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 4^th 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 6^th, 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