes of death and disability. More than 133 million Americans have one or more chronic conditions. Occupational therapists can play a role in helping all these individuals better manage their inflammatory and non-inflammatory conditions and chronic diseases and aid in enhancing the overall health and wellness of the population. Occupational therapists are health care professionals who are committed to empowering individuals to live life to its fullest. An occupational therapist looks at the individual’s capabilities and environment and utilize their knowledge and skills to create modifications so they can do the things they want and need to do. Through their understanding of anatomy, pathology, and physical and emotional demands, they are able to develop an effective plan to reach the patient’s goals. How Does Occupational Therapy Benefit Persons with Chronic Diseases? They focus on enabling individuals to participate in productive and meaningful activities of daily life through collaborating with clients and their caregivers during the evaluation and intervention process. This approach is particularly relevant to individuals who need to manage a chronic disease. Depending on the nature and course of the specific condition(s), the occupational therapy goals for clients with chronic health conditions may include but are not limited to the following: Addressing performance deficits in daily self-care (ADLs) and home management tasks (instrumental ADLs), resulting from specific chronic conditions, to sustain or improve current status in these areas. Teaching strategies to incorporate energy conservation and activity modification techniques into daily activities to cope with physical demands and reduce the fatigue associated with many chronic conditions. Individualizing adaptations to effectively perform health management tasks (e.g., ensuring that someone with hand weakness is able to manage daily insulin shots for diabetes). Teaching and incorporating health management tasks into existing habits so they become part of the daily routine (e.g., setting up a schedule and reminder system to take medications). Developing coping strategies, behaviors, habits, routines, and lifestyle adaptations to support physical and psychosocial health and well-being. How Does Occupational Therapy Benefit Persons with Arthritis? The occupational therapy process begins with an evaluation to determine what the client wants and needs to do, and how these activities are being affected by arthritis. It includes a thorough analysis of the client’s performance abilities in order to establish an intervention plan. The evaluation may include assessment of joint range of motion, muscle strength, pain and sensation, and activity endurance. An occupational therapist evaluates a client’s need for orthotics/splints, adaptive equipment, and home and work environmental modifications. If a client undergoes surgery, appropriate postsurgical protocols are incorporated into the evaluation process and intervention planning. Intervention strategies may include: Physical agent modalities (e.g., heat, cold) to assist with pain management, enhancing the client’s ability to perform daily tasks Techniques to manage or control edema and inflammation, including limb elevation, compression garments, exercise, and splinting Therapeutic activities and exercises to promote gross and fine motor control, range of motion, endurance, and strength, thereby improving functional abilities with daily tasks such as self-care, home management, and work and leisure activities Provision of custom or prefabricated orthotic devices to assist with controlling pain, maintaining functional positions of the hand, and enhancing function Training in the use of joint protection and energy conservation techniques, including the use of adaptive and assistive devices and modified daily routines to ensure adequate rest and to avoid overuse Ergonomic assessment and activity modifications in home, work, and school settings These approaches educate clients to plan, simplify, and pace tasks as a way of protecting joints; reducing strain, fatigue, and pain; and avoiding joint and tissue overuse while participating in activities. Modification and adaptability go hand in hand with energy conservation and joint protection. Easy-grip handles, adjustable shelves, grab bars, a raised toilet seat, a chair with arms, and removal of clutter are examples of adaptive equipment and approaches that can be used to positively influence a client’s independence in the environment. These combined strategies address clients’ functional needs and maintain or increase their participation in home, work, leisure, and community activities by accommodating for decreased joint motion, strength, and endurance. Contact Memorial Hospital's Therapy & Sports Rehab Center today to schedule your evaluation and start living a fuller life. 618-826-4581-4588

Hand therapy, a specialty practice area of occupational therapy, is typically concerned with treating orthopedic-based upper-extremity conditions to optimize the functional use of the hand and arm. Conditions seen by the occupational therapy practitioner specializing in this area include fractures of the hand or arm, lacerations and amputations, burns, and surgical repairs of tendons and nerves. Acquired conditions such as tendonitis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome also are treated by occupational therapy practitioners specializing in hand rehabilitation. Megan Buch, OT, demonstrates hand exercises with model patient. Occupation-Based Hand Therapy Hand therapy typically addresses the biomechanical issues underlying upper-extremity conditions. However, occupational therapy practitioners bring an added dimension to this specialty area. They use an occupation-based and client-centered approach that identifies the participation needs of the client—what he or she wants to be able to do in daily life that is fulfilling, necessary, and/or meaningful—and emphasizes the performance of desired activities as the primary goal of therapy. The Benefits of Occupation-Based Hand Therapy Evidence indicates that clients view themselves in relation to their occupational abilities and roles. Injuries and conditions that interfere with life roles, habits, time use, activity patterns, occupational experiences, and full participation will create a sense of dysfunction and yearning for normalcy (Custer, Huebner, & Howell, 2014). Incorporating “usual and customary” occupational activities into treatment and focusing goals on enabling performance of those activities provides benefits to clients, including Preserving roles and habits, as well as related psychological well-being, through attention to details of day-to-day functioning early in the rehabilitation process Increasing motivation for therapy and more cost-effective rehabilitation because clients can see a direct relationship between their occupational therapy intervention and being able to resume normal participation in their activities Making the client a partner in his or her rehabilitation. Not all intervention can or should be completed within the clinic. Consulting with the client about what he or she can and should not do outside the clinic as well as giving “homework” assignments can address occupational goals that go beyond clinical staff time and budget constraints. What Does an Occupation-Based Approach to Hand Therapy Look Like? The client–therapist relationship is key to an occupation-based approach. Occupational therapists begin intervention with a client-centered assessment tool, such as the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (Law et al., 2005). This type of tool will provide an occupational profile of the client that highlights functional deficits and desired occupational goals rather than focusing solely on the physical components of function. Laying a strong groundwork through the initial evaluation focuses intervention in two ways. First, the therapist will know immediately what things the client values and enjoys, and what he or she needs to “get back to.” This groundwork enables the therapist and client to collaboratively set goals that reflect what the client needs and wants to do. Second, the client will understand that therapy is addressing his or her whole body, mind, and lifestyle—including any psychological and social issues—and not just an isolated injury. The practitioner may begin with preparatory methods (e.g., range of motion, muscle strengthening, physical agent modalities) or purposeful activities (e.g., simulated occupations, components of occupations or other meaningful activities). As the client progresses, the intervention expands to address actual performance of desired life tasks and occupations (e.g., self-care, kitchen tasks, work activities). The therapist chooses activities carefully, to be sure they relate to components or actual activities that the client will be doing during or after rehabilitation and links preparatory methods to the ultimate end goal—which is to resume active participation to the extent possible. Occupations (activities) may not be designed to assist with healing the injury itself; they may be used as a means of helping clients return to psychological and social well-being while waiting for their bodies to heal. Adaptations will be made to occupations as appropriate to allow for immediate engagement if that is the desire of the client. For example, an occupational therapy practitioner can support a mother with a tendon repair of her dominant hand in her desire to bake a cake for her child’s birthday by showing her adaptive techniques to compensate for her limited hand mobility. These techniques might include making cupcakes, which can be much easier than baking a cake because the paper-lined tins can be filled by scooping out batter instead of pouring it from the bowl, and using canned frosting and colored sugar sprinkles to avoid the need to forcefully grip a decorating bag. When possible, occupational therapy practitioners provide splints and adaptive equipment that facilitate rather than inhibit early participation in daily activities such as dressing or driving. Outcomes The ultimate goal of occupation-based hand therapy is to ensure that the rehabilitation process promotes healing while also enabling clients to perform meaningful activities both in the clinic and in their daily lives. This approach fosters positive outcomes for clients, including enhancing their satisfaction with the therapy experience and results, maintaining their ability to engage in desired roles within their family and the community, and most importantly, experiencing quality of life as they define it. References Custer, M. G., Huebner, R. A., & Howell, D. M. (2014). Factors predicting client satisfaction in occupational therapy and rehabilitation. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 69, 6901290040p1–6901290040p10. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2015.013094 Hand Therapy Certification Commission. (n.d.). Who is a certified hand therapist? Retrieved from https://www.htcc.org/consumer-information/the-cht-credential/who-is-a-cht Law, M., Baptiste, S., Carswell, A., McColl, M. A., Polatajko, H., & Pollock, N. (2005). The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (4th ed.). Ottawa, Ontario: CAOT Publications. Developed by Debbie Amini, EdD, OTR/L, CHT, FAOTA, for the American Occupational Therapy Association. Updated and copyright © 2016 by the American Occupational Therapy Association. This material may be copied and distributed for personal or educational uses without written consent. For all other uses, contact copyright@aota.org.

Isabel Carron, Speech Language Pathologist with model patient. Clear communication and safe swallowing are essential parts of everyday life. At Memorial Hospital’s Therapy & Sports Rehab Center in Chester, Speech-Language Pathologist Isabel Carron, M.S., CCC‑SLP, provides personalized care to help children, adults and seniors strengthen their speech, language, voice and swallowing skills. Helping Children Find Their Voice Isabel supports children with speech and language delays, articulation challenges and childhood apraxia of speech. Her sessions include motor‑planning exercises, play‑based learning and family coaching to build confidence and communication skills. She also provides articulation therapy for sound production. Fluency, Clarity and Confidence for All Ages For children and adults who stutter or clutter, Isabel offers fluency‑shaping techniques, stuttering modification and strategies to improve speech rate and clarity. Voice Therapy and Vocal Wellness Individuals with voice disorders, such as dysphonia or muscle tension dysphonia, receive targeted treatment, vocal hygiene education and techniques to reduce strain and improve vocal quality. Support After Stroke or Brain Injury Isabel helps stroke and brain injury survivors rebuild communication and thinking skills through vocabulary practice, narrative skills, memory strategies, and problem‑solving exercises. Swallowing and Age‑Related Communication Needs For older adults with dysphagia, Isabel provides swallowing evaluations, diet recommendations and exercises to strengthen the muscles involved in safe eating and drinking. Autism, Social Communication and AAC Isabel works with individuals on the autism spectrum to build social communication skills and supports nonverbal clients through augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. Partnering With Families Early Early intervention makes a powerful difference. Isabel guides families through developmental language delays and home strategies that encourage communication growth. At Memorial Hospital’s Therapy & Sports Rehab Center, Isabel Carron delivers compassionate, evidence‑based care designed to help every patient unlock their potential through Speech Therapy. To schedule an appointment, call 618‑826‑4588.

L-R Back: Amy Eggemeyer, Anna Mueller, April Cadwell, Kathy Guetersloh, Alyssa Williams, Ariel Blair, Tabatha Colvis, John Havel, Kenneth Stout. L-R Front: Paige Gendron, Maribeth Golding, Anna Burmester , Megan Buch, Kristyn Riley, and Paige Baumgarte. Memorial Hospital is celebrating a remarkable milestone as its Swing Bed Program surpassed 1,000 days of healing and patient care in 2025, marking a significant achievement for the team and the community. This past year the program provided 1,116 patient‑care days. For Swing Bed Coordinator Amy Eggemeyer, the milestone reflects both the program’s growth and the dedication of the staff. “We have never broken the 1,000‑day mark, at least in the last eight years,” she said. “Each year our program continues to grow.”   As hospital stays have become shorter nationwide, many patients require additional recovery time and rehabilitation after being discharged from acute care. Memorial Hospital’s Swing Bed Program provides a vital solution, offering post‑acute “skilled care” for individuals who need daily medical oversight, therapy, or continued recovery support. Patients may be referred by physicians, acute care hospitals, or acute rehabilitation facilities, and the swing bed team evaluates each referral within 24 hours. The program supports a wide range of needs, including post‑surgical and post‑medical recovery requiring special dressing changes, new treatment education, physical, occupational, or speech therapy, nutritional support, or intravenous medication management. Because many conditions may qualify a patient for swing bed care, families are encouraged to speak with their physician or consult Memorial Hospital’s discharge planner or care coordination manager for guidance.   Once admitted, patients meet with the swing bed team for a comprehensive assessment of their condition, functional abilities, and personal recovery goals. The interdisciplinary team then develops a customized treatment plan and an estimated timeline to help the patient transition successfully from hospital to home. Family involvement is strongly encouraged, with loved ones included in decision‑making, updated on daily progress, and invited to participate in tri‑weekly interdisciplinary care meetings. This collaborative, patient‑centered approach ensures that each person receives the support, structure, and communication needed for a smooth recovery. “Our goal is to make the transition from hospital to home as seamless and reassuring as possible,” said Maribeth Golding, Discharge Planner. “From the moment we receive a referral, we coordinate closely with the patient, their family, and the care team to align services like therapy, education, nutrition, and medications, so patients feel supported every step of the way, right here close to home.” To celebrate the program’s record‑breaking year, staff members gathered for a festive event featuring pizza and ice cream cake. A special display showcased 1,000 heart‑shaped candies, symbolizing “1,000 hearts for 1,000 days”, as a tribute to the compassion and teamwork behind the milestone. Amy expressed her pride and gratitude for the team’s ongoing commitment. “I am very proud and thankful for a successful Swing Bed Program and feel very lucky to be able to provide top‑notch care to the people in our community,” she said. “This could not happen without the excellent teamwork from all those involved in the Swing Bed Program at Memorial Hospital.”   With continued growth and a dedicated interdisciplinary team, Memorial Hospital looks forward to building on this milestone and providing exceptional, local post‑acute care for years to come.

L-R: Susan Diddlebock, COO; Tabatha Pinkley, RHC Office Manager; Tiffany Couch, Receptionist; Bonnie Christiansen, LPN; Angela Albertini, PA-C; Cynthia Snider, APRN FNP-C; Torrie Davitz, Rural Health Clinic Director; Jamie Hess, PA-C; Leah Freytag, LPN; Amanda Johnson, RHC Nurse Manager; Martha Wingerter, Director of Professional Services; Brett Bollmann, CEO. Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce the opening of its Convenient Care clinic in a new location as of February 9, 2026. Now housed inside the Medical Office Building addition alongside the Chester Clinic, the updated space offers a more comfortable environment and greater convenience for patients seeking timely, affordable care.   For years, Convenient Care operated within the Emergency Department. The move to the Medical Office Building provides patients with a calmer, more efficient experience, separate from emergency traffic, while allowing the Emergency Department to remain focused on true emergencies.   Convenient Care is designed for busy families and individuals who need quick, walk‑in access for minor illnesses and injuries. It offers a lower‑cost alternative to the Emergency Department for non‑emergent needs, and insurance denials are far less common in this setting. Patients can be seen promptly for issues that don’t require emergency treatment, and Saturday hours add flexibility for those who need care outside the typical workweek.   The new location brings additional benefits. Patients are just steps away from lab work, imaging, and follow‑up care at Memorial Hospital, making visits smoother and efficient. Providers can now coordinate more easily with a patient’s primary care team, helping keep health histories connected and up to date.   The space itself was designed with patient comfort in mind. Larger, private exam rooms and a spacious waiting area create a welcoming environment for individuals of all ages. The improved layout also supports shorter wait times and a more streamlined visit.   “This move strengthens continuity of care for our patients by keeping their walk‑in, primary, and follow‑up services under one roof,” said Torrie Davitz, Rural Health Clinic Director. “Having immediate access to diagnostic services like lab work and imaging right next door means our patients receive faster answers and a smoother overall experience. We’re proud to offer a space that is not only more convenient, but also more comfortable and patient‑centered.”   Memorial Hospital’s Walk‑In Clinic is open Monday through Friday 8:00am-5:00pm and Saturdays 8:00am-1:00pm, with no appointment needed. Upon arrival, a clinical assistant will complete an initial assessment to determine whether Convenient Care is the appropriate setting. Patients whose needs require a higher level of care will be directed to the Emergency Department.   Memorial Hospital remains committed to making care faster, easier, and more comfortable for the community it serves.

Tom Search, Board Chairman, Evelyn Schuwerk, Brett Bollmann, CEO On February 3, 2026, Evelyn Schuwerk was presented with a plaque by Brett Bollmann, CEO and Tom Search, Board Chairman at Memorial Hospital, recognizing her exceptional, 14 years, of dedicated service as a Board Member. Evelyn was first appointed in March 2011 and chose to conclude her term in November 2025.   Evelyn accepted her appointment to the board after being encouraged by a County Board member. With prior experience in a hospital medical records department, she welcomed the opportunity to learn hospital operations from a new perspective and made a personal commitment to serve the organization and its patients.   Throughout her tenure, Evelyn has consistently praised the professionalism and compassion of Memorial Hospital’s staff. She noted, “As you look around the hospital, you can feel that sense of commitment in employees.” She emphasized the hospital’s welcoming atmosphere, high standards of cleanliness, and the way employees make patients and visitors feel comfortable. Evelyn also highlighted the strong teamwork across departments and pointed to the Auxiliary Gift Shop as an example of the hospital’s attention to quality and community engagement. She credited the hospital’s growth and ability to compete with larger facilities to effective leadership and collaborative governance, and said she valued the meaningful work and collegial spirit of board service.   Brett Bollmann, CEO of Memorial Hospital, expressed appreciation for Evelyn’s service and perspective, noting, “her steady presence and community-focused approach helped guide important decisions and supported the hospital’s continued improvement. We are grateful for her contributions.”   Evelyn’s board seat was filled by Keri Sims, a board-certified clinical pharmacist who currently serves as Director of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy Foundation, Ltd.   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 our board members who play active roles in helping us provide healthcare excellence to those we serve.