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Memorial Hospital is proud to be able to offer the latest in technology to our community by offering DEXA (Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) bone densitometry testing. DEXA scans can measure the density of your bones. The density of your bones is directly related to bone strength. Doctors can predict the potential for fractures and osteoporosis through the DEXA scan results. As we age, the threat of bone fractures and osteoporosis become more of a reality. A simple and painless exam can now detect these conditions early and in some cases prevent them from getting worse. “DEXA is the preferred method for diagnosing osteoporosis. This test looks at bone mineral density at important sites of osteoporotic fractures with high accuracy and moderate cost and involves minimal radiation exposure.” Guidelines from multiple organizations including the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, and the National Osteoporosis Foundation, recommend beginning DEXA screening for osteoporosis at age 65 in women and age 70 in men with no risk factors. Post - menopausal women younger than 65 should only be screened with DEXA if they have significant risk factors or osteoporosis and/or bone fractures. A bone density test (DEXA) is a simple and painless non-invasive procedure. The scan will last approximately 15 minutes. You may be asked to change into a hospital gown if you have any metal on your clothing. You will lay on a comfortable padded exam table. During your exam, a camera will travel above your body to take the readings. It is important that you lie completely still until the images are complete. You can breathe normally during the scan. A Radiologist will report the findings to your doctor within 24-48 hours. Dexa scans are done on a scheduled basis. Talk to your doctor today about scheduling your bone density. Don’t take chances with your health! Prevent bone loss and have your bone density checked by a trained professional.

Specialized Care throughout your life span - helping you return to work, play, and life! Our physical therapists develop comprehensive plans of care that may include: • Exercises to restore motion, strength, and a greater degree of independence • Joint and soft tissue mobilization • Pain management • Orthotic/prosthetic training • Education & information specific to the injury or illness Specialized Equipment • Therapy Pool • Biodex Balance System • Mechanical Traction • Therapeutic Ultrasound • Electrical Stimulation • Vital Stim • Bariatric Treadmill • Fluidotherapy • Iontophoresis Progressive Clinical Programming Our outpatient program utilizes the latest techniques and equipment and provides specialized services for individuals with various injuries or disorders. Common Diagnoses include: • Amputation • Arthritis • Back and neck injuries • Brain injury • Developmental delay • Dysphagia • Hand injuries • Joint replacement • Multiple trauma • Neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s • Orthopedic injuries • Pain management • Post-surgical conditions • Spinal dysfunction • Sports-related injuries • Stroke • Urinary incontinence • Vestibular/ balance disorders • Work injuries Accepted Insurance Payment Methods We accept payment from most insurance plans including Medicare. Please call us if you have questions on whether your health insurance is accepted at our facility. Referral Services Patients may contact the outpatient center directly; however, a physician’s prescription is necessary to initiate treatment. Clinical Excellence Our state of the art facility houses professional certified staff of physical, occupational, and speech therapists. They are dedicated to applying innovative clinical pathways that ensure each patient receives the utmost in care, on a personalized level. Aftercare Program After graduating from therapy, patients may opt to continue using the facility through our Aftercare program. This program allows patients to continue their exercises on an independent basis so they can maintain or further their progress.

Echocardiogram, often referred to cardiac echo or simply an echo is a sonogram of the heart. (It is not abbreviated as ECG, which in medicine usually refers to an electrocardiogram.) Echocardiography uses standard two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and Doppler ultrasound to create images of the heart. Echocardiography has become routinely used in the diagnosis, management, and follow-up of patients with any suspected or known heart diseases. It is one of the most widely used diagnostic tests in cardiology. It can provide a wealth of helpful information, including the size and shape of the heart (internal chamber size quantification), pumping capacity, and the location and extent of any tissue damage. An Echocardiogram can also give physicians other estimates of heart function such as a calculation of the cardiac output, ejection fraction, and diastolic function (how well the heart relaxes). Echocardiography can help detect cardiomyopathies, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, and many others. The use of Stress Echocardiography may also help determine whether any chest pain or associated symptoms are related to heart disease. The biggest advantage to echocardiography is that it is noninvasive (doesn't involve breaking the skin or entering body cavities) and has no known risks or side effects. Not only can an echocardiogram create ultrasound images of heart structures, but it can also produce accurate assessment of the blood flowing through the heart, using pulsed or continuous wave Doppler ultrasound. This allows assessment of both normal and abnormal blood flow through the heart.

Dr. James Kirkpatrick, M.D., PhD Family Medicine Dr. James Kirkpatrick is board certified in family medicine. Originally from Imperial, Missouri, he received a Doctorate of Philosophy in Biological Science at the University of Missouri – Columbia in 2009. He attended medical school at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, receiving his medical doctorate in 2013. In 2016, he completed family medicine residency at University of Missouri – Kansas City, followed by a fellowship in primary care Geriatric Medicine in June 2017, and received his board certification in geriatrics in 2019. Dr. Kirkpatrick joined the Memorial Hospital team August 2017. He enjoys providing care to patients in the outpatient clinic, nursing home, and hospital setting, and is passionate about building relationships with his patients to bring about the highest quality health care. Dr. Kirkpatrick chose Memorial Hospital as his primary practice due to the autonomy and freedom he has in how he provides care for his patients. He feels support from his colleagues and staff. He enjoys living in Chester and being able to care for the community he lives in. When asked what his favorite thing was about the Family Practice, he summed it up in one word, "Community." From him, the greatest reward in his career is the successes he has had in treating patients. BACK TO ALL PROVIDERS Family Health Care Chester Clinic & Steeleville Family Practice More Info Well Baby Check-Ups Memorial Hospital's Rural Health Clinics provide care for infants as young as 3-5 days. More Info Wellness Exams Chester Clinic & Steeleville Family Practice More Info DOT Physicals Chester Clinic and Steeleville Family Practice More Info Vaccines for Children (VFC) Chester Clinic More Info Immunizations/Vaccines Chester Clinic & Steeleville Family Practice More Info Family Planning Chester Clinic & Steeleville Family Practice More Info Subdermal Birth Control Implants Chester Clinic & Steeleville Family Practice More Info Cryosurgery Chester Clinic & Steeleville Family Practice More Info Electrosurgical Procedures Chester Clinic & Steeleville Family Practice More Info Excisions Chester Clinic & Steeleville Family Practice More Info Punch Biopsy Chester Clinic & Steeleville Family Practice More Info Trigger Point Injections Chester Clinic & Steeleville Family Practice More Info 4 days ago Hospital News Dr. Krieg Retires With 45 Years of Service 118 May 15, 2024 Hospital News Expanding Our Team: Meet the New Family Practice Providers Joining Our Clinic! 822 Feb 7, 2024 Hospital News Paired System = Continuity of Care 409 Nov 14, 2023 Hospital News Memorial Hospital Service Awards and Newmark Award 2023 272 Oct 31, 2023 Hospital News Dr. Platt Retires With 46 Years of Service 363 Jun 8, 2023 Hospital News Welcome Cassandra Chambers 383

Why Choose MH Benefits Working at MH Explore Our Community CONTACT US Why Choose MH? Our Hospital Joint Commission Gold Seal Accredited Facility State of the Art Same Day Surgery Suites 24/7 ER with Helipad Traditional Family Practice Model Large Therapy & Sports Rehab Center with Advanced Equipment and Rehab Pool Top of the Line Diagnostic Imaging Full Service On-Site Lab Multi-Specialty Consulting Clinics Our Community #7 Safest City in Illinois (2021) Cost of Living is More Affordable Than Metropolitan Areas Rural Community with Family Atmosphere A Short, Scenic Drive to Anywhere for Family Activities, Entertainment, and Shopping Public and Private School Options with Competitive Sports and Fine Arts Programs Small Town Charm Thrives in Locally Owned Businesses, Eateries, and Shops Unlimited Access to Outdoor Recreation Many Programs, Clubs, and Volunteer Opportunities for Children and Adults A Hidden Gem in Southern Illinois where a sense of community, compassion, and entrepreneurial spirit thrives. Explore Our Community Tree of Remembrance Campaign Update as of 1/9/2025 Rural Life: Photo Contest Winners Selected Memorial Hospital Brings Bleed Control Training to Schools Ribbon Cutting for Cardiac Pulmonary Rehab Center at Memorial Hospital Memorial Receives Grant for Bleed Control Training for Schools Memorial Hosts 3rd Annual Fun Run/Walk Memorial Hospital Hosts Go Red for Women Event Auxiliary Donates Fund to Purchase Pill Counter for Pharmacy Memorial’s 2023-24 Medical Explorers 2023 Tree of Remembrance Campaign Why MH? Your Family Practice Career Starts Here PROFESSIONALS Benefits Paid Time Off Paid Holidays Retirement - Hospital Contributions Insurance - Health, Dental, and Vision. Discounted rates for participating in Wellness Plan Employee Insured Discounts on Medical Services at Memorial Health Savings Account Whole Life Insurance Group Term Life Insurance Short and Long Term Disability Voluntary Deferred Comp Critical Illness Credit Union Participation Fitness Program & Wellness Plan CME Allowance Benefits Working at MH Working at MH Traditional Model Family Practice Physicians at Memorial embrace the "full spectrum" of care. They see their patients in the outpatient clinical setting, and if their patient is admitted to the hospital they will continue to oversee care there. They also have the pleasure of getting to know their patients in and outside of the office and have the opportunity to care for all generations of the family. Patients value the personalized care they receive at our clinics and in our hospital. They feel their providers know their health history and trust them to create a health plan that fits their individual needs. Flexible Schedules Providers stagger their weekday schedules to provide outpatient appointments at one of our two Rural Health Clinics, with a non-clinical day to manage as they choose. Skilled Support Staff The nurses, administrative assistants, billing and record keeping personal provide quality and skillful assistance to all providers in a timely and efficient manner. Departments throughout the hospital and rural health clinics work together seamlessly to provide an extraordinary continuum of care from the initial phone call to post discharge. Continuum of Care Memorial Hospital's patient coordinators work directly with specialists from Memorial and throughout the region to find the best advanced care possible. With provider guidance they help the patient navigate their unique healthcare needs and work with insurance and other hospitals to ensure each patient receives the proper care they need. Memorial also works with ComWell, the local entity that provides mental health and substance misuse services and resources to the community. Through this relationship, we are bridging the gaps in healthcare and ensuring we are caring for the patient as a whole, not just their physical needs, but their mental health and recovery needs as well. Contact Us To inquire about provider positions or to submit a resume contact the following: Brett Bollmann, CEO 618-826-4581 ext. 1298 bbollmann@mhchester.com Martha Roth, Director of Professional Services 618-826-4581 ext. 1143 mroth@mhchester.com Contact Us Our Community Explore Our Community Memorial Hospital is located in Chester, IL, seated along the Mississippi River in Randolph County in Southern Illinois. The rural community is just a short drive to anywhere and many hidden gems can be found throughout the area. We welcome you to explore our community. Historic Randolph County - Where Illinois Business Began 30 Must See Places on the Great River Road Explore Chester, IL Recreation Education Dining & Entertainment Top of Page Benefits Working at MH Contact Us Our Community Why MH?

APPLY TODAY Why Choose MH Internship Details Requirements Contact Us NURSE INTERNSHIP Internship Details Memorial Hospital’s Nurse Intern Program is a dynamic paid learning experience for nursing students in their last year of their Associate or Bachelor Nursing Program. The program provides opportunities for the Nurse Intern to participate in direct patient care with assigned Registered Nurse Mentors. The Nurse Intern has the opportunity to train and work with their RN Mentor in the Medical-Surgical and Emergency Units. Memorial’s Nurse Intern Program prepares the Nursing Student to engage and transition into the actual workforce with advanced mentorship. After completing the Nurse Intern Program, you will have opportunities to work in a professional, advance facility with Five Star Patient Rated Staff and Facility. For those applicants who decide to stay on with Memorial, you have access to amazing benefits, like the student loan repayment program, tuition reimbursement, Daisy Awards and Recognition, and so much more. Details Requirements Nursing student in their last year of an Associate or Bachelor’s Degree Nursing Program Provide competency skills completion from Nursing Program Must remain in good standing with a cumulative GPA minimum 3.0 in the Nursing Program Letter of recommendation from the Nursing Faculty CPR certification Meet all immunization requirements Requirments Contact Us Contact Us Apply Online Apply online here . Check your junk or spam for your return email. All inquiries, applications and acceptance are dependent on all requirements met and timely. Apply Via Email Contact Susan Diddlebock, Chief Nursing Officer at sdiddlebock@mhchester.com with subject "Nurse Internship". Top of Page Contact Us Details Requirments

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 Bladder Scan i10 for the Emergency Room Department. To really care for people, you must understand the patients you care for today—and tomorrow. This piece of equipment will enable us to detect and define bladder location, size, shape and the amount of fluid in the bladder, automatically in seconds. The Non-invasive portable tool will help the patients get a quicker diagnosis, management and treatment of urinary outflow dysfunction. The cost of this purchase is $11,972. Funds raised to date are $12,286. This year’s Tree of Remembrance contributions will make up the majority of our fundraising for the year. Giving this year is more important than ever. During the holiday season we invite you to contribute in honor of a loved one. Your contribution and memorial are recognized weekly on Facebook and 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: Memorials: Welton Schwent Family in Memory of Welton Schwent Earl Jungewaelter Family in Memory of Earl Jungewaelter Judi Hirte In memory of my parents - Bernice & Keith Rednour Barbara Ann Holley In memory of my husband - George Holley, my parents - Lois and Charles Hirte, my in-laws - Roseanne & Gordon V. Holley The Randy Dudenbostel Family In loving memory of Debbie Dudenbostel Cynthia Lawder In memory of Shelby Lawder Pechacek Funeral Homes In memory of Ron Pechacek Linda Rader In memory of PFC Leonard Nitzsche, L/CPL Charles Rader, & Russell Rader Beta Nu Chapter In memory of sisters passed Linda Butler In memory of Tony Beekner Jeannette Decker In memory of her husband Kevin Decker Steven J. Sympson in Honor of the People of the City of Chester, Illinois Steven J. Sympson in Memory of Uncle Terry Brelje and Aunt Martha Brelje Dale & Marsha Link in Memory of Harold & Ina Link, Charles & Jean Link, Glen & Bonnie (Link) Horn, Ron (Duck) & Nan Link, Jack & Sandra Link, and Tony Viorel Judith Petrowske In memory of Don Petrowske Mary Alice Welge in Remembrance of Donald Welge, Mr. & Mrs. Wilbur Saak, Mr. & Mrs. Brockey Childers, Mr. & Mrs. William H. Welge, 1st Lt. Bruce Welge, and Frances Jarvis Mary Alice Welge, Betty Surman, Elaine Kattenbraker, and Jean Jungewaelter In Memory of Bonnie Jones Larry and Joice Surman In memory of our daughter, Lori McCartney Janice Dettmer, Regina & Shawn Straight and Family In memory of Raymond Dettmer and John Dettmer Janice Dettmer, Judith McLeod, Joan and David Meyer, Gina and Shawn Straight and Family In memory of Herman and Louise Dettmer, John and Rose Leaders, and Mark McLeod Mary Brown In Memory of Bruce Brown Rhonda Bockhorn In memory of Betty Wagner Vernon L. Buch In memory of Mary Ann Hartmann Buch The Honorable Richard A. Brown In memory of Barb Brown Tom, Deana, Emily Tudor in memory of Cheryl McDonald Mardell Moeller Granger In memory of Ralph F. Granger, Gottlieb & Marie Moeller, and Frank & Emma Granger Darrel Ehlers In memory of Carol Ehlers Emily Lyons In memory of Camille & Blasé Lyons Larry & Imogenen McDonoughIn memory of loved ones The Guthman Family In memory of Debbie Dudenbostel, John & Jessie Guthman, Bonnie Jones, and Donna Strothmann Carl and Bonnie Todd in memory of Percy Davitz Mr. Rodney and Dr. Lisa Lowry-Rohlfing Beverly Bollman In memory of Don Bollman, Helen & Vernon Stamm Dr. Allan and Louise Liefer In remembrance of our parents Sam & Mathilda Stermer and Elmer & Elsie Liefer Donna Eggemeyer In remembrance of Roger and Ruth Petrowske Darlene Gentsch In remembrance of my parents, MR. & Mrs. Gale Armes Carolyn Schwent In memory of Gary Schwent, Mike Jungewaelter, Karen Deppe, Rick Cash, Phil Fluck, Larry Costilow, and Mary Ann Stumpe "B.V. Gals" In memory of Rosie Craig, Marion Lutz, Millie Layton, Carole Malley, and Marlene Seymour Barbara Hall In memory of Bruce Hall The Mike Vasquez Family In loving memory of Dan & Blanch Vasquez, John & Rudelle Fulford. Mary Ann Childers In memory of Gary Childers, Margaret Childers, Wm. O & Irene Welge, and Robert Charles Welge Virginia Rowold & Family Members In memory of Ken Rowold, The Otto Rowold Family, and the Wm. O. Welge Family Memorial Hospital Auxiliary In memory of Nancy Diercks Barb and Keith Kittel In memory of Kris and Kyle Kittell Sandra Starr In remembrance of Mark Starr Kathy Winkler In remembrance of Sandi Essner Kelly Moeller In remembrance of James Gregory Mary and Dave Verseman in remembrance of Roger and Ruth Petrowske and Families The Kordys Family In remembrance of Bonnie and Harry Jones Donations: The County Journal Evelyn Schuwerk Bremen Altar Guild Delta Kappa Gamma City of Chester Arbeiter Law Office Randolph County Abstract, LLC American Legion Auxiliary Kim Ruebke and Family Chester Rotary Club Ida, Gary and Stan Gaertner Chester Electrical Supply, Inc Rosemary Bert Alpha Upsilon Master Buena Vista National Bank Michael & Mary Sulser Randolph County Housing Authority Dr. James and Betty Krieg Jeanne Kleinschmidt Colvis Investment Services Falkenhein Accounting & Tax Service, P.C. St. Mary's Knights of Columbus Guice G. Strong Chester Animal Hospital, LLC Chester Masonic Lodge Chester Eagles Chester National Bank The Honorable Judge Schuwerk & Mrs. Evelyn Schuwerk Gilster Mary Lee Donna Clendenin Chester VFW Sandra Benedict Benson's Wine Bar William and Patty Nanney Partners Hometown Insurance Agency Dr. Stephen and Diane Platt Deepanjali Dummi Tom and Vicki Search Robert and Brenda Owen

Dr. James Krieg December 31, 2024, marked the end of an era as Dr. James Krieg concluded his distinguished career as a Family Healthcare Physician at Memorial Hospital’s Rural Health Clinics. With an impressive 45 years of service in Chester, IL, Dr. Krieg has provided compassionate and comprehensive care to countless patients. Dr. Krieg began his practice on January 1, 1980, joining Doctors Isreal Newmark, Milton Zemlyn, and Stephen Platt, who were the lead physicians at the Chester Clinic and part of the Medical Staff at Memorial Hospital. His decision to practice in Chester was driven by his appreciation for the stability of the practice and the welcoming community. Throughout his tenure, Dr. Krieg has enjoyed the variety of care he has been able to provide, from performing small surgical procedures and delivering many babies early in his career in the Obstetrics Department (OB) to offering extensive personal care daily. His greatest joy has been the hope that he has made a difference in the lives of those he has cared for. Dr. Krieg has cherished working with the dedicated team of nurses, providers, and staff who prioritize patient-centered care. Reflecting on his time at Memorial, Dr. Krieg shared, "There is a feeling of teamwork; each person doing their best to meet the needs of the patients." He fondly recalls his favorite memories, saying, "Growing 'old' with those who have been with Memorial Hospital and Chester Clinic for many years. We have shared many 'interesting' experiences. Also, I have enjoyed working alongside some whom I delivered while doing OB." Dr. Krieg has seen many improvements throughout the years, noting, "The hospital continued to expand, remodel, and push toward staying up to date with changing technology. The most recent development of the Medical Office Building will give years of service for the providers and community." As he embarks on his well-deserved retirement, Dr. Krieg looks forward to spending more time with his family and volunteering. He humorously shared, "My daughter gave me a clock with hour, minute, and second hands but the numbers are all at the bottom, scattered. The inscription reads, 'Whatever...I'm Retired!'" His contributions to Memorial the community have been invaluable, and his presence will be greatly missed. He expressed what he will miss most, "Serving others; medicine allows the unique opportunity to help people navigate the uncertainties of life. I have been blessed with the strength and health to spend the last 45 years doing what I have loved. Remember: God first, others second, I'm third." To honor Dr. Krieg’s remarkable career and dedication, Memorial Hospital invites the community to a retirement party open house on January 25th at the Chester Country Club from 2-4 pm. Please join us in celebrating Dr. Krieg’s legacy and wishing him joy and health in his retirement. Dr. Krieg has been a valued asset to Memorial and the Chester community, and we are forever grateful for the care and compassion he has shown. We wish him all the best in this new chapter of his life.

Memorial Hospital is proud to announce the retirement of Carol Schulein-Buch, storeroom manager, after an extraordinary 48 years of dedicated service.   Carol began her journey at Memorial Hospital on August 1, 1976, as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Ward Clerk. After three years in this role, she transitioned to the storeroom manager position, where she has served for an impressive 45 years. Throughout her tenure, Carol has been a cornerstone of the hospital, ensuring that all departments were well-supplied with everything from office materials to critical medical supplies.   Reflecting on her time at Memorial, Carol shared, "   Working at Memorial has always been rewarding. In my early days as a CNA and ward clerk, I took care of patients when we had 80-100 patients in-house. I witnessed many babies being born and now see them with their own families. In my later years, working in materials management, I ensured that various departments had the supplies they needed. Knowing that these supplies helped improve health and, in some cases, saved lives, was incredibly fulfilling."   Carol's career is marked by countless memories and friendships. “I have countless memories, from forming long-lasting friendships that became like family to sharing many laughs. I've witnessed many changes, with almost all departments moving from their original locations. I was especially pleased to see the new Medical Office Building open."   Known affectionately as "work mom" by many of her younger colleagues, Carol has been a source of wisdom and support, always ready to offer advice and share in the joys and challenges of her coworkers' lives. "I will miss seeing everyone on a daily basis as I delivered supplies throughout the building. I will always treasure catching up on their families and being there for each other through good and bad times."   As Carol embarks on her well-deserved retirement, she looks forward to making new memories with her husband, who is also retiring. They plan to spend time with their children and grandchildren, enjoy the outdoors, tend to the flower garden, and watch the hummingbirds. Carol also looks forward to catching up with old friends and reading.   Memorial Hospital extends its deepest gratitude to Carol Schulein-Buch for her unwavering dedication and service. Her contributions have left an indelible mark on the hospital and the community it serves. We wish her all the best in her retirement.