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Debra Herring, Retired Pharmacy Tech Debra Herring of Chester, retired from Memorial Hospital on July 30, 2021 after 42 years of service. She was hired in March of 1979, as a Pharmacy Tech and spent her career in that position. Over the years, she has witnessed many changes in the Pharmacy department from everything being done manually, to the introduction of multiple computer systems to improve workflow and processing. She remembers counting pills out of bottles of 1,000-5,000 and now several come in unit dose packages. When she began, the only electronic in the department was a typewriter and now the pharmacy has a prescription kiosk locker that dispenses medications to patients. One of her favorite memories happened during a department relocation from the basement to the main floor. There was a salesmen in the department that day that was persistent and she was instructed by her boss to ask him to leave due to their busy state. That salesmen later became a per diem pharmacist in the department and became part of their work family. She says, “Memories like this put a smile to my face.” Debbie states that she will never forget the friendships that were developed with her co-workers, “I was around when they all gave birth to their children, and I have watched them grow into successful adults along the way. This is an extended family for sure.” She is looking forward to spending time with family at gatherings and sharing old stories. “Family, that’s what life is all about.” From getting stuck in the elevator on her first day of work and repeating the scenario, unexpectedly, on her last, she takes that as a sign, that the hospital says “good-bye”. At least she does not plan to try for a third go around. During her time at Memorial, Debbie was a dedicated employee and all of her co-workers could see her passion for her job and her patients. Memorial Hospital thanks Debbie for her outstanding years of service, and her commitment to caring for our patients, employees, and community.

Garrett Zoellner, MT Laboratory Garrett Zoellner, MT at Memorial Hospital in the Laboratory Department, recently completed his accredited American Medical Technologist (AMT) Medical Technologist (MT) certification by passing his test on July 28, 2021. To be eligible for the test, one must have a Bachelor’s degree plus 2 years of experience as a laboratory technician. Zoellner is now a recognized MT across the country. In August, the Laboratory Department celebrated Zoellner’s accomplishment with cake and congratulatory praises. He was grateful for the recognition from his co-workers and feels fortunate to have such an awesome and well-educated support group. “If it wasn’t for the people who have helped build up my education of this field over the past 3 years, I would not have been able to do what I’ve done. They have given me the knowledge and foundation needed not only to better myself but to be able to deliver better patient care, which is ultimately what it’s all about.” Nicole Dethrow, Laboratory Administrative Assistant, expresses that the department is very proud of Garrett and what he has achieved, “He is always willing to help out his co-workers and in general is a very genuine and caring person. He is definitely a crucial part of the lab family.” Memorial Hospital congratulates Zoellner on his achievements and thanks him for being a dedicated member of the Laboratory Team and always striving to learn more to improve the care for those whom he serves.

Mary Lynn Eaton Brett Bollmann, CEO at Memorial Hospital named Mary Lynn Eaton Employee of the Quarter for the Third Quarter 2021 on September 29. Eaton has worked at Memorial Hospital since May of 2019 as an Admitting Clerk. When asked what she likes most about working at Memorial Hospital, Eaton replied, “Chester Hospital has outstanding employees who really care about you. The concern, compassion and willingness to go the extra step is in every department. Not only the needs of the patient is taken care of but our hospital has always tried to help with the needs of the family who has a member here. The little things like ‘Have a good day.’ or ‘Have a good sleep.’ Makes a person’s day. Positivity within our staff is shown here and is a must. I am very blessed to have been able to join such a great facility.” Her co-workers who nominated her wrote, “Lynn is professional, kind, and caring to all patients and staff. She offers to help anyone who needs it and stays late to help when things are backed up with work. She helps ER nursing staff when they are overwhelmed with patients by copying papers for transfers, calling for patient updates for waiting family members, wiping down ER waiting rooms, going into the ER to register non-isolated patients, etc. She is an amazing co-worker and deserves to be recognized for the positivity and teamwork she brings to her job.” Eaton resides in Willisville, IL and has three sons, Connally, Joshua and Brad, and a “four-legged son” Butch. In her free time Eaton enjoys spending time with her family, watching Saluki Football, volunteering time to serve as a Perry County Mental Health Board member, helping with the Ava and Willisville Fire Departments, working with Sandra’s Comfort for Cancer Patients, and taking hikes with her dog. 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, Addie Schultz, Third Party Biller; Kaitlynn Smith, RN; Peggy Williams, HIM Associate; and Sherry Wilson, CNA, were the winners of a monetary award for their star nominations.

Mariah Bargman, Marketing/Community Relations Memorial Hospital was recognized at the Illinois Society of Healthcare Marketing and Public Relations' (ISHMPR), annual conference, in Alsip, IL on, October 14, with a Honorable Mention Award. An entry was submitted into the Physician Relations and Recruitment category by Community Relations and Marketing Manager, Mariah Bargman. During 2020-2021 Memorial developed new tools to continue provider recruitment during the pandemic. With in-person meetings, tours, and interviews postponed, Martha Roth, Director of Professional Services, and Julie Stern, Director of Human Resources, worked with Bargman, to create provider recruitment advertising and digital resources to hold virtual interviews and virtual tours to candidates. The recruitment package developed includes fliers for circulation to medical schools and larger hospitals. The fliers highlight the organization's achievements, improvements and accreditations, along with benefit opportunities and community amenities and attractions. Single sheet info-graphics with answers to frequently asked questions were also developed for specific professions that were tailored to a potential provider's specialty. The final piece was a digital presentation and tour of Memorial and our locations that could be shared with prospective providers in place of an in-person tour. The video highlights many of the newly renovated spaces at Memorial and features images and details for all medical departments, the Rural Health Clinic locations, and the Therapy and Sports Rehab Center. Being a recipient of the Pinnacle Award represents the continued work and dedication our healthcare team of directors put into continuing provider recruitment even during a pandemic. When things stopped, the team found a way to continue and persevere to ensure Memorial is able to provide quality healthcare professionals to our community.

Tia Reid, Director of Nutritional Services Tia Reid, Director of Nutritional Services at Memorial Hospital, has completed her certification as a Metabolic Health Practitioner through The Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners (SMHP). She received her certification thru following the Nutrition Network Path and Advisor training in LCHF (Low-Carb, High-Fat)/Keto Nutrition. The Network is an education, connection and learning platform founded by The Noakes Foundation in partnership with an esteemed team of doctors and scientists. The platform covers the latest and most up-to-date science and research in the field of Low Carb Nutrition. The Advisor Training offered through the Network provides online LCHF education for those looking to acquire a professional accreditation in nutrition coaching. Reid’s goal is to be able to offer LCHF/Keto Nutrition as a choice to help others in their own journeys to wellness. "I see an opportunity to put together programs for wellness that include Therapeutic Carbohydrate Restriction (TCR) and in collaboration with education provided by Memorial Hospital’s Registered Dietitian, Melissa Soellner." Both Reid’s LCHF/Keto Nutrition Certification and Soellner’s PreventT2, CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program, provide guidance on managing diabetes, reading food labels, planning meals, overcoming obstacles, and improving physical activity. Together, the goal is to bring nutrition education, options, and support to those in the community who want to live a healthier and more active life, to help guide, motivate and inspire lasting change for wellness.

In July 2021 ComWell and Chester Memorial Hospital joined forces to combine their quality care initiatives to bring Randolph County and surrounding areas a more comprehensive and effective approach to behavioral health care. As the need for mental health and substance misuse services continues to increase, Chester Memorial Hospital and ComWell have worked side-by-side to provide healthcare workers and community members viable solutions that bridge the gaps in healthcare continuum. “It is a privilege to partner with Chester Memorial Hospital to increase collaboration for behavioral health patients,” said ComWell Executive Director, Shea Haury. “Primary care providers are responsible for treating an extensive amount of behavioral health conditions, especially in rural communities. Chester Memorial Hospital continues to implement innovative models and creative solutions to meet the needs of their patients, and we are proud to support their continued integration of high-quality behavioral services into primary care.” Through this collaborative care model, Chester Memorial welcomed ComWell Recovery Coach, Mary Holland, to their Care Coordination and Case Management Team. Holland works closely with Physicians, Nurse Managers, Supervisors and Nursing teams to help improve patient outcomes and increased access to resources and behavioral health appointments. “ComWell partnered with Memorial’s Care Coordination Team to bridge the gaps in healthcare,” said Susan Diddlebock, Chief Nursing Officer at Memorial. “The program has improved the on-site resources for our patients which facilitate better outcomes faster.” Holland serves as an advocate to connect patients to care services that will benefit them beyond their doctor’s visit. She is able to connect patients to ComWell services, which include psychiatric and counseling services, DUI and recovery services, developmental disabilities services, residential services, educational services, and more. “It has been a privilege to be a part of this new collaboration between Chester Memorial Hospital and ComWell,” said Holland. “Since joining the team at CMH, we have been able to increase access to mental healthcare for members of our community who may not have had the opportunity otherwise. We have improved their quality of care by streamlining communication and coordination. It is my hope that we will continue to build on and expand this program in the future, providing our community with the best care possible.” This continued outreach provides assistance beyond the patient’s initial encounter with their physician. The resources Holland provides access to improve the quality of care the patient receives and in turn improves their quality of life.

Memorial Hospital presented service awards individually to employees during the week of November 1 in place of their annual large, in-person celebration. Brett Bollmann, CEO, presented recipients with their Service Awards. The following employees received Service Awards: 5 Years - Pollyanna Bert (not pictured), Soleil Brunkhorst, Melissa Collins, Amanda Draves, Wesleyan Fadler, Amy Mathis, Bailey McMurtry (not pictured), Ryan Petrowske, Amber Smith, Julie Stern, Lori Williams (not pictured), Rachel Young; 10 Years - Amy Brown, Tifanie Conway (not pictured), Torrie Davitz, Jennifer Donjon, Beverly Froemling, Christine Goetz, Heather Smith, Lisa Wingerter; 15 Years - Kathy Bohnert, Apryl Bradshaw, Susan McCoy, Linda Young; 20 Years - Georgia Allen, Laura Cleiman, Kimberly Ruebke, Heather Williamson; 25 Years - Carla Fedderke; 35 Years - Jacinta Mulholland; 45 Years - Carol Buckholtz and Carol Schulein. Retirees from 2021 for this year received a gift commemorating their time at Memorial. Those honored, included: Ida Harriss – 26 years (not pictured), Reta Mott – 27 years (not pictured), Debra Herring – 42 years, Pamela Schroeder – 28 years, Lisa Austin – 39 years (not pictured). Amy Eggemeyer and Dr. James Krieg The 2021 Israel D. Newmark Memorial Award was presented by Chief of Medical Staff, Dr. James Krieg during a Medical Staff Meeting on November 17th. This year’s recipient Amy Eggemeyer, Care Coordinator Manager at Memorial Hospital, was presented with a plaque. She has worked at Memorial for 4 years. Dr. Krieg read the following words from coworkers, “This employee makes each and every patient she comes in contact with feel like family. She shows compassion by comforting patients and their loved ones during some pretty stressful and complicated situations. She has a knack for remembering the names of patient’s relatives, various appointments, patient likes/dislikes, etc. We believe it is because she genuinely cares for them. She is always professional and treats her peers with respect. Always upbeat and ready to boost morale. I have heard more compliments from our patients and families in the last couple of years since she has taken on her new role. She works extremely hard at what she does and takes pride in giving our community outstanding care during their stay. She makes sure that every detail of their care while at the hospital and when they return home are in order.” Eggemeyer was honored to receive the award and had these words to say about her career at Memorial, “I absolutely love my job at Memorial Hospital. I work with a fun bunch of people, not only nursing staff, but other departments as well. I love working with the community. There is nothing I love more than getting a phone call asking about our swing bed program and what I can do to help get either themselves or a family member in. I have a lot of pride in our hometown hospital. ”

Back L-R: Abby Bollmann, Madison Kribs, Abigail Heinen, Daniel Jones, Jada Long, Macey Ludwig, Mariah Bargman. Front L-R: Annaliese Corbin, Abigail Zweigart, KayLynn Bowerman, Elseah Congiardo, Julia Venus. (Not Pictured: Josalynn Anaya, Kadence Bockhorn, Kyler Bowerman, Hanna Colvis, Jaden Hinnerichs, Camryn Luthy, Mia Masterson) Memorial Hospital welcomes 18 students into this year’s Medical Explorers program. Beginning in 2019, the program year was cut short with the events of 2020. At the start of the 2020 program year in September, the post had a virtual start and by the end of the program year, was able to invite students into the building during the summer months for job shadowing. As Memorial starts their third year of the program, they are hopeful to provide a full year of in-person and hands-on exploring in healthcare. The Memorial Hospital Medical Explorers is a registered post of the nationally recognized branch of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Exploring is part of the Learning for Life’s career education program for young men and women by the BSA. The program welcomes young adults ages 14-21 who have an interest in healthcare careers. During the program at Memorial, students meet once a month and hear from different departments throughout the hospital, rural health clinic, rehab center, and other community healthcare professionals including first responders. They are also provided hands-on activities that help them better understand the tasks that healthcare professionals perform each day. The purpose of the program is to provide experiences to help young people mature and to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults. Memorial’s Medical Exploring Program is designed to create a unique, hands-on structure that provides learning activities for the participants’ special interests and help guide them to a future career in the healthcare field. This year’s Explorers include the following students from the listed schools: Chester High School – Josalynn Anaya, Abby Bollmann, Hanna Colvis, Madison Kribs, Camryn Luthy, and Julia Venus. Sparta High School – Annaliese Corbin, Abigail Heinen, Jada Long, Abigail Zweigart. Steeleville High School – Kadence Bockhorn, Jaden Hinnerichs, and Mia Masterson. TRICO High School – KayLynn Bowerman, Kyler Bowerman, Daniel Jones. Gibault High School – Elseah Congiardo. Southwestern Illinois College – Macey Ludwig. This year students will hear from familiar departments such as Human Resources, Diagnostic Imaging, Nursing, and the Rehab Center. New additions to the program include presentations from the Rural Health Clinic, OR Nursing, Pharmacy, and AirEvac (EMS Aid Medical Team). “The goal is to add different and new things each year,” says Committee Chairperson, Mariah Bargman. “We want to make the program engaging for students who are in the program more than one year. We have four students in the program this year who have been an Explorer since 2019. So it is important to us that they don’t see the same thing each year and are always learning new aspects about healthcare and career options.” As an Explorer, students are given privileges to job shadow in many departments and with specialty providers. This helps further their understanding of the daily demands different healthcare workers experience and help them make better decisions in a career path that may fit their abilities and interests. New this year, Explorers who are seniors in High School or attending college will be able to apply for a scholarship. The scholarship application process includes extra job shadowing hours and short essays. A committee will then evaluate their performance and editorial pieces, and a $500 scholarship will be awarded by the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.

The Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) recently recognized Memorial Hospital, Chester, for its ongoing commitment to exceptional quality of care, during a ceremony held November 18th at the I-Hotel and Conference Center, Champaign, IL. 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 the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy Medicare Beneficiary Quality Improvement Program (MBQIP). As a Critical Access Hospital (CAH), Memorial voluntarily participates in the four defined domains of quality outcomes, which includes: Patient Safety/Inpatient; Patient Engagement; Care Transitions; and Outpatient Measures. Memorial Hospital was recognized for being in the top 10% of all critical access hospitals in the country for influenza vaccination coverage among healthcare personnel as part of the Patient Safety/Inpatient Domain. It was also honored for being in the top 10% of all CAHs in the country for exceptional care of emergency department transfer patients as part of the Care Transitions Domain. “Here at Memorial, the patient is always our first priority,” says Brett Bollmann, CEO. “All of our employees are dedicated to ensuring a safe and healing environment for our community and making certain that those who need care that is more advanced are transitioned quickly in order to receive needed treatment as fast as possible.” The Medicare Beneficiary Quality Improvement Program began in 2011 as a way for critical access hospitals to demonstrate the quality of care that they provide. This program has continued to evolve, adding new measures and removing outdated ones. The Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (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. The organization is composed of Illinois hospitals who have earned critical access hospital designation by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. ICAHN is recognized nationally for its work with rural healthcare and administers several state, federal, and private healthcare programs.

L-R: Susan Diddlebock, Chief Nursing Officer; Jerina Reese, RN; Kaitlynn Smith, RN; Lisa Wingerter, LPN; Marci Klein, RN; Kim Fedderke, RN; Heide Knop, RN; Amy Eggemeyer, Patient Coordinator Manager. Not pictured, Lane Gibbs, RN; Austin Gendron, RN; Audrie Otten, RN; and Vicki Hamer, RN. Memorial Hospital of Chester held its bi-annual DAISY Award ® Ceremony on December 14, 2021. The ten nurses nominated for The DAISY Award® For Extraordinary Nurses were, Jerina Reese, RN; Kaitlynn Smith, RN; Lisa Wingerter, LPN; Marci Klein, RN; Kim Fedderke, RN; Heide Knop, RN; Audrie Otten, RN; Lane Gibbs, RN; Austin Gendron, RN; and Vicki Hamer, RN. Lisa Wingerter, LPN at Memorial Hospital’s Rural Health Clinics was honored with being recognized as the DAISY Award ® recipient for the second half of 2021. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's programs to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day. Memorial joined the program in 2020 and holds an Award Ceremony two times a year to recognize their nurses who go above and beyond. DAISY Award Recipient, Lisa Wingerter, LPN Wingerter, resides in Chester, IL and has been employed at the Rural Health Clinics since 2011. Wingerter received two nominations, one from a patient and one from her co-worker, which read: “Every time I go to the clinic, Lisa is there to greet me with a smile. She is always in a good mood and quite wonderful at her job. I always like seeing her when I am there. She helps keep track of what I need and makes these visits enjoyable.” “Lisa is an amazing nurse and truly cares for her patients. She always goes above and beyond to make sure they are taken care of and understand the plan of care. A large majority of her patient population is elderly and need more time and more detailed explanations and Lisa always takes that extra time with them. Recently Lisa had a patient who had done multiple tests throughout the week to figure out what was causing them horrible pain. The final test result came back on a Friday afternoon that lead the patient needing an urgent referral and procedure. Due to insurance, this process became long and complicated. Lisa brainstormed with providers, co-workers in the clinic and multiple departments within the hospital to make sure this patient was able to have the procedure before the weekend. While juggling multiple phone calls and questions, Lisa continued to work on the floor with her provider to keep their scheduled patients flowing. Lisa is a great resource for her co-workers and always jumps in to help when needed.” Wingerter was surprised and honored to receive the DAISY Award ® , she remarks, “I love being a nurse! This is such an honor and I feel blessed that his family has chosen to celebrate nurses in this manner. There are so many strong and wonderful nurses in the world that deserve to be acknowledged for what they do and how they care for patients. Nurses are a tight group and I love and appreciate all of the nurses that I have had the privilege to work with during my 20 years of nursing.” She feels lucky to work in an office setting where she is able to get to know her patients on a personal level. “I love when they com in for an appointment and are so excited to show me updated pictures of their grandchildren, vacation or pets.” She is grateful that someone sees her as hope in their life when things are not going well. She loves the people she works with and says, “they are more like family and they make it fun to come in to work even on the tough days.” The additional nominations submitted, included the following: Heidi Knop, RN Heidi Knop – submitted by a patient, “I came to the ER with what I suspected was diabetic ketoacidosis. After taking my vitals, the ER nurse had me wait in triage for a room with an attached bathroom. Nurse Heidi came into the triage room and knew right away I was in diabetic ketoacidosis. She immediately took me to get a gown on, into a bed, and started fluids on me. By the time I got the gown on, a room had opened up and she took me straight into the room. I credit her for saving my life because of the quick action she took to start my care as quickly as possible. I’ve told everyone I’ve talked to she was my guardian angel in the ER that day.” Marci Klein, RN Marci Klein – submitted by a co-worker/patient family member, “ Marci is a wonderful nurse and co-worker. When I brought my child into the ER because I was concerned about his breathing due to being RSV positive, she did not hesitate to bring me straight back to a room. She checked his oxygen right away and let the doctor know what was going on. She made me feel more relaxed being there for me and my child and not only made sure he was taken care of but me too. She made sure we had everything we needed on discharge and even worked part of my shift the next day so I could be at home with him. I couldn’t be more thankful for her care as a nurse and her consideration as a co-worker. Kaitlynn Smith, RN Kaitlynn Smith - received two nominations from co-workers, “A patient had been in the hospital for a few weeks with COVID and had several medication changes during that time. The patient wasn’t quite sure what they had at home anymore and what they did not so after they were discharged there were about six medications on their list that they did not have. Their family member called the next day realizing that they didn’t have these medications almost frantic. Kaity spent over an hour on the phone going through each medication with them and talking to the doctor and the pharmacy to make sure that they had everything that they needed. The patient had even lost the remainder of a 90 day prescription and was unable to fill it through insurance so Kaity looked on good RX and found it where they could get this medication for $15.00 rather than the over $200.00 that it would have cost for the cash price and then called that prescription to a pharmacy. At the end of this, over an hour-long ordeal, I could overhear how grateful the patient’s family memberr was for Kaity taking all this time to help them and they thanked her profusely. Most impressively though, all Kaity had to say at the end of all of that was, ‘Well, that’s settled.’ I was so proud of her patience and kindness.” “I want to nominate Kaity because of her dedication to her patients, especially how she has gone above and beyond for an emergency room patient who was recently referred to [extended care]. Katie, another employee and myself, were able to work together as a team to make sure that this particular client could access much needed resources in an area they were unfamiliar with and where they did not have much familial support. It is an amazing thing to see organizations work together so well to help our community and its citizens and Kaity showed amazing compassion and empathy.” Kaity feels honored to be nominated for the DAISY Award. She quotes Bill Belichick in stating, “On a team it’s not the strength of the individual players, but it is the strength of the unit and how they all function together.” She feels lucky to be able to work beside amazing team mates who support and encourage each other. She enjoys working with her team and caring for the community. Jerina Reese, RN Jerina Reese – Received a nomination from a patient’s family, “Her patience and understanding dealing with my elderly father had no bounds. NONE!” Kim Fedderke, RN Kim Fedderke – Is a multi-nomination recipient and received a nomination this half of 2021 from a patient. “I came in to convenient care with a very sore neck. The pain came and went. Kim F. was very nice and helpful about what I was experiencing. After a short while, Kim told me Dr.Carr was working that evening. Dr.Carr was also very nice and helpful. Dr.Carr ordered a CT scan of my neck. Nurse Kim Fedderke helped me in whatever it was I needed. She was always very nice and friendly as to whatever I needed, asking if I needed a blanket and brought me water while being very pleasant and seeing to my needs while being very professional in her duties as my nurse. I would highly recommend nurse Kim Fedderke and want to thank her for everything she did for me. Kim has helped me before not too long ago. Again, she was very thoughtful while being very professional doing her duties as a nurse. May god bless you and your always, I know you’ll keep up the great work. Thank you so much Kim Fedderke. She is a credit to her profession.” Audrie Otten, RN Audrie Otten – Received a nomination from a patient, “I went to the ER one morning. This nurse took my symptoms and got me in bed. She came back where I was and checked on me several times. She was very comforting and optimistic about my condition, and explained all my meds before I went home. Also Dr. Britt explained everything well.” Lane Gibbs, RN Lane Gibbs – Received a nomination from a patient, “I came into the ED with chest pains, Lane was my nurse, it turns out I was having a heart attack. Lane was kind, attentive and communicative. If I had questions, Lane was prompt with answers. He made sure my family and I knew what and why all treatments were happening. I honestly felt that he cares about his patients and wants to make sure they get the best care possible. An extra note, all of the staff took my situation seriously and were beyond professional.” Austin Gendron, RN Austin Gendron – Received a nomination from a patient, “I was in the hospital for crisis and Austin was nice and put Netflix on for me on his laptop and we even played some card games. He was an awesome conversationalist in my time of waiting to be transferred. He was really awesome and super sweet.” Vicki Hamer, RN Vicki Hamer – Received a nomination from a patient, “I came in not having any idea what was causing my pain. Vicki was great. She listened, explained things well and did a great job starting an IV. As a nurse myself, I couldn’t have ask for better care.” Nurses at all of Memorial Hospital’s locations, including the rural health clinics, can be nominated for the DAISY Award®. Patients, family members, and co-workers can request paper forms at any of our locations or visit our website at www.mhchester.com to nominate a nurse. The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, CA, and was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. Said Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, CEO and Co-Founder of The DAISY Foundation, "When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced first-hand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night. Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the super-human work they do. The kind of work the nurses at Memorial Hospital are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of The DAISY Award.” For a complete listing of healthcare organizations currently running the program, please go to http://DAISYfoundation.o In addition to the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, the Foundation expresses gratitude to the nursing profession internationally in over 4,600 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing with recognition of direct care Nurses, Nurse-led Teams, Nurse Leaders, Nurses Advancing Health Equity, Nursing Faculty, Nursing Students, Lifetime Achievement in Nursing and through the J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects, Medical Mission Grants their new Health Equity Grant program. More information is available at http://DAISYfoundation.org .

Dr. Matthew Gaeta Memorial Hospital Welcomes Dr. Matthew Gaeta, specializing in gastroenterology, to our Specialty Clinic Team. Dr. Matthew Gaeta specializes in Gastroenterology. He completed undergraduate studies at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri earning a Bachelor of Science degree in biological sciences. He received his medical doctorate at University of Missouri School of Medicine in Columbia, Missouri. Dr. Gaeta completed an Internal Medicine residency at University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver, Colorado. He then returned to Columbia, Missouri where he completed a Categorical Internal Medicine residency followed by a Fellowship in Gastroenterology. He is board certified in Gastroenterology. Dr. Gaeta joins Memorial Hospital’s team of specialty providers offering Gastroenterology services beginning January of 2022. Outpatient clinics will be available every other week along with same day surgery procedures. To learn more about our specialists visit www.mhchester.com or call Memorial Hospital Specialty Clinic at (618) 826-4581 ext. 1366

Brett Bollmann, CEO and Carrie Jo Dierks, Infusion Nursing Assistant Brett Bollmann, CEO at Memorial Hospital named Carrie Jo Dierks, Employee of the Quarter for the Fourth Quarter 2021 on February 10. Dierks has worked at Memorial Hospital 23 years as a CNA with the last seven in the Infusion and Chemotherapy Department as a Nursing Assistant. When asked what she likes most about working at Memorial Hospital, Dierks replied, “Taking care of my patients and their family to make them feel the best they can about their visit. I always try to treat my patients and their families like I would want my own to be treated. Working together as a family here at Memorial makes the challenging times better.” Her co-workers who nominated her wrote, “Carrie Jo is always at the front making people and patients feel welcome and like they are in good hands. She is so comforting to help patients get through the difficult times. She is also great to work with as she does everything she can to accommodate her co-workers. She volunteers for many things in the community and has jumped in to do COVID testing outside on one of the coldest days of the year because we were overloaded. She is always considerate of the patient and family schedules when she is scheduling patient appointments. This employee is definitely outstanding!” Dierks resides in Chester, IL. When she is not affectionately caring for patients she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, playing Pinochle, and making memories that will last forever. 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, Jeanice Brandes, Cook; Tracy Loos, Radiology Technologist 4; Heather Smith, CMA at the Rural Health Clinic; and Ashley Schroeder, LPN at the Rural Health Clinic, were the winners of a monetary award for their star nominations.