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The Memorial Hospital Auxiliary is accepting applications for the 2023-2024 Memorial Auxiliary Nursing Scholarship. The Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Nursing Scholarship is designed to provide residents of Randolph County, Illinois financial assistance when pursuing a degree in a field of nursing. The purpose of the scholarship is to promote a nursing career and Chester Memorial Hospital by providing money for tuition and fees to residents of Randolph County. The scholarship award of up to $1,200.00 will be given to any selected resident of Randolph County who will be completing the RN Program of study during the 2023-2024 academic year. The prospective graduate of a LPN Program will qualify for a $500.00 scholarship award. The school attended need not be an Illinois institution; however, it must be accredited or recognized as an approved program by appropriate agencies. The scholarship is awarded based on a written application and interview focusing on character, scholastic achievement, professional promise, and financial need. For more information regarding application and scholarship program requirements, view our website . Download an application here . Or applications can be requested by contacting Apryl Bradshaw at 618-826-4581; or by writing to Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Attn: Scholarship Committee, 1900 State Street, Chester, IL 62233. The deadline for the application is August 31, 2023.

Melissa Soellner, Memorial Hospital's Dietitian is proud to introduce a new, FREE Weight Loss Group program beginning July 2019. The program provides structure, support and accountability to those looking to lose weight. Those who participate in the program will be supplied with nutrition and activity action plans to help them reach their goals. Anyone interested in the program are invited to attend a free introductory class on one of the following dates/times: Tuesday, July 16 at 9:00am or 5:00pm Thursday, July 18 at 9:00am or 5:00pm Saturday, July 20 at 8:00am Monday, July 22 at 9:00am or 5:00pm Wednesday, July 24 at 9:00am or 5:00pm All introductory meetings will take place at Memorial Hospital. Locations in the hospital may vary, but there will be signs posted to direct you to the right room. PROGRAM DETAILS: The annual program follows the CDC Prediabetes Curriculum and will include 1 meeting a week for the first 16 weeks (August-November), 2 meetings a month for the next two months (December-January), and then 1 meeting a month for the last 6 months (February-June). Those who commit to the program will be required to attend 50% of the classes (make-up classes will be available). Meetings will last approximately 1 hour and will be held in Chester, IL. Locations may vary and participants will be informed of locations prior to each meeting. SEE IF YOU QUALIFY: 1. 18 years+ 2. BMI > 25 3. Risk of being prediabetic: Score 9 or higher on the CDC Prediabetes Risk Test or A1c 5.7 or 6.4% or Fasting Glucose of 100-125 or History of Gestational Diabetes CONTACT Melissa Soellner, Dietitian Phone: 618-826-4581 ext 1170

Memorial Hospital hosted their Fall Party at the American Legion in Chester on Friday, November 7th. This year's 80's themed event was planned by the Laboratory Department. Many employees were celebrated for their years of service. Brett Bollmann, CEO, presented the following employees with their Service Awards: 5 Years , Patricia Alvarado Hernandez, James Boucher, Jeanice Brandes, Kimberly Fulmer, Aleisha Garver, Alyssa Gibbs, Kathryn Guetersloh, Melissa Poe, and Chris Yankey. 10 Years , Reymil Alcala, Morgan Bendorf, Amanda Johnson, Marci Klein, Gretchen Kocian, Audrie Otten, Jerina Reese, and Michelle Tripp. 15 Years , Janine Leclere. 20 Years , Kathryn Sauerhage and Michael Whitt. 25 Years , Rachel Garniss. 30 Years , Brett Bollmann, Cheri Colvis, Cam Doeding, Ida Harriss, Angela Schoenbeck. 45 Years , Susan Robinson. Following the Service Awards, the 2025 Retirees were recognized for their years of services as well. Those honored included: Tammy Light - 5 Years, Judy Springs - 17 Years, Chris Barthol - 18 Years, Sharon Simpson - 21 Years, Stan Gaertner - 27 Years, Kathleen Winkler - 32 Years, Jacinta Mulholland - 38 Years, Kimberly Fedderke - 40 Years, Dr. James Krieg - 45 Years, and Carol Schulein - 48 Years. Memorial Hospital proudly announced the recipient of the 2025 Israel D. Newmark Memorial Award at the event. This year’s honoree, Chris Yankey, received the award from Chief of Staff, Dr. Lisa Lowry-Rohlfing. The Israel D. Newmark Memorial Award, established in 1988 by the Newmark family, is a prestigious accolade given annually to an outstanding employee who has significantly contributed to the quality of patient care at the hospital. This award celebrates individuals who demonstrate dedication, positivity, exceptional work ethic, and a strong commitment to the hospital’s mission and values.   Chris Yankey, Lab Administrative Assistant, who has worked in the IT Department and Laboratory Department since 2020, was praised by her colleagues for her exemplary service. Dr. Lowry shared their sentiments, stating, “This employee is incredibly hardworking and dedicated, the type of person who is always willing to help anyone with anything. Even though their job might not always seem glamorous, it’s absolutely essential! This employee embodies the qualities recognized by the Newmark Award: dedication, teamwork, excellence, and service. The contributions have strengthened the department and improved hospital community as a whole. It would be an honor to see this employee receive this well-deserved recognition.” Memorial Hospital takes great pride in our dedicated employees and the community we serve. Their shared commitment to compassionate, high-quality care continues to earn top recognition, including a 5-star patient rating. This honor reflects the exceptional service delivered by every member of our team and the trust placed in us by those we care for. We take this time to share our gratitude for all of our employees at Memorial!

Torrie Davitz, RHC Director, CRHCP Memorial Hospital is proud to announce that Torrie Davitz, Rural Health Clinic Director, has earned the Certified Rural Health Clinic Professional (CRHCP) credential after completing the National Association for Rural Health Clinic Professional (NARHC) Academy course and testing on October 29, 2025. The CRHCP recognizes comprehensive knowledge of Rural Health Clinic operations, and Torrie’s certification reflects her proficiency in federal and state regulations, billing and coding, financial management, human resources, compliance, and operational best practices.   “This course gave me the tools to be more efficient in my position as the RHC Director,” said Torrie Davitz. The training prepares her to streamline clinic workflows, improve billing and revenue cycle accuracy, and apply current regulatory and compliance practices across Memorial’s Rural Health Clinic network. These skills will increase clinic efficiency, strengthen staff development and retention, and expand patient access to timely, coordinated care across the community we serve.   Memorial Hospital views continuing education and professional certification as priorities for delivering community-centered care. Investing in staff development ensures our clinical and administrative leaders have the knowledge and tools to meet evolving patient needs, maintain compliance, and steward resources responsibly.   Torrie’s achievement reinforces Memorial Hospital’s commitment to excellence in rural health. By applying the practices learned through the CRHCP program, she will drive operational improvements that benefit patients, staff, and the broader health of our rural service area, supporting Memorial’s mission of professional excellence in providing safe, high-quality, compassionate care and service to patients, the community, and each other.

Brett Bollmann, CEO and Ashley Westmoreland Brett Bollmann, CEO at Memorial Hospital named Ashley Westmoreland Employee of the Quarter for the Third Quarter 2025 on November 5, 2025.   Ashley Westmoreland, Payroll and Reporting Manager at Memorial Hospital, has been employed in the Human Resources Department since 2021. When asked what she likes most about working at Memorial, she replied, “Memorial Hospital is such a close knit, supportive place to work. Everyone here is focused on working together to give our patients the best care possible. As an HR staff member, I tend to work more behind the scenes. I find it very rewarding to support our staff that are working tirelessly on the front lines taking care of our patients. I love getting to use my background in accounting while also helping people. No two days are ever the same!”    The nomination submitted on her behalf read, “I recently had an event where paperwork was required to be filled out. This employee was a dream to work with. They made a daunting task seem seamless. This employee stayed on top of every step and went above and beyond to resolve any hiccups. They called to check in with me, always asking how I was. Was always patient with me, the physician’s office, and any others she had to contact. This employee always was sure to call me with any status updates and was on top of any delays. They are a true asset to our hospital and the employees!” Westmoreland resides in Perryville, MO with her husband Kevin and their two children, Maggie and Lane. When she is not at work, she loves making special memories with her family. Whether that is cheering for her kids at their sporting events, family game night, or just snuggling up and watching one of their favorite shows together. The whole family is big sports fans as well, especially football.     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 Amy Kirkland, RN House Supervisor; Kelly Jany, Medical Surgical Unit Nurse Manager; Jen Diercks, Surgical Housekeeper; and Maddy Ortiz, RN.

Michelle Tripp, RN; Carrie Jo Dierks, Infusion Nursing Assistant; and Deb Stenberg, RN. At Memorial Hospital, our Chemotherapy and Infusion Center is where clinical expertise meets genuine compassion. Whether you need chemotherapy, immunotherapy, blood transfusions, port-a-cath or PICC line care, long-term antibiotic therapy, or injections and infusions for a range of medical needs, our fully equipped center provides thoughtful, personalized care designed to make each visit as comfortable and reassuring as possible.   From the moment you arrive, our Certified Nursing Staff focuses on your comfort and safety. Treatment chairs are heated and massaging, each station has a personal TV and free Wi‑Fi, and our team moves with efficiency, so you spend less time commuting and more time resting with loved ones. The team coordinates closely with family physicians, labs, imaging, and specialty providers so appointments, results, and follow-ups happen smoothly. Dr. Justin Floyd, D.O. Memorial’s Specialty Clinic providers work hand in hand with the Infusion Center to deliver coordinated care close to home. Dr. Justin Floyd, D.O. , leads with both skill and heart. “Helping patients and families daily navigate the cancer journey reminds me why this work matters,” he says. “Catching cancer early typically improves outcomes, and we’re here to listen, answer questions, and build a plan that fits your life.” Michelle McQuillan, DNP, FNP-BC , sees patients alongside Dr. Floyd to support symptom management, education, and continuity of care.   Through Dr. Floyd and the team at Cancer Care Michelle McQuillan, DNP, FNP-BC Specialists of Illinois , patients are offered access to clinical trials. Memorial Hospital also offers nutrition counseling, social work support, and rehabilitation services so care addresses the whole person, not just the diagnosis. Affiliations with regional centers strengthen the care available locally and help chart a path for expanded services in the future.   Patients tell us the difference is the people. “Everyone is very nice and courteous... I would rate this center as one of the Best,” one patient shared. Another family wrote, “Everyone in infusion is so kind and caring. They make the experience so much better.”   If you or a loved one need infusion or oncology care, Memorial Hospital is here to support you every step of the way with expertise, warmth, and care close to home. Call (618) 826-4581 or visit www.mhchester.com/chemotherapy-infusion-center to learn more.

Sparta Community Hospital and Memorial Hospital Decon Teams with BJC EMA instructor. On October 1, 2025, Memorial Hospital in Chester, hosted a comprehensive Emergency Decontamination Training session, welcoming both its own Decontamination team and three members from Sparta Community Hospital’s Decon team. Led by Scott Klosterman of BJC Emergency Management Agency (EMA), the training provided critical education and hands-on experience to enhance regional readiness for hazardous exposure incidents.   Participants engaged in classroom instruction focused on identifying and responding to chemical, biological, liquid, and radiological threats. The curriculum emphasized proper protocols for decontaminating patients exposed to hazardous materials, ensuring staff are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to act swiftly and safely in real-world scenarios.   A key component of the training involved mastering the use of specialized protective suits, including correct procedures for donning and doffing. Staff also practiced patient decontamination techniques using Memorial Hospital’s decontamination tent and equipment, gaining valuable experience in a controlled, realistic setting.   The immersive, hands-on nature of the training was well received by attendees, who appreciated the opportunity to refine their skills and collaborate across institutions. Memorial and Sparta Community Hospital remain committed to fostering preparedness and community resilience through ongoing education and inter-hospital partnerships.

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month unfolds, Memorial Hospital invites every woman to claim her power through prevention, early detection, and compassionate care. While genetics play a role in some cases, most breast cancers develop without a family history. This October, let’s focus on the things we can control, adopting healthy habits, staying vigilant with self-exams, and keeping up with recommended screenings.   Maintaining a balanced lifestyle can help lower your breast cancer risk. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, prioritize a diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables, and limit alcohol to one drink per day. If you smoke, seek support to quit, your entire body, including your breasts, will thank you. Small daily choices add up to powerful protection.   While healthy habits strengthen your body, screenings ensure no changes go unnoticed. Monthly breast self-exams help you recognize what’s normal for you, but clinical mammograms are the leading diagnostic approach. This week on our social channels, we’ll debunk common myths versus facts like how mammograms detect cancer before symptoms appear and use only minimal radiation exposure. Follow us on Facebook  and Instagram  to arm yourself with truth and share our carousel.   Mammography Technologists, Heather Williamson, Wesleyan Fadler, & Rhonda Mott Early detection dramatically improves survival outcomes. Women diagnosed at a localized stage have a five-year relative survival rate as high as 99%, and smaller tumors often require less aggressive treatment, lumpectomy instead of mastectomy, for example, so recovery is smoother and side effects fewer. “Catching cancer early gives our patients the best chance at a full recovery,” says Rhonda Mott, Chief Radiologic Technologist. “Our 3D mammography technology captures detailed images that help us spot tiny changes long before they become problems.”   Scheduling your screening is simple. First, ask your physician for a mammogram order, then call Memorial Hospital’s Mammography Department at (618) 826-4581 to book your appointment. Most insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act cover annual or biennial mammograms for women age 40 and older, and Medicare pays for yearly screenings as well. If you’re under 40 but have concerns, speak with your provider about starting earlier.   Your health is your power. By combining healthy habits, self-exams, and state-of-the-art 3D mammograms, you take control of your breast health, and if treatment becomes necessary, our Chemotherapy & Infusion Center  stands ready with personalized care, from chemotherapy and immunotherapy to access to clinical trials through Specialty Clinic Oncologist, Dr. Justin Floyd. Together, we infuse hope at every step. Schedule your screening today, and share this article with the women you love.

Amy Mathis, Cardiac Pulmonary Rehab Nurse Supervisor; Melissa Soellner, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist; Kelly Jany, Nurse Manager; Brett Bollmann, CEO; Susan Diddlebock, Chief Nursing Officer; Mariah Bargman, Marketing and Community Relations Manager. Memorial Hospital in Chester has earned the Merit Award in the Community Outreach category at the Illinois Society of Healthcare Marketing and Public Relations Fall Conference, held September 17 in Geneva, IL. The Merit Award represents the second highest honor in its category and recognizes the hospital’s innovative campaign introducing the new Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehab Center to area residents. Mariah Bargman, Marketing and Community Relations Manager at Memorial, joined peers from across the state to accept the accolade and celebrate the team’s dedication to patient education and community engagement. The award‐winning campaign launched in June 2024, shortly after the center opened its doors in May. Faced with rising rates of respiratory and cardiac diagnoses, Memorial Hospital set out to bridge gaps in post-hospital care by bringing specialized rehabilitation services closer to home. The marketing initiative wove together warm photography of familiar faces, educational videos featuring Dr. John Groll, Cardiologist and Specialty Clinic physician at Memorial, along with print and digital materials designed to explain the recovery process and encourage referrals from providers. Throughout the year, the hospital’s Marketing Department and Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehab Center leveraged a multi-channel awareness campaign that included trusted voices and visual storytelling. The materials underscored Memorial Hospital’s commitment to long-term wellness and health equity, ensuring that patients and families felt both informed and supported from diagnosis through recovery. By the end of its first year, the Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehab Center had served 22 patients, 18 completing the cardiac rehab program, two completing pulmonary rehab, and two receiving outpatient respiratory services. To sustain patient engagement beyond the campaign’s launch, the Rehab Center has introduced monthly support sessions for program graduates and the public with their “Beat, Breathe, Thrive” meetings held the fourth Tuesday of every month. Staff have provided educational talks at senior centers and continue to reach out to the community at in-person events. “Winning the ISHMPR Merit Award affirms our belief that heartfelt storytelling and community trust are vital in healthcare outreach,” said Brett Bollmann, CEO at Memorial Hospital. “Our Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehab Center campaign was built on empathy, clarity, and local connections. We’re honored to be recognized and remain steadfast in our mission to help every patient heal and thrive close to home.” The Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehab Center offers personalized exercise programs, nutritional guidance, risk-factor education, and ongoing support for individuals recovering from heart surgeries, heart attacks, chronic respiratory conditions, and other cardiopulmonary events. For more information visit www.memorialhospital.org/CPRC or call (618) 826-4581.

BECK Nursing Students: Memorial Hospital is excited to welcome Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) students from Beck School of Nursing to its facility for the Fall 2025 semester. Beginning this fall, students will complete clinical rotations every Wednesday, working 12-hour shifts alongside hospital staff to gain hands-on experience in patient care. Throughout the semester, students will rotate through a variety of departments, including Chester Clinic, Specialty Clinic, Emergency Department, Infusion, Surgery, and Medical-Surgical. This broad exposure will allow students to develop essential nursing skills while experiencing the unique aspects of healthcare delivery in a community hospital setting. “We are proud to partner with Beck School of Nursing to help prepare the next generation of nurses,” said Susan Diddlebock, Chief Nursing Officer at Memorial Hospital. “These students bring enthusiasm, dedication, and fresh perspectives that benefit both our staff and the patients we serve.” The partnership reflects Memorial Hospital’s ongoing commitment to supporting healthcare education and workforce development. By providing real-world training opportunities, the hospital ensures that students gain the knowledge and confidence needed to excel in their nursing careers. Memorial Hospital welcomes the Beck School of Nursing LPN students and looks forward to a successful semester of learning, collaboration, and service to the community.

Heather Cheaney, APRN, FNP-BC We are pleased to announce Heather Cheaney, APRN, FNP-BC will be joining the team of specialty providers at Memorial Hospital. Heather works with Dr. Samuel Medaris and will offer ENT clinic visits at the specialty clinic starting in September. Heather’s first clinic is scheduled on Monday, September 8th, 2025, with clinics initially planned for Monday mornings, every 2nd and 4th week. Heather has been a registered nurse since 1999, graduating at that time with an Associate of Science in Nursing from St. John’s School of Nursing, Southwest Baptist University at Springfield, Missouri, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Southwest Baptist University at Boliver, Missouri in 2000. Heather attended Southeast Missouri State University at Cape Girardeau, completing a Master of Science in Nursing (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Family Nurse Practitioner) in 2016. She is board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Since its launch in September 2019, Memorial Hospital’s Medical Explorers Program has been guiding students toward meaningful careers in healthcare, particularly within rural communities. The program was introduced at Memorial to help high school and college students discover the wide range of professional opportunities available in the healthcare field. Through monthly presentations and hands-on experiences led by professionals from the Hospital and partnering organizations, students gain valuable exposure to real-world medical careers. The program began with 23 students in its first year, but like many initiatives, it faced an unexpected challenge when the COVID-19 pandemic forced an early end to the inaugural session in March 2020. Rather than pause indefinitely, Memorial Hospital adapted by launching a virtual version of the program for the 2020–2021 year. Twenty-five students enrolled and remained highly engaged through online sessions, where they heard from professionals across various healthcare disciplines. By the fall, in-person meetings resumed with safety protocols in place. The students’ continued enthusiasm during this time reflected their resilience and deep interest in caring for others. Memorial Hospital is now entering its sixth year, as a registered Exploring Post with the Boy Scouts of America. The Medical Explorers Program has welcomed more than 140 participants from across the region since its start. Students from Chester, Trico, Steeleville, Sparta, Gibault, and Red Bud High Schools, as well as Southwestern Illinois College and homeschool programs, have taken part. The program is open to high school students age 14 years and older, as well as college students up to age 20, who reside in Randolph County, Illinois, and neighboring counties including Perry County and Ste. Genevieve Counties in Missouri. Participation is completely free, with all registration fees covered by Chester Cohen Funds, Memorial Hospital, and required apparel provided by the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. Each year, the program’s schedule is thoughtfully curated to expose students to a wide range of healthcare careers. Presenters include professionals from departments such as nursing, pharmacy, laboratory, diagnostic imaging, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and both family medicine and specialty providers. Guest speakers from outside organizations such as MedStar Ambulance, Chester Family Dental, Rheinecker Chiropractic, ComWell, AirEvac, and local fire and police departments further enrich the experience. According to Program Director Mariah Bargman, the goal is to introduce new careers each year to ensure returning students continue to learn and explore. “You never know what will be the spark that sets a student on their future path,” she says. “Those who join the program multiple years, walk away with a broader and deeper understanding of the many health care career opportunities available.” Students participate in a variety of hands-on activities that allow them to use diagnostic equipment, start IVs, draw blood, practice suturing, and take vital signs. These experiences often complement what students may be learning in school or in advanced programs such as those at the Career Center of Southern Illinois, helping them build confidence and practical skills. “This program is truly about building understanding and confidence,” says Bargman. “It is amazing to watch the students grow in their understanding and comprehension of how everything fits together. When we interview potential employees, we can see a difference in those who have been immersed in a program like Medical Explorers or job shadowed as a student versus those who have not.” The program’s impact extends beyond education. Since 2019, Memorial Hospital has hired 12 former Explorers into roles in nursing, diagnostic imaging, laboratory, admitting, and medical records, an 8% hire rate that is expected to grow as more alumni complete their degrees. Former Explorers are currently pursuing careers in occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, nursing, health administration, pharmaceuticals, surgery, social work, physician assistant programs, art therapy, military service specialties, and other health-related or non-healthcare fields. While not every student chooses a healthcare career, the program helps them make informed decisions about their future, saving time and money in the long run. The program also helps Memorial Hospital address staffing shortages by cultivating a pipeline of local talent committed to serving their communities. “Our rural communities face unique challenges when it comes to recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals,” says Brett Bollmann, CEO of Memorial Hospital. “The Medical Explorers Program is one of the most effective tools we have to grow our own workforce. By engaging students early and showing them the value of serving their hometowns, we’re not only filling critical roles we’re strengthening the future of rural healthcare.” In addition to educational presentations, students can shadow professionals in departments of their choice, gaining real-world insight into their areas of interest. High school seniors and college students are eligible for an annual scholarship from the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, and they are introduced to additional scholarships, tuition reimbursement opportunities, and educational experiences through Memorial and other institutions such as South Central Illinois Area Health Education Centers (AHEC). In 2023, Memorial Hospital expanded its outreach by launching the Junior Explorers Camp, a three-day summer program for students entering grades six through eight. The camp offers department tours, first aid training, hands-on activities, and engaging presentations designed to introduce younger students to the many careers available in healthcare. The fast-paced format keeps students engaged and gives them a glimpse into the wide range of roles beyond doctors and nurses that exist within the hospital and the broader rural healthcare system. Through both the Medical Explorers Program and the Junior Explorers Camp , Memorial Hospital is investing in the future of healthcare by inspiring the next generation of professionals and strengthening the connection between education and community service.