Search Results

Becky Bunselmeyer and Sarah Rathert Memorial Hospital is proud to celebrate the remarkable career of Becky Bunselmeyer, Director of Performance Improvement, following her retirement on February 3 after 33 years of dedicated service.   Becky joined Memorial Hospital in September 1992 as the Business Office Manager. Over the years, she embraced new roles, expanded her education, and played a key part in major organizational transitions, from early billing systems and the adoption of Meditech in 1996 to the hospital’s move to Oracle Cerner in 2018. Her work has supported Memorial Hospital’s ongoing commitment to innovation and high‑quality patient care.   Beyond her professional contributions, Becky fondly remembers hospital events. From parade floats and Community Walk/Run events to the unforgettable outfits at this year’s Hospital Party. “What I will miss most are my co‑workers and the friends I’ve made along the way,” Becky shared. “They are my work family, and I will always treasure the time I had with them.”   In retirement, Becky looks forward to catching up on rest, tackling home projects, volunteering with the Jackson County Historical Society, reconnecting with old friends, spending more time with her grandson, taking restoration classes, and continuing her family history research.   As Becky steps into this new chapter, Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce that Sarah Rathert, RN, has been selected to serve as the hospital’s new Quality and Clinical Compliance Officer.   Sarah brings a strong clinical background and a deep connection to Memorial Hospital. A 2016 graduate of Rend Lake College, she began her nursing career in the Emergency Department at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale. She later joined Chester Memorial Hospital in 2018 as a PRN nurse in both the ER and ICU, gaining valuable experience while building strong relationships with the nursing team.   Transitioning into Quality and Compliance has been a meaningful shift for Sarah. “Over the past few months, I’ve learned so much from Becky,” she said. “She has been not only a mentor, but a friend. One of the most rewarding parts of this role is contributing to patient safety and seeing the bigger picture of how our nurses’ work impacts the entire patient experience.”   Memorial Hospital extends its gratitude to Becky for her decades of service and warmly welcomes Sarah into her new role. The hospital is confident that Sarah’s clinical expertise, passion for quality care, and commitment to the community will continue the strong foundation Becky helped build.

Dr. M. Adil Sheikh Memorial Hospital's Specialty Clinic would like to welcome Dr. M. Adil Sheikh, MD to the Cardiology team of providers. Dr. M. Adil Sheikh specializes in interventional cardiology with expertise in treating complex coronary artery disease and structural heart conditions. Dr. Sheikh earned his medical degree from Dow University of Health Sciences in Karachi, Pakistan and completed residency in Internal Medicine at Wayne State University – Detroit Medical Center in Detroit, Michigan. He then joined the Department of Internal Medicine faculty at the University of Michigan Medical School as a Clinical Assistant Professor. In 2024, Dr. Sheikh completed fellowship in cardiovascular disease at Southern Illinois University in Springfield, followed by a fellowship in interventional cardiology at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. He is board certified in Internal Medicine. Dr. Sheikh joined the Prairie Cardiovascular team of cardiologist at the O’Fallon, Illinois location in 2025. He joined the team of Cardiology Specialists in February, offering outpatient cardiology clinics on Mondays.

Brett Bollmann, CEO and Rebecca Hahn Brett Bollmann, CEO at Memorial Hospital named Rebecca Hahn Employee of the Quarter for the Fourth Quarter 2025 on January 29, 2026. Rebecca Hahn, Specialty Clinic Nurse Manager at Memorial Hospital, has been employed at Memorial since May 2023. When asked what she likes most about working at Memorial, she replied, “I enjoy being able to help our patients navigate their healthcare needs, improving patient outcomes, and providing person centered care. After 24 years of nursing, I still feel like I learn every day by working with each of our Specialty Clinic providers. I appreciate the collaboration and support from my coworkers and leadership and am grateful to serve our community.” The nomination submitted on her behalf read, “This employee is a trusted and inspiring leader who consistently puts the team's needs first. She is both motivating and encouraging, fostering an environment where all team members feel heard, valued, and empowered to provide the highest quality of care for patients. Her reliability, helpful nature, and team-first attitude are notable qualities that set her apart. She is always the first to volunteer assistance and provides guidance and mentorship, which has significantly strengthened the team dynamic and led to substantial staff growth. Her ability to listen and problem-solve makes her an incredible part of our team, inspiring many to lead with greater empathy and purpose.” Hahn resides in Modoc with her husband and three children. When she is not at work, she is an avid hunter and volunteer and state board member for the National World Turkey Federation. She also enjoys woodworking, crafting, baking and anything outdoors with her family. Each quarter employees are encouraged to submit “star cards” for their co-workers who go above and beyond in their patient care or teamwork. Four random cards were drawn at the award presentation for Barbara Cagle, Specialty Clinic Medical Assistant; Ashley Nanney, Same Day Surgery LPN; Emily Colvis, Rural Health Clinic LPN; and Joetta McFarland, Operating Room RN.

Georgia Stipe, Director of Cardiopulmonary and Kenneth Stout, Respiratory Therapist with new PFT machine. Memorial Hospital is proud to announce the installation of a new PowerCube+ Series Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) machine, manufactured by Ganshorn, in the Cardiopulmonary Department. Installed on January 27, this state‑of‑the‑art system replaces equipment that has served the community for more than 25 years; bringing a new level of precision, comfort, and diagnostic capability to patients.   PFTs are a group of noninvasive breathing tests that measure how well the lungs are working. They play a vital role in diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as asthma, COPD, emphysema, and other respiratory diseases, as well as helping providers evaluate how well treatments or medications are working. At Memorial Hospital, all PFT results are overread by Dr. Spence, Pulmonologist, ensuring expert interpretation and continuity of care.   The new PowerCube+ system uses ultrasonic technology, which allows for exceptionally precise measurement of lung volumes, airflow, and gas exchange. This level of accuracy supports earlier detection of respiratory issues and more tailored treatment plans. This is an important advantage for patients managing chronic lung conditions.   For patients, this means: ·       More accurate results, leading to clearer diagnoses ·       Better monitoring of disease progression and treatment effectiveness ·       A smoother, more comfortable testing experience   For clinicians and staff, the system’s user‑friendly design streamlines the testing process, reduces setup time, and enhances workflow. Georgia Stipe, Director of Cardiopulmonary, noted that the installation was quick, and the team has found the system intuitive and efficient to use.   By investing in this advanced technology, Memorial Hospital continues its commitment to offering high‑quality specialty services close to home. This is an important benefit for individuals with chronic breathing issues who may already face mobility or fatigue challenges. With enhanced diagnostic capabilities and improved patient experience, the Cardiopulmonary Department is better equipped than ever to support the long‑term lung health of our community.

Cindy Snider, FNP-C, Angela Albertini, PA-C , Jamie Hess, PA-C Memorial Hospital is pleased to welcome three exceptional providers to its new Convenient Care clinic, opening February 2026 in the Medical Office Building addition on the hospital campus. The expanded walk‑in clinic will enhance access to timely, patient‑centered care for families across the region.   Leading the Convenient Care team is Cindy Snider, FNP‑C, a familiar face to many in the community. Cindy began her healthcare career at Memorial Hospital nearly three decades ago and is grateful for the opportunity to once again care for the community she calls home. Known for her warm approach and deep compassion, Cindy values building meaningful connections with patients and finds great purpose in helping others feel better, faster.   Joining Cindy are two well‑known providers who have long served Memorial Hospital patients: Angela Albertini, PA‑C, and Jamie Hess, PA‑C.   Angela has been part of the Memorial Hospital family since 2009, caring for patients in both family practice and the Wound Clinic. She is appreciated for her steady presence, her ability to put patients at ease, and her commitment to providing thoughtful, thorough care.   Jamie, who also joined Memorial Hospital in 2009, previously cared for patients in the Rural Health Clinics for 12 years. She is known for her calm, reassuring approach and her ability to help patients navigate sudden or urgent health concerns with confidence. Jamie values listening closely, easing worries, and providing clear next steps so patients feel supported and understood. A longtime resident of the region, she is grateful for the opportunity to once again care for her local community.   “We are thrilled to welcome Cindy, Angela, and Jamie to our new Convenient Care clinic,” said Torrie Davitz, Rural Health Clinic Director. “Their compassion, experience, and dedication to patient care will strengthen our ability to provide accessible, high‑quality services to the communities we serve.” The new Convenient Care clinic will offer walk‑in access for minor illnesses, injuries, and other non‑emergent needs — giving patients a convenient option for care without the need for an appointment. This expansion reflects Memorial Hospital’s ongoing commitment to providing comprehensive, close‑to‑home healthcare for the region.   Memorial Hospital looks forward to celebrating the opening of the new clinic in February 2026 and welcoming patients to meet the providers who will be caring for them.   The new Convenient Care clinic will offer walk‑in access for minor illnesses, injuries, and other non‑emergent needs, expanding Memorial Hospital’s commitment to convenient, comprehensive care close to home.   Memorial Hospital looks forward to celebrating the opening of the new clinic in February 2026 and welcoming patients to meet the providers who will be serving them.

Back L-R: Claire Deterding, Megan Moeller, Katie Deterding, Eli Congiardo, Amelia Meyer, Kaylee Cowell, Kaila Jerkatis, Alayna Schmoll, Ella Tripp, Emily Melching, Maribeth Strate, Kamryn Patterson, Brenna Hammel, and Mariah Bargman, Program Director. Front L-R: Kylie Zipfel, Jaimy Duran, Hadlie Cushman, and Rylee Shemonic. Not Pictured: Morgan Absher, Taylor Absher, Allie Bainter, Emma Batson, Aaliyah Berkbuegler, Logan Brace, Abby Carter, Hillarie Cowan, Ava Deterding, Karlie Kranz, Isabela Rafael, Kaylee Rogers, Lexi Smith, Aaron Steenson, Kenna Thompson, Karsen Wedemeyer, and Camryn Wolff. Memorial Hospital is pleased to share a mid year update on the 2025–2026 Medical Explorers Program, now in its seventh year of inspiring local students to explore careers in healthcare. Since its launch, the program has welcomed more than 140 students, with 42% choosing to participate for two to three years, demonstrating strong interest and continued engagement. Open to students from their freshman year of high school through age 20, the program has historically included participants from Chester, Trico, Steeleville, Sparta, Gibault, Red Bud, Southwestern Illinois College, and home school programs. The program provides hands on learning, department tours, and direct interaction with healthcare professionals who are passionate about mentoring the next generation. This year’s cohort includes 34 students from six area high schools, representing grades 9–12. From Chester High School, participants include Morgan Absher, Taylor Absher, Allie Bainter, Aaliyah Berkbuegler, Logan Brace, Abby Carter, Kaylee Cowell, Hadlie Cushman, Jaimy Duran, Brenna Hammel, Emily Melching, Isabela Rafael, Kaylee Rogers, Rylee Shemonic, Kenna Thompson, and Camryn Wolff. Steeleville High School students include Emma Batson, Hillari Cowan, Karlie Kranz, Kamryn Patterson, Lexi Smith, Ella Tripp, and Karsen Wedemeyer. From Gibault High School, participants are Eli Congiardo, Kaila Jerkatis, and Amelia Meyer. Red Bud High School is represented by Ava Deterding, Claire Deterding, Katie Deterding, Megan Moeller, Alayna Schmoll, and Kylie Zipfel. Trico High School is represented by Aaron Steenson, and Coulterville High School by Maribeth Strate. Throughout this program year, participants have the opportunity to engage with professionals from Memorial Hospital’s Cardiac Pulmonary Rehab Center, Rural Health Clinics, Memorial Community Pharmacy, OR, MSU and ER Nursing, Anesthesia, and Diagnostic Imaging Departments. The program welcomes the following outside health and wellness organizations Rheinecker Chiropractic, ComWell, Chester Family Dental, MedStar Ambulance, Southern Illinois Eyecare, AirEvac, and Area Health Education Centers (AHEC). These sessions allow students to observe real world medical environments, ask questions, and gain insight into the skills and dedication required in healthcare careers. Benefits of the program include hands on demonstrations, observation of clinical procedures, and learning directly from providers across multiple specialties. The program also emphasizes career exploration through job shadowing, giving students the chance to discuss educational pathways, job responsibilities, and the realities of working in rural healthcare. Students in their Senior year of high school or enrolled in a college or university can apply for a Medical Explorer Scholarship offered by the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. As part of the program’s long term impact, Memorial Hospital has proudly hired 12 former Explorers or 8% of all past participants, with additional students serving as interns and completing a clinical rotations. Alumni have gone on to pursue a wide range of healthcare and service oriented careers, including Occupational Therapy, Social Work, Speech Language Pathology, Nursing, Health Administration, Labor and Delivery Nursing, Pharmaceuticals, Physician Assistant studies, Surgery, and various military career paths. Memorial Hospital remains committed to supporting the health and vitality of the region by investing in future healthcare professionals. Programs like Medical Explorers help strengthen the local workforce pipeline and inspire students to consider meaningful careers in medicine, allied health, and community wellness right here in the places they call home. Learn more about the program here: www.mhchester.com/exploring

Kelly Jany, Chief Nursing Officer. Susan Diddlebock, Chief Operating Officer. Sara Harris, MSU/Cardiac Pulmonary Rehab Center Nurse Manager. Andria Zweigart, Diagnostic Imaging and Health Information Management Director. Memorial Hospital is announcing multiple key leadership transitions that reflect the organization’s continued commitment to strong, experienced leadership and high-quality patient care. The Memorial Hospital Board of Directors has approved the appointment of Susan Diddlebock, RN, BSN, MHA, RHCNOC as the new Chief Operating Officer. Diddlebock has served as Chief Nursing Officer since 2013, guiding Memorial’s nursing teams with steady leadership and a deep understanding of rural healthcare. She recently completed the Rural Hospital CNO Certification Program, a specialized curriculum created by rural hospital CNOs to equip leaders with the knowledge and skills essential for navigating the complexities of rural healthcare delivery. Over the past decade, Diddlebock has helped lead Memorial Hospital to a 5‑Star patient rating, coordinated patient care during major remodels across Same Day Surgery, Infusion, MedSurg, ICU, and the Cardiac Pulmonary Rehab Center, and managed operations for all units throughout the COVID‑19 pandemic. She has also collaborated closely with the CEO for 12 years to develop and execute Memorial’s long‑term strategic plan and organizational vision. Reflecting on her new role, Diddlebock shared, “I am incredibly proud of what our teams have accomplished together. My focus has always been on inspiring and retaining great people and building trust throughout our community. I look forward to continuing that work as we advance Memorial’s mission.” Memorial Hospital CEO Brett Bollmann expressed his support for her transition, noting that, “her experience, dedication, and ability to lead through change make her exceptionally well-suited for the COO role.” With Diddlebock’s transition, Memorial Hospital is proud to announce that Kelly Jany, BSN, RN has been named the new Chief Nursing Officer. Jany has served as Medical Surgical Unit Manager since 2023 and also led the Cardiac Pulmonary Rehab Center when it opened in 2024. Her connection to Memorial spans three decades, beginning in 1996 as a nursing assistant. She earned her RN in 1999 and worked at Memorial until 2006 before expanding her career into Case Management, Public Health, Risk Management, and Patient Relations. Jany also spent many years as a nursing assistant instructor and was deeply involved with Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA)–Future Health Professionals, serving on the Illinois HOSA Board of Directors and continuing to support the Illinois HOSA Scholarship Program. Reflecting on her new role, Jany shared that “my favorite part of serving as CNO is the opportunity to lead a dedicated team of nurses and nursing assistants who take great pride in caring for the community, as well as the collaboration with department heads, providers, and hospital leadership to continually improve patient care.” Stepping into Jany’s previous roles, Memorial Hospital welcomes Sara Harris, BSN, RN as the new Nurse Manager. Harris brings eight years of CNA experience and ten years of RN experience, including extensive work in ICU and Emergency Room settings. She shared that she has “always valued helping patients and families during their most vulnerable moments” and appreciated “the unpredictability and critical thinking required in ICU and ER environments.” Her clinical background and commitment to patient care make her a strong addition to Memorial’s nursing leadership team.   Memorial Hospital is also pleased to announce that Andria Zweigart, Director of Radiology, has expanded her leadership responsibilities to include serving as Health Information Management Director. Zweigart has been with Memorial since 2013 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and a Master of Business Administration from Webster University. She has extensive expertise in Memorial’s Electronic Health Record systems, including utilization analysis and report building for 340B, health equity, social determinants of health, and department-specific needs. She also provides essential EHR data to support management decisions and serves as a project management lead on multiple capital and departmental initiatives.   These leadership transitions reflect Memorial Hospital’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its foundation and supporting the professionals who carry out its mission of delivering exceptional care. During the announcement, CEO Brett Bollmann highlighted the importance of these changes, sharing that “each of these leaders brings exceptional skill, dedication, and heart to their roles,” reinforcing how their combined experience will continue to benefit patients, staff, and the community. Together, these leaders help position Memorial Hospital for continued growth, stability, and excellence.

The Auxiliary is able to assist the hospital in purchasing needed equipment for various departments through the community's generous donations and memorials. Funds collected this year will be used to purchase a SciFit Pro2  Total Body Exerciser . The  SciFit Pro2 Total Body Exerciser for the Cardiac Pulmonary Rehab Center is the industry’s most versatile rehabilitation tool for an upper body exerciser and lower body recumbent bike making for a total body solution for the best Cardiac Pulmonary Rehab treatment. The funds will also be used to purchase new wheelchairs to help with patient transportation within the hospital. The SciFit Pro2 Total Body Exerciser costs $5,965 and funds above that will be used to purchase multiple wheelchairs for the Hospital, ER, and Medical Office Building. The cost of these purchases is $11,972. Funds raised to date are $10,821. This year’s Tree of Remembrance contributions will make up the majority of our fundraising for the year. During the holiday season we invited the community to contribute in honor of a loved one. All contributions and memorials will be published in the County Journal at the end of the Tree of Remembrance drive. Donations and memorials can be mailed to: Memorial Hospital Auxiliary ATTN: Tree of Remembrance 1900 State Street Chester, IL 62233 Or scan this code to make an online donation: Tree of Remembrance Memorials: Pechacek Funeral Homes In memory of Ron Pechacek Beta Nu Chapter In memory of Sisters Passed Virginia Rowold & Family In memory of Ken Rowold, Otto Rowold Family, and the Wm. O. Welge Family Larry & Joyce Surman In memory of Lori Surman McCartney Mike Vasquez Family In loving memory of John & Rudelle Fulford and Dan & Blanche Vasquez The Guthman and Johnson families In memory of John & Jessie Guthman, Bonnie Jones, Donna Strothmann, and Debra Dudenbostel Sandra Starr In remembrance of Mark E. Starr Dan Colvis In remembrance of Paul Colvis Brenda Owen In remembrance of Betty & Roger Ohlau and Jane & Phil Owen Mary and Dave Verseman In remembrance of Roger, Ruth, and Brian Petrowske Joan Jones In remembrance of Claude Hasemeyer Shirley Hohgrefe In remembrance of Richard Hohgrefe Tommie Buatte In remembrance of Jim Buatte The Dudenbostel Family In remembrance of Debbie Dudenbostel The King Family In remembrance of Carl King Larry & Imogene McDonough In remembrance of loved ones Tom & Vickie Search In remembrance of Mildred Search and Betty Derickson Mildred Gregory In remembrance of James Gregory The honorable Richard Brown and Sons In remembrance of Barbara Brown Mary Alice Welge In remembrance of Mr. & Mrs. Brockey Childers; Donald E. Welge; Mr. & Mrs. Wilbur Saak; Francis Jarvis; 1st. Lt. Bruce R. Welge; and Mr. & Mrs. William Welge Linda Rader In remembrance of Russ Rader Jeanne Kleinschmidt In remembrance of the Jeanne Gordon Family Steven J. Sympson In memory of Aunt Martha Brelje and Uncle Terry Brelje Steven J. Sympson In Honor of Chester, Illinois and the Whole World Mary Brown In remembrance of Maev & Bus Brown; Art & Martha Maes; and Bruce Brown Mary Welge, Betty Surman, Elaine Kattenbraker, and Jean Jungewaelter In remembrance of Bonnie Jones Kelly Moeller In remembrance of James Gregory Jeff and Gail Kordys In remembrance of Harry and Bonnie Jones Darrel Ehlers In remembrance of Carol Ehlers Mardell Moeller Granger In memory of Ralph F. Granger, Gottlieb & Marie Moeller, and Frank & Emma Granger Carolyn Schwent In memory of Gary Schwent; Mike Jungewaelter; Karen Deppe; Rick Cash; and Mary Ann Stumpe "B.V. Gals" In memory of Rosie Craig; Marion Lutz; Millie Layton; Carole Malley; and Marlene Seymour Tree of Remembrance Donations: Evelyn Schuwerk Buena Vista National Bank of Chester Randolph County Abstract, LLC Chester Electrical Supply, Inc Chester Animal Hospital Fraternal Order of Eagles, Chester Chester Rotary Club Arbeiter Law Offices Randolph County Housing Authority Chester Masonic Lodge Donna Clendenin Alpha Upsilon Master Ma 1242 City of Chester Chester VFW Virginia Rowold & Family Deepanjali Dummi Larry & Joyce Surman American Legion Auxiliary, Steeleville Kim Ruebke Eyecare Properties, LLC Mike Vasquez Family Dr. James and Betty Krieg Melissa Gross The Guthman and Johnson families Sandra Starr Dan Colvis Brenda Owen Mary and Dave Verseman Joan Jones Shirley Hohgrefe Ida, Gary, and Stan Gaertner Jill Arbeiter Tommie Buatte Dr. Lisa Lowry-Rohlfing & Mr. Rodney Rohlfing The Dudenbostel Family The King Family Dr. Stephen & Diane Platt Larry & Imogene McDonough Chester VFW Auxiliary Tom & Vickie Search Mildred Gregory The honorable Richard Brown and Sons Mary Alice Welge Linda Rader Jeanne Kleinschmidt Steven J. Sympson Steven J. Sympson Mary Brown Michael & Mary Sulser Judith Petrowske Dr. Allan & Mrs. Louise Liefer Sandra Benedict Mary Welge, Betty Surman, Elaine Kattenbraker, and Jean Jungewaelter Anonymous Kelly Moeller Jeff and Gail Kordys Darrel Ehlers Gerald and Gail Meyer

DAISY Award Nominees. L-R: Amy Eggemeyer, Care Coordinator Manager; Michelle Tripp, RN; Ariel Blair, RN; and Kelly Jany, Chief Nursing Officer. Not pictured, Valerie Blechle, APRN, FNP-C; and Jennifer Morgan, RN. On December 22, 2025, Memorial Hospital of Chester held its DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses recognition ceremony. The DAISY Foundation was established in 1999 by the family of Patrick Barnes, who passed away at age 33 from complications of the autoimmune disease ITP. During Patrick’s hospitalization, his family was deeply moved by the exceptional clinical care and compassion shown by the nurses who cared for him. Their gratitude led to the creation of the DAISY Foundation, which has since grown into an international program honoring nurses for the extraordinary care they provide to patients and families every day. DAISY stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune System .   Nominees for the second half of 2025 were presented with a pin and certificate. The nominees included Jennifer Morgan, RN; Ariel Blair, RN; and Michelle Tripp, RN from Memorial Hospital, and Valerie Blechle, APRN, FNP-C from the Rural Health Clinics.   Memorial Hospital’s DAISY Award Honoree for the second half of 2025 is Michelle Tripp. Michelle was recognized for her extraordinary compassion, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to patient care.   During the ceremony, Kelly Jany, Chief Nursing Officer at Memorial, expressed her gratitude to staff following the reading of nominations. “Our nurses and staff embody the heart of healing at Memorial Hospital. Thank you for the extraordinary care you provide and for the dignity and hope you bring to our patients. We hope you wear your DAISY pins proudly as a symbol of the impact you make.”   DAISY Award Nominations Ariel Blair, RN Our mother was hospitalized for about a month at Memorial Hospital. She received exceptional care during her stay at the hospital. One nurse in particular, Ariel Blair, our mom still talks about. Her kindness, patience, and professionalism made an incredibly challenging time so much easier. Ariel went above and beyond to ensure our mother’s comfort and wellbeing. Her reassuring presence, attentive nature, and willingness to answer her questions gave our mother peace of mind when she needed it most. She just didn’t just care of her physical needs but also took time to listen. She was very supportive and empathetic. We are truly grateful for everything the staff did for our mom. We will always remember everyone’s kindness and wonderful care she received. Valerie Blechle, APRN, FNP-C Nurse Valerie has been my nurse for years. She is so gentle and understanding. She has helped to keep me motivated to be better and keep me on the right path due to the death of my son. Anything from grief, pain, anxiety to anger, she deserves this award and beyond. She is an amazing, kindhearted angel, who has been blessed with this profession. Jennifer Morgan, RN Ms. Jennifer Morgan was super friendly and was just all around awesome and real respectful. It takes a special kind of person to deal with me and my goofiness, but she threw it right back at me and made me and my friend’s day. Her demeanor really benefitted my friend’s recovery.   From the moment I walked in the ER, Ms. Jennifer was so kind and compassionate. She took excellent care of me until she had to leave. She listened to my concerns and worries and she did her best to help me through all of my concerns. Before she left, she stopped to check on me. I appreciate Ms. Jennifer for everything she did. Michelle Tripp, RN I am honored to nominate Michelle Tripp for her exceptional compassion, professionalism, and dedication to patient care. From the first moment I met her, I could tell nursing was not just a job but a calling. During my time working with Michelle, she went above and beyond to make sure every concern was heard and every need was met. She treats her patients just not as patients, but as people, showing empathy, patience, and kindness in every interaction. Beyond her clinical excellence, Michelle demonstrates a true heart for healing. She consistently uplifts patients and colleagues alike, bringing positivity and calms even the most stressful situations. It is clear that her care extends far beyond medical treatment, it’s about dignity, humanity, and hope. Because of Michelle’s extraordinary care, infusion is filled with compassion and comfort. She truly embodies what the DAISY Award represents: dedication, advocacy, and compassion. It is with great pleasure I nominate Michelle Tripp. Anyone can nominate a nurse for a DAISY Award. Nominations may be submitted at any time, either on paper or electronically at www.mhchester.com/DAISY-nominations .

Mock patient being triaged by ER Nurse Manager Kim Ruebke. Memorial Hospital successfully conducted a full‑scale emergency preparedness drill on December 18, bringing together staff from across the organization, including participants from the Chester Rural Health Clinic, for a comprehensive training scenario designed to enhance readiness for real‑world emergencies.   The simulated event centered on a multi‑vehicle accident involving a 12‑passenger van of students, creating a complex and fast‑moving situation that required coordinated triage, treatment, communication, and family reunification efforts. Staff practiced critical skills including 2‑way radio communication, first aid, patient tracking, and emergency room care. New employees also had the opportunity to take part in incident command operations, gaining hands‑on experience in leadership roles during high‑pressure situations.   A key component of the drill focused on family reunification. Volunteers portraying parents and a spouse arrived at the hospital seeking loved ones, allowing staff to practice compassionate communication, verification procedures, and reunification protocols. The exercise reinforced the importance of both clinical and emotional support during crisis events. Staff prepared and ready for patients during drill. Georgia Stipe, Emergency Preparedness Director at Memorial Hospital, facilitated the drill and praised the team’s performance. “These exercises are essential for ensuring our staff are confident, coordinated, and ready for anything,” Stipe said. “Every drill teaches us something new, and I’m incredibly proud of how our team worked together. Their dedication to preparedness directly strengthens the safety of our patients and our community.”   Hospital leadership noted that the drill ran smoothly, with staff demonstrating strong teamwork and adaptability. Lessons learned will be incorporated into future training sessions as Memorial Hospital continues its commitment to continuous improvement and emergency readiness.   Full‑scale drills like this one play a vital role in preparing healthcare teams for real emergencies, ensuring that when seconds matter, staff are equipped with the skills, communication tools, and confidence needed to respond effectively.

Left to Right: Bailey Misuraca, Anna Burmester, Stephanie Guethle, Kelly Jany, Adrienne Caby, Maribeth Golding, Sara Harris, Kim Ruebke, Amy Eggemeyer, Brooklyn Simmons, Charlie Bargman, Kari Schaefer, Sarah Rathert. Memorial Hospital hosted Nursing Skills Days from December 2–4, 2025, bringing together RNs, LPNs, and CNAs from across the ER, ICU, MSU, Infusion, and OR for three days of immersive, hands-on training. Held in the hospital’s conference room and key clinical departments, the event reinforced Memorial’s commitment to clinical excellence, emergency readiness, and the highest standards of patient care.   The Skills Days featured a robust lineup of competency-based stations designed to refresh and validate critical nursing procedures. From high-acuity interventions like chest tube management, AutoPulse operation, intraosseous (IO) insertion, and central line/PICC/Midline/Port-A-Cath care, to essential safety practices such as N95 fit testing, PPE protocols, and restraint/seclusion procedures, the event ensured staff were prepared for any situation.   Additional training included: EKG interpretation, high-flow oxygen therapy, and Airvo systems Malignant hyperthermia response IV pump operation (primary, secondary, bolus) Blood administration Pharmacy compounding and Stericycle protocols Adult Foley catheter insertion Safe patient handling with slide boards, box lifts, gait belts, Hoyer/SLIPP, and the Med Sled Professional development and interdepartmental collaboration   “Skills Day 2025 brought together all nursing staff for three days of hands-on learning and competency validation,” said Kelly Jany, Chief Nursing Officer. “With so many high-value stations offered, it was hard to choose just one highlight, but my favorite part of the experience was witnessing the staff practice and refresh critical skills in a hands-on environment. The balance of critical-care procedures, safety training, and professional development made the experience not only educational but energizing for the entire nursing team.”   The event’s success was made possible by the dedication of clinical leaders and educators across the hospital. Special thanks go to Amy Kloos, Adrienne Caby, Kristyn Riley, Bailey Misuraca, Charlie Bargman, Emily McGeehan, Maribeth Golding, Amy Eggemeyer, Susan Diddlebock, Sara Harris, Sarah Rathert, Amy Mathis, Kim Ruebke, Madi Kribs, and Stephanie Guethle for their expertise and leadership. At Memorial Hospital, training and education are not one-time events, they are a continuous investment in the safety, confidence, and excellence of our care teams. Skills Day is a cornerstone of that commitment, ensuring that every nurse is equipped to respond swiftly and skillfully in any emergency, and to deliver the highest quality care to our community every day.

We are looking for your best shot. We are looking for local photography to display in our facility. We are looking for regional images of people, places, things, animals, and our community. Winning submissions will be displayed and receive special recognition throughout our hospital. Winning photographers will receive media recognition and be invited to sign their final installations. Submission deadline is October 31, 2023.