Brad Thurman NAMED EMPLOYEE OF THE 4th QUARTER
Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital is proud to announce Brad Thurman, Maintenance, has been selected as our employee of the 4th Quarter. Brad has worked at Culbertson for 5 years.
New Patient Registration Window For Emergency Room Patients
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Melinda Murk NAMED EMPLOYEE OF THE 3rd QUARTER
Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital is proud to announce Melinda Murk, Discharge Planner, has been selected as our employee of the 3rdQuarter. Melinda has work at Culbertson for five years.
John shirley, EVS, NAMED EMPLOYEE OF THE 2nd QUARTER
Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital is proud to announce John Shirley, Environmental Services, has been selected as our employee of the 2nd Quarter. John has work at Culbertson for since February 2023.
Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital Honors America’s Physicians on National Doctor’s Day
Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital proudly celebrates National Doctors Day, a significant occasion dedicated to recognizing the exceptional commitment and care provided by America’s physicians. Observed every March 30th, this day offers a moment to pause and appreciate the pivotal role that doctors fulfill in maintaining and enhancing the health of our nation.
Within our walls, the dedication of these professionals is evident every day as they provide critical care across a spectrum of medical environments. National Doctors Day transcends organizational affiliations, serving as a sincere homage to the medical professionals committed to advancing patient health. The expertise, compassion, and tireless effort of these physicians significantly impact our ability to deliver high-quality care.
“We are proud to have Dr. Carlos Urdininea Kirkwood and Dr. Deseray Aguirre on our staff at Elmer Hugh Taylor Clinic in Beardstown and Dr. Kerstin Stitt on staff at Rushville Family Practice,” stated Gregg Snyder, CEO at Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital. “In addition, our hospital is led by two highly skilled and well-respected physicians in Chief Medical Officer, Dr. William Dixon and Associate Emergency Department Medical Director, Alex Merlo. “We invite our staff, patients, and the broader community to express their gratitude towards their physicians. Their unwavering dedication and service are the backbone of our healthcare delivery, ensuring our community’s health and well-being. Let’s make National Doctors Day a memorable occasion, acknowledging the invaluable role of physicians in our lives.”
About National Doctors Day
National Doctors Day is marked annually on March 30th to celebrate the contributions of physicians who tirelessly serve our nation. Officially recognized in 1990 by President George H.W. Bush, the observance commemorates Dr. Crawford W. Long’s pioneering use of general anesthesia in surgery in 1842, symbolizing the advancements and dedication inherent in the medical profession.
kristi HineGardner, DNP, MSN, RN NAMED CHIEF Nursing OFFICER
The Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital Board of Directors and Gregg Snyder, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) are pleased to announce Kristi Hinegardner, DNP, MSN, RN has been named Chief Nursing Officer (CNO). Hinegardner came to Culbertson from Lutheran Senior Services and has been the Director of Clinical Operations since May 2022. Having served as a nurse, manager, and director in both the ambulatory and hospital setting, Hinegardner has the experience needed to effectively lead at Culbertson.
“I have been both a nurse and a nurse leader for many years which has allowed me to develop different strategies to navigate the challenges that healthcare can bring,” said Hinegardner. “I have learned that teams will pull together and rise to any challenge when they feel supported, valued, and heard. In my new role as CNO, I will strive to know my teams, guide, and support the leaders so the can effectively lead their teams, and provide the highest quality of healthcare for the communities we serve.”
While obtaining her doctorate in Healthcare Systems Leadership from Chamberlain University, Hinegardner stepped away from the acute care setting and spent time in both home health and the long-term care setting. After COVID, healthcare shifted, life shifted for many, and while Hinegardner knew she would stay in healthcare, she was looking for a different environment. “When I came to Culbertson it didn’t take me long to feel like I was where I belonged,” said Hinegardner. “The pride in ownership that comes from this organization is palpable, that is very rare in healthcare, and I am honored to now be the leader of this team.
“We knew from the moment we hired Kristi as our Director of Clinical Operations that she had the education and experience to be a tremendous leader for our organization,” said Snyder. “Since joining the team at Kristi has improved the workflow efficiency of our clinical departments and built a significant amount of trust within her teams. She brings a wealth of knowledge with her and is ready to take on this next step in her career.”
Jason Field, J.D. Named Chief operating OFficer
The Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital Board of Directors and Gregg Snyder, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) are pleased to announce Jason Field, J.D. has been named Chief Operating Officer (COO). With over two decades of experience in healthcare administration as a COO, CEO, and as consultant, Field will bring a vast array of knowledge to his new position at Culbertson.
“Culbertson feels like the perfect fit to spend the remainder of my career,” said Field. It is an exceptional organization that wants to effectuate change in how care is delivered to patients in their homes, at the clinics and at the hospital. I wanted to live in a community where people know one another and interact to serve the community they live in, Rushville and the surrounding service area does just that. Prior to coming to Rushville Culbertson seemed like the perfect fit for the next phase of my life; after my interview and having the opportunity to meet people in the community, I knew I was sold!”
With his background in operational excellence, strategy, team building, financial sustainability, recruitment, and healthcare compliance, Field looks forward to working with the leadership team at Culbertson to assess the current state of the organization. Additionally, he plans to work with team members to identify opportunities for improving patient care, enhancing service lines, and improving upon the finance of Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital. Field comes to Culbertson from Terre Haute, IN and holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Indiana University and Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from Purdue University as well as a Juris Doctor from Valparaiso University School of Law in Valparaiso.
“After an extensive search for a candidate to fill our Chief Operating Officer Position, we believe Jason is the perfect fit for our organization,” said Snyder. “His vast experience in healthcare operations will allow him to jump right in and help lead this organization for the long term. Additionally, Jason is very service oriented and community minded, and I have no doubt that he will become an impactful member of this community.”
Field most recently served as the Chief Executive Officer for Lutheran Health Services in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Bridget Hamm NAMED EMPLOYEE OF THE 1st QUARTER
Culbertson Memorial Hospital is proud to announce Bridget Hamm has been selected as our employee of the 1st Quarter. Bridget works as an executive assistant at Culbertson and has been a dedicated staff member for over 8 years.
Health Profession Scholarships Available For High School Seniors
The Culbertson Memorial Hospital (CMH) Foundation is announcing applications are now available for three $1,000 scholarships from the Elmer Taylor Health Profession Scholarship fund. These scholarships are open to area high school seniors who reside in the Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital service area of Schuyler, Cass, and South Fulton Counties who are entering a healthcare related field of study that is currently available at Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital.
The Culbertson Memorial Hospital (CMH) Foundation is also announcing they are accepting applications for $1,000 scholarships from the Regina Ehrhardt Scholarship fund. These scholarships will be awarded to any Rushville-Industry High School or Brown County High School senior who is attending nursing school for a field of study that is currently available at Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital.
Applications are available from the offices of career counselors in area high schools, or can be accessed online at https://cmhospital.com/foundation/scholarship-program. For more information, please contact CMH Foundation Director, Molly Sorrell at 217/322-5269.
Completed applications should be submitted to the Foundation office by April 05, 2024.
Rollie Sarver 2023 Employee of the year
Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce that Rollie Sarver, Maintenance, has been chosen as our 2023 Employee of the Year. Rollie has worked at Culbertson since April 2020.
AED Donation To Astoria School District
In late September, Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital received an email from Astoria School District Student Health Coordinator Stephanie Carithers detailing the districts need for new Automated External Defibrillators, (AED’s). The district’s current AED’s were nearing end of life and the district had a need for a portable AED to be used at the baseball field and other school events that take place outside of the school building. With the full support of the hospital administration, board of directors and providers at Community Medical Clinic, we were able to donate three AED’s to the Astoria School District.
Pictured from left to right are Gregg Snyder, CEO, Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital, Amber Rector, PA-C, Community Medical Clinic, Stephanie Carithers, Academic Advisor and Student Health Counselor, and Don Willet, Astoria School District Superintendent/High School Principal.
Nancy Murray, ER, Named Employee of the 4th Quarter
Culbertson Memorial Hospital is proud to announce Nancy Murray, RN has been selected as our employee of the 4th quarter. Nancy works in the emergency department at Culbertson and has been a dedicated staff member for over 20 years.
Dr. Alex Merlo Named Associate Emergency Department Medical Director
Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital and NES, the hospital’s Emergency Medicine physician partner, are pleased to announce that Dr. Alex Merlo has been named the Associate Emergency Department Medical Director. Dr. Merlo is a dedicated and experienced physician with a background that includes a General Surgery internship at Western Michigan University and a comprehensive Family Medicine residency at Hinsdale Hospital in Illinois, during which he spent one month treating patients in the Peruvian Amazon.
Over the past two years Culbertson Memorial Hospital has made a focused effort to increase the quality of care and medical leadership of the Emergency Department. Hospital CEO, Gregg Snyder believes the addition of Dr. Merlo will strengthen the Emergency Department leadership. “Dr. Merlo is a well-known, highly skilled, and respected emergency department physician that we are glad to have as part of the Culbertson team”, stated Snyder.
Dr. Merlo is excited about the leadership opportunity at Culbertson and brings a wealth of knowledge to this new role. Having already dedicated over four years of service to the Culbertson Emergency Department, he is well-equipped to provide exceptional care and leadership in this vital healthcare setting. His commitment to patient well-being makes him a valuable addition to the Culbertson medical team.
Culbertson Clinics add two new providers
At Culbertson Memorial Hospital, we’re committed to expanding our medical team to broaden our medical expertise and provide more well-rounded healthcare services for patients of all ages. That’s why we’re thrilled to welcome two outstanding new providers onboard.
Deseray Aguirre, DO is an osteopathic physician who will see patients at the Elmer Hugh Taylor Clinic in Beardstown beginning Friday, Dec. 8. A Wisconsin native, she received a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in Oshkosh, WI, before earning a Master of Science in nursing from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. Dr. Aguirre earned her DO from A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, MO. She is board certified in family medicine and osteopathic manipulation treatment.
Dr. Aguirre wants her patients to know that she cares about them and their health - they are not just another number to her. “I know how difficult getting the care you need can be and how those barriers impact patients. I specifically wanted to become a family doctor because I know how important family is. Being able to take care of entire families is great for continuity and really getting to know your patients" said Dr. Aguirre.
Dr. Aguirre will see patients of all ages, but has a special interest in maternal and pediatric health.
Heidi Greer, APRN is a family nurse practitioner who will see patients at Rushville Family Practice and the Elmer Hugh Taylor Clinic this December. After earning a BSN and MSN in nursing from Grand Canyon University, Heidi received her RN from the Graham School of Nursing in Canton. She received her FNP from Maryville University in St. Louis. Heidi originally joined Culbertson in August 2019 as a department head/RN in Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation. She has worked as a PRN at both the hospital and Culbertson Community Clinics since fall 2022.
“I am very excited to continue working for the Culbertson Clinics in my new role. It gives me a great sense of purpose and meaning to be able to serve my local community,” Heidi said. “I appreciate the team environment of Culbertson Memorial Hospital. Everyone works together to best serve their patients and their community. We take pride in patient care, always treating your family just the same as we would treat our own.”
Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital & Culbertson Clinic Launch New Electronic Health Record System
Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital and Culbertson Clinics are launching a new electronic health record (EHR) system Monday, November 6, 2023. The new EHR will provide an integrated framework that communicates throughout our organization and provides our patients with a streamlined and secure way to manage their health and wellness information electronically.
“We’re excited to implement this upgraded and integrated system. The Oracle Health Community Works system is designed to offer a new, efficient patient portal with enhanced technology and security,” said Gregg Snyder, CEO of Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital. “Our entire team has worked diligently over the past year to bring this new system online and we are thankful for their dedication and effort as we reach our go-live date for this conversion. The transition to Community Works is a major milestone for Culbertson.”
When Community Works goes live, and for the first few months thereafter, patients may notice a little more time is needed at their appointment. Our staff will be transitioning your information from our legacy systems over to Community Works and learning to work within a new EHR. “While the staff have done extensive training to make sure the transition goes smoothly, we do expect a few delays as we get our new system up and running,” said Snyder. “We want to thank everyone for their patience in advance as we make this essential technologic upgrade.”
After the transition period, patients can look forward to an enhanced registration and check-in process, an easy-to-use patient portal that will offer a single source to view lab results, review their most recent trip to the doctor’s office, learn what to expect at an upcoming appointment, and directly message their provider.
Patients will also notice a change in the way they receive their billing statements from Culbertson and our Clinics. After November 6th, all balances due for your household will be on a single, cumulative balance statement, rather than receiving multiple statements for each visit.
Rollie Sarver, Maintenance, Named Employee of the 3rd Quarter
Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital Provides Notice Of Data Event
Culbertson Memorial Hospital (“Culbertson”) recently discovered an incident that may have impacted the privacy of information related to certain patients and current or former employees. While Culbertson is unaware of any actual or attempted misuse of information in relation to the incident, it is providing potentially affected individuals with information about the incident and steps individuals may take to help protect their information should they feel it is necessary to do so.
On March 30, 2023, Culbertson became aware of suspicious activity related to certain computer systems. Culbertson immediately launched an investigation, with the assistance of third-party forensic specialists, to secure its network and determine the nature and scope of the activity. The investigation determined that there was unauthorized access to Culbertson’s network between March 27, 2023 and March 30, 2023 and the unauthorized actor had the ability to acquire certain information stored on the network during the period of access. Therefore, Culbertson is conducting a comprehensive review of the of the data determined to be at risk to assess what sensitive information is contained therein and to whom the information relates. Once its review is complete, Culbertson plans to mail notification letters directly to potentially impacted individuals which will include resources that individuals can reference to further protect their information.
The types of potentially impacted information for patients may include name, date of birth, Social Security number, medical diagnosis, treatment information, and health insurance information. The types of information potentially impacted for current and former employees may include name, date of birth, Social Security number, and financial account information.
Culbertson encourages potentially affected individuals to remain vigilant against incidents of identity theft by reviewing their account statements and explanation of benefits for unusual activity.
Interested individuals can find additional information about the event and how they can help protect their personal information at cmhospital.com. They may also write to Culbertson Memorial Hospital at 238 S Congress St, Rushville, IL 62681.
Vallerie Peters, Imaging, Named Employee of the 2nd Quarter
CMH Foundation announces new scholarship program
The shortage of qualified healthcare professionals, particularly in rural communities, is a growing problem. One of the best ways to assure a steady, well-educated workforce is to encourage people to enter the healthcare field through our recently updated CMH Foundation Scholarship Program. By offering scholarships to students pursuing a healthcare education, the Foundation seeks to enhance the availability and qualifications of healthcare professionals, thereby promoting community access to quality healthcare.
Cindy Constable, Dietary Services, named 2023 Employee of the 1st Quarter
CMH Foundation Scholarships now available for high school seniors
The Culbertson Memorial Hospital (CMH) Foundation has announced applications are now available for three $1,000 scholarships from the Elmer Taylor Health Profession Scholarship Fund. These scholarships are open to area high school seniors who reside in the Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital service area of Schuyler, Cass, and South Fulton Counties who are entering a healthcare related field of study that is currently available at Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital.
The Culbertson Memorial Hospital (CMH) Foundation is also announcing they are accepting applications for a $1,000 scholarship from the Regina Ehrhardt Scholarship Fund. This scholarships will be awarded to any Rushville-Industry High School or Brown County High School senior who is attending nursing school.
Applications are available from the offices of career counselors in area high schools, or can be accessed online at https://cmhospital.com/foundation/scholarship-program. For more information, please contact CMH Foundation Director, Molly Sorrell at 217/322-5269. Completed applications should be submitted to the Foundation office by April 07, 2023.
Stephanie Carithers, 2022 Employee of the year
Stephanie is works in our Therapy Department as an Occupational Therapist and Physical Therapy Assistant. Stephanie has worked at Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital for 11 years.
Dr. Kerstin Stitt Joins Rushville Family Practice
Gregg Snyder, CEO is pleased to announce that Kerstin Stitt, DO has joined Rushville Family Practice and will be seeing patients on Monday, December 05.
"We are very excited to welcome Dr. Stitt to Culbertson Memorial Hospital and Culbertson Clinics," said Snyder. "She comes highly recommended from our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. William Dixon and provides a great blend of top-notch clinical education and knowledge with a strong passion for providing community-based care.”
Dr. Stitt received her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville Missouri in 2019. She completed her residency at Southern Illinois University Family Medicine in Quincy, IL in 2022. As an osteopathic medicine practitioner, she is trained in understanding how the mind, body, and spirit connect and impacts the body. "My approach is empathetic and non-judgmental. I see myself as an educator and a guide who empowers individuals to become active decision-makers in their own care," says Stitt.
Rushville Family Practice offers patients of all ages high quality, personalized health care. The providers have a wide range of clinical interests and understand the importance of getting to know patients personally, their medical history, their family and all of the factors that have an impact on their health.
For more information on the practice or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kerstin Stitt, please call 217-322-2245.
Dr. Carlos Urdininea Kirkwood Joins Elmer Hugh Taylor Clinic
Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital is proud to announce that Dr. Carlos Urdininea Kirkwood will be joining the staff at Elmer Hugh Taylor Clinic in Beardstown on January 5, 2023.
Trust is a foundational element of any doctor-patient relationship. While helping a patient understand why a treatment was ordered can offer knowledge and peace of mind, it can also establish the assurance that the provider is always working in the patient’s best interests. That’s why Dr. Carlos Urdininea Kirkwood stresses the importance of explaining everything to his patients in terms that are easy for anyone to understand. As an internist at the Elmer Hugh Taylor Clinic in Beardstown, Dr. Urdininea listens to his patients and clearly explains what the patient can expect from his treatment plan.
“I spend the time explaining my plans, treatments, or approaches to their diseases in a way they will understand. I’m not a doctor who will just throw all medical terms to them and expect them to just say, ‘Yes, doctor.’ At the end of the visit, my goal is to have those patients understand the importance of my treatment or what to expect from those results. The relationship I’d like to have with those patients is a relationship of trust and confidence.” — Dr. Carlos Urdininea Kirkwood
Dr. Urdininea earned his medical degree in 2006 from Universidad Nuestra Señora de La Paz in La Paz, Bolivia, before completing his specialty training in internal medicine at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago. He completed a fellowship in nephrology at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, IL, and Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital in Hines, IL. Since then, Dr. Urdininea has worked as an internist at Mason District Hospital in Havana. Like Culbertson, Mason District Hospital is a Critical Access Hospital serving a small, rural area that depends on the hospital for many of its healthcare needs. For Dr. Urdininea, this means providing specialized care that may not otherwise be available — especially for common conditions like hypertension and diabetes — in addition to primary care.
“Rural health is quite unique in the sense that access to medical care is difficult, but with passion and care, those gaps in healthcare can be filled for the benefit of the community,” he said. “Hypertension and diabetes are both everywhere. There are diseases that are highly preventable and highly treatable. Of course, patients with those diseases are very grateful to have specialty services I can provide to them.”
No two patients are the same — what works for one patient may not work for the next. Consequently, Dr. Urdininea said he takes time listen to each patient rather than try a one-size-fits-all treatment. “My patients are my priority. I don’t rush in, go in and out, say, ‘Hi, take this pill, see you later,’” Dr. Urdininea said. “My approach is more of a doctor who cares, a doctor my patients can rely on. I’ll do all I can do to help them feel better and stay healthy.
Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, Dr. Urdininea will see patients ages 18 and older. Additionally Dr. Urdininea is fluent in Spanish and English.
Brittney Taylor to leave Rushville Family Practice
It is with a heavy heart I announce to you that effective December 16th, Brittney Taylor will be leaving Rushville Family Practice. After 9 years of providing excellent health care services to our community, Brittney has decided it was time to pursue her career elsewhere. This was a difficult decision for Brittney to make, and we wish her nothing but the best in her new practice. She will be sadly missed here at Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital.
Through this time of transition, we pledge to provide each of our patients with a smooth continuation of care as we look to fill this vacancy with a new Physician who will be as dedicated to their patients as Brittney was. As part of our unwavering dedication to quality care, we are working with our new Medical Director, Dr. William Dixon from the SIU School of Medicine, to install a highly qualified interim physician to serve our patients in Rushville during the search for a permanent provider.
Within the next few days, we will provide additional information on transferring your care to one of our other providers. Our promise is that you will continue to receive the same quality of care you have come to expect from Culbertson.
Gregg Snyder, CEO
Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital
COVID 19 Update
17th Annual Dr. Russell Dohner Memorial Golf Outing
The Dr. Russell Dohner Memorial Golf Outing brings together our employees, community members, business partners and volunteers to support Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital. This year will be no exception and we hope to see you at our 17th Annual Golf Outing on Friday, June 3.
"Culbertson Memorial Hospital is an institution we can all be proud of. Our employees have proven they are resilient, dedicated and have navigated the last two years with as much success as any larger hospital in our area. Our employees are working hard to make sure Culbertson Memorial Hospital is the choice hospital for patients in our area, and the Foundation wants to support that journey by making sure the staff have the resources and equipment they need," said Molly Sorrell, Director of Development, Marketing and Community Relations.
The proceeds from this year’s golf outing will help us provide funding for the purchase of dedicated pediatric therapy equipment and provide a sensory integration area that will help children develop to their fullest potential. If you are interested in participating or sponsoring this year's event, please click here for more information.
Infusion Center Now Seeing Patients
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Courtnie Trone, a member of our laboratory services team voted as 2021 employee of the year
RICK TAYLOR- THE LATE RICK TAYLOR, ER WAS SELECTED AS 2021 EMPLOYEE OF THE FOURTH QUARTER
MARIAH CALLIHAN - PATIENT ACCESS AT CULBERTSON CLINICS SELECTED AS 2021 EMPLOYEE OF THE THIRDQUARTER
COURTNIE TRONE - LABORATORY SERVICES SELECTED AS 2021 EMPLOYEE OF THE SECOND QUARTER
JESSICA HENDRICKS - PATIENT ACCESS SELECTED AS 2020 EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital Board Approves Master Facility Plan and Authorization to move forward with Phase I, $5.5 Million Dollar Renovation of the hospital’s West Wing.
The Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital Board of Directors voted Friday, November 20 with a 9 to 0 vote to approve a $15.4 million dollar Master Facility Plan to renovate the interior of the hospital and authorized administration to move forward with Phase I of the plan.
"The master facility plan represents a strategic investment in our hospital and our community, said Greg Snyder, Board President. The facility improvements established in this plan allow us to expand services to the community and help ensure the long term viability of Culbertson Memorial Hospital. The plan will be implemented in stages to provide flexibility of design and to maximize financial utilization. In the vastly changing world of healthcare this plan is a tremendous positive for the Rushville and the surrounding communities."
"This investment is about more than simply new facilities. Over the past several months, in our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have learned where some of our vulnerabilities lie; and through this project, we can turn our vulnerabilities into opportunities to improve how healthcare is delivered in Schuyler County and the surrounding area,” said John E. Kessler, CEO. “This project will significantly improve the way we serve our patients, from how patients access our campus to how our clinicians can deliver care every day. Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital has been providing healthcare to our region for nearly 100 years, and as we approach our 100th Anniversary in February, this project is the next step in helping us care for you and your family over the next 100 years."
"Phase I was the logical starting place, as the Master Facility Plan showed our Outpatient Specialty Clinics were one of our greatest vulnerabilities. We currently have a lack of space to bring in the additional Specialty Care Providers the community needs,” said Kessler. “We will also be able to create negative pressure rooms which are vital to addressing airborne viruses. Additionally, Phase I will be completely funded by monies designated for renovations and pandemic response."
Specific plans include a significant expansion and renovation of the 42-year-old Emergency Department, centrally locating and expanding Laboratory Services, the creation of a Cancer Center, expansion of our Outpatient Specialty Clinics, privatization of our patient rooms and expansion of our Surgical Services.
The renovations will be broken into six phases, and construction is anticipated to begin July of 2021 and be completed in February of 2027. In addition to the phases listed below, the construction project will also help the hospital to become a 100% sprinkled facility for fire safety.
The 100th Anniversary Renovation Project includes:
Phase 1 West Wing Renovation
- Five Outpatient Specialty Clinic care areas
- Expansion of Cardiac-Rehab Cancer Center with private and semi-private treatment rooms
- Dedicated Patient Access Area and Waiting Room
Phase 2 Laboratory Services, Main Entrance and Patient Access
- Centrally locates and expands Laboratory Services
- Creates a new main entrance to the hospital
- Renovates the main waiting room Creates a new Patient Access Area
Phase 3 Emergency Department Expansion
- Creates a dedicated Trauma Room that can handle isolation patients
- Expands our treatment rooms from four to five
- Creates a centrally located nursing station
- Gives us the capability of having negative pressure rooms
Phase 4 Imaging Centralization
- Allows all testing for Imaging to be completed within the Imaging Department. Currently, Imaging has testing sites located throughout the hospital.
Phase 5 Patient Wing
- Renovates nine patient rooms so that each room has their own toilet, sink and shower
- Decreases patient beds from 22 to 12 by creating 6 private patient rooms and 3 semi-private patient rooms
- Establishes a dedicated staff lounge and staff training area
Phase 6 Surgical Services Expansion
- Builds two new Surgical suites and one scope room
- Establishes a four bed PACU unit Creates six pre-procedure patient bays
- Centrally located nursing desk
"The healthcare needs of our community have changed over the last decade, as more and more services have been pushed to the outpatient environment. While we are decreasing the total inpatient beds to 12, we feel the other changes we are making are truly what this community needs from us going forward. We also believe that by decreasing our number of beds we have the opportunity to upgrade our Med-Surg patient rooms to allow for Private and Semi-Private patient rooms,” said Kessler. “These new patient rooms will be consistent with the accommodations you see in newer hospitals today and will be much more comfortable and create a healing environment for our patients."
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EMPLOYEE OF THE 4th QUARTER
Bridget Hamm, Administrative Assistant has been selected at Culbertson Memorial Hospital's Employee of the 4th.
Rushville FAmily Practice Welcomes Dr. Isidoros Vardaros
Dr. Isidoros Vardaros will begin seeing patients ages 21 and up on Tuesday, October 6 at Rushville Family Practice located at 233 South Congress Street in Rushville. Dr. Vardaros is a Primary Care physician who will see patients on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8am until 4pm.
Employee of the 3rd Quarter
Jessica Hendricks, Patient Access Coordinator has been selected at Culbertson Memorial Hospital's Employee of the 3rd Quarter.
Employee of the Second Quarter
Karen Huffman, Imaging is Culbertson Memorial Hospital's Employee of the Second Quarter.
COVID-19 Hotline
If you have questions concerning COVID-19, otherwise known as the Coronavirus, please contact the Illinois Department of Public Health Hotline at 1-800-889-3931. They can also be reached by emailing DPH.SICK@ILLINOIS.GOV.
We can not emphasize enough, how important handwashing is in defense of not only the Coronavirus, but Influenza and many other contagious illnesses. If you are not feeling well, please do not expose others by going out in public. If you have respiratory symptoms and are concerned that you may have been exposed to the Coronavirus, or have traveled outside of the United States in the past 14 days, please contact your local Health Department or call the IDPH hotline above.
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICE
Culbertson Memorial Hospital Enters Into Agreement with HHS for Environmental Service
At the Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, February 27, 2020, the Board of Directors voted to enter an agreement with HHS for Environmental Services (Housekeeping).
“Our current Housekeeping Director is leaving, and we have been looking for her replacement since December. Unfortunately, we have not had an applicant we feel had the experience to lead the department,” said John E. Kessler, CEO. “This juncture gave us the opportunity to partner with an organization that can bring resources and expertise than an organization our size often cannot afford on our own.”
For over 40 years HHS has been successful at serving their customers’ needs and developing forward-thinking solutions. With more than 500 partner organizations both domestically and internationally, HHS has built a highly focused team of operational experts who are specialized in their specific service area. Their environmental services experience, and detailed cleaning processes, will allow Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital to exceed CDC standards while reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections and cultivating a hygienic, healing environment. As our partner, they will work seamlessly to become a part of our team for increased efficiency and ultimately, better cleanliness outcomes.
“We were seeking an environmental services partner who could quickly integrate themselves into our operations,” said Gregg Snyder, Board Chairman. “We have a tremendous commitment to excellent patient care and the thoroughness of our Housekeeping Department is a critical piece of that. With HHS, we know we’re in extremely capable hands.”
“We anticipate transitioning over to HHS in the next 30 to 60 days. All of our current housekeeping employees will be given the opportunity to continue working at Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital and Culbertson Clinics,” said Kessler.
Culbertson Memorial Hospital is not looking to contract with HHS for any other services.
Neurology Services Now Available
Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital is pleased to welcome Dr. Daniel Kimple, Neurology to our Outpatient Specialty Clinics. Dr. Kimple will begin seeing patients on February 18, 2020 and will be at Culbertson the 3rd Tuesday of every month.
Dr. Jason Rakita Announces His Departure
At the January 23, 2020 Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital Board of Directors meeting, John E. Kessler, CEO announced Dr. Jason Rakita will be leaving Rushville Family Practice to pursue a fellowship in Sleep Medicine. “We appreciate the years of service Dr. Rakita has provided to Culbertson Memorial Hospital and his patients at Rushville Family Practice. While we hate to see him go, we wish Dr. Rakita nothing but the best in his future endeavors” stated Kessler.
After providing three and a half years of service to our patients, Dr. Rakita will be moving to New Hampshire where he will begin his Fellowship in Sleep Medicine at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. It was a difficult decision for Dr. Rakita to leave his practice in Rushville and he wants his patients to know “I will greatly miss this community and all of my patients.”
Dr. Rakita will continue seeing his current patients at Rushville Family Practice through the month of June.
Board of Directors Vote To Accept Culbertson Gardens Bid
After evaluating all options, the Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital Board of Directors voted to accept a bid from Tim and Shiela Ward in the amount of $141,500 for the purchase of Culbertson Gardens.
“It was an extremely difficult decision for us to make, as we wanted not only what was best for the hospital financially, but for our current residents and this community,” said Board Chairman Gregg Snyder. “We appreciate that Tim and Shiela Ward see the value in keeping this facility open for our community.”
The hospital takes a financial hit every year from Medicare on the cost report for operating the Gardens and it has made a major impact on the hospital’s finances. While having Critical Access Hospital (CAH) status has helped the hospital remain financially solvent, the federal government’s method of paying for Medicare services causes Culbertson to lose over a hundred thousand dollars annually by operating Culbertson Gardens. Ultimately, the Board of Directors made the decision that their primary mission is to operate a hospital, and that they must do whatever is necessary to keep the hospital financially viable in the years to come.
Legal requirements stated that Culbertson Gardens must be sold through a sealed bid process. The sale of Culbertson Gardens was put out for sealed bid in November and was advertised not only locally, but throughout the state of Illinois and with a Senior Living brokerage firm.
“While we would have liked to have seen more bids, we are grateful to have received a bid from someone with vested interest in this community. If we didn’t accept the bid from Tim and Shiela Ward, we would be forced to start the bidding process over again and we didn’t feel that would be in the best interest of the hospital or the Culbertson Gardens residents,” stated John Kessler, CEO. “Tim and Shiela have a passion for working with senior citizens and many Culbertson Gardens residents had expressed to me and the Board their support for the Wards. We feel accepting this bid will continue a much needed service for this community for many years to come”
Temporary Visitor Restrictions
Due to the increased incidence of influenza-like illness, Culbertson Memorial Hospital is implementing temporary visitor restrictions.
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No visitation by persons less than 18 years of age
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Limit the number of visitors to two per patient at any one time
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Request that visitors with acute respiratory symptoms not visit until symptoms have cleared.
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If there is a need to visit a patient, a mask must be worn while inside the hospital
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Limit visits to patients in isolation for influenza to person who necessary for the patients emotional well-being and care.
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All visitors should use good hand hygiene and respiratory/cough etiquette during the visit
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Hand Sanitizer and Cough Etiquette stations are located at each entrance
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Hand sanitizer should be used upon entering a patient’s room and when leaving.
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The visiting restrictions are in compliance with the recommendations from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)
Employee of the Year
Nicole Franklin, Dietary Services was chosen by her peers as the 2019 Employee of the Year for Culbertson Memorial Hospital. Nicole has worked at the hospital for over 16 years and is known for being a dedicated and hard-worker, fun, friendly, and knowledgeable in her field of work.
For more information on any of the press releases above, please contact Molly Sorrell, Director of Community Relations and Marketing at 217/322-5269 or msorrell@sdcmh.org.