What's Happening

2.9.2012 - CMH Foundation Elmer Hugh Taylor Scholarships

The Culbertson Memorial Hospital (CMH) Foundation is announcing that applications are now available for eight $1,000 scholarships from the Elmer Taylor Health Profession Scholarship fund. These scholarships are open to area high school seniors or college students who reside in the CMH service area of Schuyler, Brown, Cass, and South Fulton Counties and who are entering a health related field of study. Applications are available from the offices of career counselors in area high schools, or can be accessed online at http://www.cmhospital.com/pdf/ScholorshipApplication2012.pdf. Completed applications must be returned by April 16, 2012.

2.9.2012 - Mary Downs Memorial Scholarships

The Culbertson Memorial Hospital (CMH) Foundation is also announcing the addition of six $1,000 scholarships in memory of Mary Downs. These scholarships will be awarded to any Rushville-Industry High School Senior or graduate attending school for a health related field of study. The Mary Downs Scholarship will be awarded to three individuals pursing a degree in nursing and the remaining three scholarships will be awarded to students in any other medically related field of study. Applications are available from the offices of career counselors in area high schools, or can be accessed online at http://www.cmhospital.com/pdf/MaryDownsScholorshipApplication2012.pdf.

2.3.2012 - Diabetic Support Group

Culbertson Memorial Hospital will be hosting a Diabetic Support Group meeting the 4th Tuesday of every month in Culbertson Café which is located on the lower level of the hospital from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. The Diabetic Support Group will be holding meetings once a month. The purpose of the group is to create an environment where individuals diagnosed with Diabetes can come together to ask questions, learn and share in a nonjudgmental, positive and informative atmosphere.

2.2.2012 - Employee of The Quarter

Culbertson Memorial Hospital Purchasing Assistant Rhonda Coil was recently named the Employee of the Quarter. Rhonda has been an employee at Culbertson Memorial Hospital for over 5 years. When asked why she enjoys working for Culbertson Memorial Hospital, Rhonda said, “I enjoy working at CMH because of the friendly atmosphere my co-workers create, I have developed many strong relationships with them.” Rhonda also appreciates being able to work so close to home. Rhonda was nominated for Employee of the Quarter by her fellow co-workers. Purchasing Supervisor Rick Metz feels Rhonda was an excellent choice for employee of the quarter because of her friendly attitude and reliability. “Rhonda is always prompt when it comes to fulfilling supply requests due to her helpful attitude. Because of her reliability she is most always available to answer questions and fulfill requests”, said Metz. Rhonda is a lifelong resident of Rushville who not only was born at Culbertson, but delivered all three of her children here as well. Rhonda is married to Mark Coil, has three children and five grandchildren. In her free time Rhonda enjoys working in her yard and keeping her house clean and tidy. She also tries to spend as much time with each of her grandchildren as she possibly can. As Employee of the Quarter, Rhonda received a cash gift, Employee of the Quarter certificate, bouquet of flowers and entry in the Employee of the Year award in December.

1.23.2012 - American Red Cross Blood Drive

On Friday, January 20, 2012, the Culbertson Memorial Hospital staff members participated in a blood drive for the American Red Cross. 23 individuals came prepared to make their contribution and the Red Cross was able to collect 22 pints of blood. CMH Employee Tammy Meyer, who donated blood for the first time, was the winner of the Lalaloopsy, Rosie Bumps and Bruises doll.

1.3.2012 - Employee Of The Year

Culbertson Memorial Hospital patient registration clerk Misty Reedy was recently named the Employee of the Year. Misty has worked at CMH for ten years in the Registration department and believes this position is a perfect fit for her people pleasing personality. Although she performs many duties, her main responsibilities are to take care of patients when they enter the hospital by gathering their medical information, helping them schedule their next appointment or directing their phone calls. If you ever call CMH and listen to the phone prompts, Misty’s friendly voice is what you hear on the other end of the call. Misty was extremely surprised by the acknowledgment from her co-workers and being voted as the Employee of the Year. “I was a little dumfounded when our CEO Lynn Stambaugh called my name as employee of the year. All of my fellow nominees were deserving ladies. This award is an amazing honor, and am touched my fellow co-workers choose me,” said Reedy. Misty, a native of Schuyler county, lives in Browning with her husband Russel and their two daughters, Abbi age 10 and Jordan age 5. When Misty is not working at CMH she enjoys participating in an archery target shooting league and reading books. As Employee of the Year, Misty received two days of paid time off, a framed certificate and a cash gift.

10.24.2011 - Culbertson Memorial Hospital Raises $500 For Local Charity Hope Blooms

In celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month employees of Culbertson Memorial Hospital took the opportunity to raise money for local charity, Hope Blooms. To participate, staff members purchased Breast Cancer Awareness t-shirts and are wearing blue jeans every Friday during the month of October. Over 70 Hospital and CMH Clinic employees participate and were able to raise $500 in support of Hope Blooms. Hope Blooms was established earlier this year under the Schuyler County Community Foundation and provides financial assistance to cancer patients in Schuyler and the surrounding communities. Assistance is provided through grant funds and the patients can use the funds to pay for medical expenses not covered by insurance, wigs, prosthesis, lodging and transportation to cancer treatments or doctor’s appointments. Hope Blooms is getting ready to award their first four $1,000 grants to individuals from Schuyler, Brown and Cass counties.

8.17.2011 - Rushville Family Practice Celebrating Dr. Wornyo's First Year of Service

Culbertson Memorial Hospital is Proud to Celebrate Dr. James Wornyo's and his first year of service to the community of Rushville. The health of his patients is Dr. Wornyo's top priority. Whether it is a routine checkup, flu shots, or those pesky ear and sinus infections, you can rest easier knowing you and your family are being diagnosed and treated in a way that balances a quick recovery and patient comfort. Please join Dr. Wornyo and his staff for an Open House and Reception on Wednesday, August 17th from 4:30 until 6:30pm.

6.22.2011 - CMH Foundation Awards Eight $1,000 Scholarships

Eight area high school and college students received $1,000 scholarships from the CMH Foundation’s Elmer Taylor Scholarship Fund. Students receiving scholarships from Rushville were Shelby Bowers, daughter of James and the late Robyn Bowers, Shelby is attending Spoon River College to obtain her Associates of Science in Nursing (ASN). Jamie Edwards, daughter of David and Lila Edwards, Jamie will be attending Quincy University this fall and is majoring in Nursing. Deni Trone, daughter of Steve and Sally Trone, Deni is currently attending Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville and is pursuing her doctorate of pharmacy. Whitney Wise, daughter of Mike and Lori Wise, Whitney is pursuing her Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN). Students receiving scholarships from Beardstown were Iris Martinez, daughter of Esteban and Felipa Martinez, Iris will be a freshman this fall at Western Illinois University and will be majoring in Nursing. David Pate, son of David and Kathy Pate, David is currently attending Western Illinois University and after graduation, will continue his education to become a Physician Assistant. Gennah Schwalb, daughter of Don and Angela Schwalb, Gennah is pursuing her Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) from MacMurray College. Kristen Spears, daughter of Harvey and Karla Spears, Kristen is currently attends MacMurray College where she is pursuing her BSN.

6.10.2011 - CMH Foundation’s 7th Annual Dr. Russell Dohner Golf Tournament Raised Over $34,000 for Culbertson Memorial Hospital.

CMH Foundation’s 7th Annual Dr. Russell Dohner Golf Tournament was held on Friday, June 17th at Scripps Park Golf Course. Over $34,000 was raised during this year’s tournament through the support of generous sponsors and the 34 golf teams who participated in the event. Prizes were given for the top Men’s, Women’s & Mixed Teams. Top Men’s Team with a score of 57 was Mike Wise, Andy Ebey, Dan Wise & Ralph Peacock. The top Mixed Team with a score of 61 was Jason Lane, Patty Lane, Tyler Barr & Jean Lane. The Top Women’s Team with a score of 72 was Vicki Green, Linda Elsa, Sheila Burton & Marge Parish

5.27.2011 - Culbertson Memorial Hospital Board of Directors Vote to Close Long Term Care Services

After lengthy evaluation and several discussions between the Board of Directors and Administration, the Culbertson Memorial Hospital (CMH) board voted to submit a Certificate of Need application to the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board to seek permission to close the hospital’s long term care service. CMH has operated its long term care unit since 1985. “This was an extremely difficult decision for us to make, one we thought about for a long time.” said CMH Chief Executive Officer Lynn Stambaugh. “Unfortunately, our long term care unit has been losing money since we converted to Critical Access Hospital status in 2004. On one hand, CAH status has helped our hospital remain financially solvent. On the other hand, the federal government’s method of paying for Medicare services causes us to lose hundreds of thousands of dollars annually when we operate a long term care service. When Medicare is your biggest payer, you cannot disregard their policies, even if you disagree with them. Ultimately, we decided that our primary mission is to operate a hospital, and that we must do whatever is necessary to keep that hospital financially viable.” Prior to 2004, CMH was paid under what is termed the “Prospective Payment System”. Under that system, CMH, like other small hospitals in the late 90s, was facing serious financial hardship. Then the CAH option became available. The conversion to CAH benefits CMH about $900,000 a year, but when looking at the hospitals cost report, the Long Term Care Unit has sustained a six figure loss since 2005. This loss from long term care, plus the increase in patient bad debt and uncompensated care is having a major impact on the hospital’s finances. Many other Critical Access Hospitals across the country have faced the same dilemma and have decided to discontinue their long term care service. Once approved by the State, the closure of the long term care unit will be conducted in an organized manner, providing affected residents and employees all the information, counseling, and options available. “We have continued our long term care services as long as we can,” concluded Stambaugh. “Now, we promise to do everything necessary to make this transition a smooth one.”

5.16.2011 - CMH Employees Honored

Culbertson Memorial Hospital held an employee awards ceremony on Monday, May 9, as part of it's week long celebration of National Hospital Week. Amomg those honored were retirees Launi Klitz, Brenda Caps and Luan Phillips. We also celebrated 30 year employee Jennifer Volk, 25 year employees Pat Clayton & Cindy Shoopman and the 2011 Spirit of Nursing Award went to Christina Hardy.

5.9.2011 - CMH Celebrates National Hospital Week

The staff at Culbertson Memorial Hospital, Rushville Family Practice, Beardstown Clinics I and II and Astoria Community Medical Clinic joined hospitals across the nation this week as they celebrated National Hospital Week from May 9th through May 15th. The national theme of this year’s celebration was “Celebrating Health, Hope & Healing” and locally, the employees of Culbertson Memorial Hospital are being thanked for making a difference in the lives of their patients. Lynn Stambaugh, CEO, praised the CMH Staff for their devotion to the hospital and our clinics. “During National Hospital Week, we’re celebrating our employees’ unwavering dedications to our patients and our community”, Stambaugh said. “The gratitude we voice on this very special week is a mere reflection of the respect and admirations we feel throughout the year. Whether they are doctors, nurses, support staff, professional or administrative personnel their efforts matter and we are fortunate to have them as part of our healthcare family.”

4.21.2011 - CMH Announces Employee of the Quarter

Culbertson Memorial Hospital Medical Assistant Beverly Crenshaw was recently named the Employee of the Quarter. Beverly has worked at Culbertson Memorial Hospital for over four years and currently works at Rushville Family Practice assisting with Laboratory Services. When asked why she enjoys working for Culbertson Memorial Hospital, Beverly said, “I enjoy working for Culbertson Memorial Hospital because I have an opportunity to do the thing I love the most, taking care of people. Working at Culbertson offers me the ability to do what I love, while taking care of people I have known my whole life. It really helps to provide a family atmosphere to medical care.” Beverly was nominated for Employee of the Quarter by her supervisors, Gretta McKelvey, Clinic Supervisor and Angie Prather, Laboratory Services Director. They felt Beverly deserved the honor because of her excellent performance as well as her great attitude. They feel she exhibits exceptional professionalism and kindness to her patients and the staff of Culbertson Memorial Hospital. McKelvey said, “I feel we can all learn from Beverly’s example of how to be an excellent employee in all areas. I am proud to work with Beverly and appreciate her for all she does for CMH.” Beverly, a native of Schuyler county, lives in Rushville with her husband DJ and their five children, Bailey, 13, Brianna, 11, Addie, 11, Dylan, 8, and Garrett, 5. Beverly enjoys spending time with her family and friends and likes to take time for herself to scrapbook. As Employee of the Quarter, Beverly will receive a cash gift, Employee of the Quarter certificate, bouquet of flowers and entry in the Employee of the Year award in December. Beverly has chosen to raffle off her Employee of the Quarter parking space at the hospital to help raise money for the Staff Christmas Party.

3.9.2011 - CMH Board of Directors Reviewing Long Term Care Service

Out of sincere concern for the future of Culbertson Memorial Hospital, the hospital boards of directors, CEO, Lynn Stambaugh and CFO, Alan Palo, have begun discussions on the viability of keeping the hospitals Long Term Care unit open. CMH has operated its long-term care unit since 1989 and has always considered the long-term residents and employees to be part the CMH family. It has been very difficult moving forward with the discussions about whether to maintain or discontinue this service. When CMH became a critical access hospital in 2004, they received increased reimbursements from Medicare. This one million dollar increased reimbursement was a huge economic boost for the hospital and it helped maintain the area’s health care safety net. However, as wonderful as the CAH program has been for CMH, there are parts of the designation that are problematic. Medicare does not reimburse any critical access hospital for long-term care services. Because CMH offer this service, Medicare penalizes the hospital approximately $300,000 each year. When CMH operates on such a narrow margin, the loss is a big blow for the hospital to endure year after year. In the end, the hospital board of directors must ask themselves one question; can they let one service endanger the entire operation? Currently the board of directors, under guidance from Stambaugh and Palo, are looking to answer that very important question. CEO, Lynn Stambaugh would like to reassure the community that if a decision were made to close the long-term care unit, it would probably be at least six months from the time of the announcement before the closure of the unit. Unfortunately, at that time, the residents would have to move to other facilities and unless another option is implemented, the hospital would have to lay off approximately 20 employees. These two human factors are making the board of director’s decision very difficult. Although Culbertson Memorial Hospital is financially strong, taking that big of an economic hit year after year will eventually take its toll. As leaders of the hospital, the board of directors and administrators must evaluate the feasibility of Long Term Care, no matter how much they care about it personally.

3.7.2011 - Cardiac Rehabilitation Celebrates 15 Years of Service

Please join us on Monday, March 7th at 9:00 a.m. in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department of Culbertson Memorial Hospital to help us celebrate 15 years of service. The mission of the CMH’s Cardiac Rehabilitation department has been the same since March 6, 1996 when Cardiac Rehab supervisor Vicki Reedy took care of her first patient. Their mission is to reduce the risks of patient deaths from heart and lung disease and to help patients resume their normal daily activities. Gerald Sears, Cardiac Rehabilitations newest patient, had only been a patient for two days, and already, he realized how lucky he was to receive these services in Rushville. “They provide such a pleasant atmosphere, it just makes you want to get better,” said Sears.

2.17.2011 - February Stroke Support Group Meeting

The Culbertson Memorial Hospital Stroke Support Group will meet at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 17 at Culbertson Gardens. The guest speaker will be Illinois River Valley Transportation Chairman, Tim Ward. Tim will be discussing with the group their options for Rural and Public transportation for Cass and Schuyler Counties. Anyone who is interested in learning more about strokes is welcome to attend the support group meetings. To reserve a seat, call Lori Thomas at 217-322-4321 ext. 286.

2.16.2011 - Culbertson Memorial Hospital Sleep Lab To Reopen

CEO Lynn Stambaugh is pleased to announce Culbertson Memorial Hospital will re-open their Sleep Lab services on March 1, 2011. Bob Zeigler, Registered Polysomnography, has joined the staff of CMH and will be administering the tests to our patients. With the re-opening, Dr. Abraham has agreed to read the studies for the Sleep Lab. To schedule your patients for a Sleep Study, please have them call the hospital at 217/322-4321, ext. 271. We will be scheduling patients on Monday night with appointments at 8:00pm and 9:00pm. Once our waiting list to see patients in Sleep Lab is three weeks out, we will begin scheduling Sleep Studies on Tuesdays nights as well. If you have any question regarding our Sleep Lab, please contact Lisa Adams at 217/322-4321, ext. 256.

2.3.2011 - Blizzard of 2011

The hospital administration would like to express their sincere gratitude to the employees of CMH who went above and beyond during the Blizzard of 2011. CEO Lynn Stambaugh said, “The dedication of our staff to make sure the quality of care we offer to our patients went uninterrupted is to be commended.”

2.2.2011 - CMH Announces Employee of the Quarter

Culbertson Memorial Hospital patient registration clerk Misty Reedy was recently named the Employee of the Quarter. Misty has worked at CMH for nine years in the Registration department. She believes this position is a perfect fit for her people pleasing personality. Although she performs many duties, her main responsibilities are to take care of patients when they enter the hospital by gathering their medical information, helping them schedule their next appointment or directing their phone calls. If you ever call CMH and listen to the phone prompts, Misty’s friendly voice is what you hear on the other end of the call. Patient registration supervisor Lori Thurman was pleased when Misty received the employee of the quarter recognition. “Misty has a natural customer service quality that shows a compassionate, caring attitude towards our patients and staff. She is an asset not only to our department but to the hospital,” said Thurman. Misty, a native of Schuyler county, lives in Browning with her husband Russel and their two daughters, Abbi age 10 and Jordan age 5. When Misty is not working at CMH she enjoys participating in an archery target shooting league and reading books. As Employee of the Quarter, Misty will receive a cash gift, a reserved parking space, and entry in the Employee of the Year award in December.

2.2.2011 - Luan Phillips Retiring After 21 Years of Service to CMH

Luan Phillips began her career at CMH in 1980 as Marshall Ervin’s development assistant. In those early days, the department had no computer system, marketing plan or development tools. Together Ervin and Phillips built a program and database that grew into what the CMH Foundation is today. Phillips will never forget the way when she learned that former Schuyler County resident Elmer Taylor was going to donate a $1,000,000 to the Foundation. “Marshall always said that would happen one day,” said Phillips. “He always had great vision.” In addition to her role in the foundation, Phillips built the CMH Marketing Department from the ground up. Through the years, Phillips has enjoyed providing a voice for the hospital and has found great satisfaction in writing heartwarming articles that the community enjoys reading. She also learned the skill of grant writing and successfully secured three major grant awards for the hospital. CEO, Lynn Stambaugh said, “What Luan will be taking with her in invaluable. She has a twenty-one year history of the hospital stored in her head. She is a part of the hospital past and present and I have no doubt she will leave being leaving a legacy for our future.” Luan in married to Rick Phillips and together they reside in Rushville. Between them, they have 4 children and 11 grandchildren. Although Phillips is ready to travel and spend time relaxing with her Kindle, she will miss the family she has come to love at Culbertson. She has always been proud of the staff, watching them fight for their patients lives and knows in her heart that her coworkers at CMH are wonderfully skilled and provide quality, compassionate care.

1.27.2011 - CMH Foundation Announces Scholarship Applications

The Culbertson Memorial Hospital (CMH) Foundation is announcing that applications are now available for five $1,000 scholarships from the Elmer Taylor Health Profession Scholarship fund. These scholarships are open to area high school seniors or college students who reside in the CMH service area of Schuyler, Brown, Cass, and South Fulton Counties and who are entering a health related field of study. Applications are available from the offices of career counselors in area high schools, or can be accessed online at http://www.cmhospital.com/pdf/ScholorshipApplication2011.pdf. Completed applications must be returned by April 15, 2011.

1.26.2011 - CMH Gets $170,000 Grant for Digital Mammography

On January 24, CEO Lynn Stambaugh received notice that Culbertson Memorial Hospital has been selected to receive a $170,000 grant from the USDA’s Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program to help purchase a digital mammogram system. "To say that we are delighted about these funds is an understatement,” Stambaugh said. “We were the only hospital in the state to be tapped for funding. It is very rewarding to see our hard work pay off in a way that will benefit both our hospital and our rural patients. Between the funds from this grant and the proceeds from the CMH Foundation’s annual appeal campaign, which raised nearly $60,000, area women will soon be able to get their digital mammograms at CMH instead of having to drive to a larger facility. We could not be more excited.” Congressman Aaron Schock congratulated Stambaugh on submitting a winning grant application. “There is no substitute for having the latest equipment, expertise, and know-how at a medical facility close to home; especially when it comes to preventive medical care,” said Schock. “Upgrading to digital mammography technology will be an important addition to the Schuyler Hospital District, but I have no doubt it will also be a blessing for those in the community who rely on quick and accurate mammography screenings.” Although Stambaugh said it was too early to discuss a firm timeline for the delivery and installation of the $240,000 system, she estimated that it would ready for use by early spring.

12.20.2010 - Employee of the Year

Certified Nursing Assistant Cindy Smith was named Employee of the Year at Culbertson Memorial Hospital's annual Christmas party. Cindy has worked at CMH for over 25 years, splitting her time between Long Term Care and Cardiac Rehabilitation. As Employee of the Quarter, Cindy will receive a cash award and two extra paid vacation days. In the photograph, left to right are CEO Lynn Stambaugh, Cindy Smith, and Cardiac Rehabilitation Supervisor Vicki Reedy.

11.4.2010 - CMH Employee of the Quarter

Executive Assistant Lisa Adams has been named the Employee of the Quarter at Culbertson Memorial Hospital. Lisa has worked at CMH for 16 years. As Executive Assistant, Lisa's duties encompass personnel, payroll, employee benefits, and physician credentialing. Additionally, Lisa prepares informational packets for board members and attends all board and committee meetings to record minutes. She also serves as the executive assistant to CEO Lynn Stambaugh. Earlier this year, Lisa took the iniative to start the CMH Employee Wellness Program, which employees have enthusiastically accepted and attended. As Employee of the Quarter, Lisa will receive a cash gift, a reserved parking space, and entry into the Employee of the Year awards held in December.

8.13.2010 - CMH Welcomes Dr. James Wornyo

Chief Executive Officer Lynn Stambaugh announced Friday that Dr. James Wornyo, a family practice physician, has joined the Culbertson Memorial Hospital medical staff. Dr. Wornyo will join Dr. Linda Forestier at the Rushville Family Practice Clinic in the Medical Arts Building across the street from CMH. Dr. Wornyo completed his family medicine residency in June t the Wyoming Valley Family Medcine program in Kingston, PA. He acquired his Doctor of Medicine degree in 2001 from the School of Medical Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana in west Africa. Dr. Wornyo is a permanent resident of the United States. "We are extremely fortunate that Dr. Wornyo agreed to open his family practice in Rushville," said Stambaugh. "Fewer and fewer medical students are opting to enter family practice medicine, which has created an extreme shortage of primary care physicians in the country. Although Dr. Wornyo could have selected any number of other offers, he chose Rushville and CMH. We could not be more pleased." Community members are invted to meet Dr. Wornyo at an open house event from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 1, at his office in the Medical Arts Building at 233 South Congress in Rushville. To schedule an appointment to see Dr. Wornyo, contact Rushville Family Practice at 217-322-3345.