Patient Spotlight: Joe Robertson Shares His Journey to Healing at Stewart Memorial Wound Care Center

For Joe Robertson, seeking treatment at Stewart Memorial Wound Care Center was a decision driven by both convenience and trust.

“It was close to home, and I knew I’d get quality care,” Joe shared. That instinct proved right from his very first visit, where he described the experience as “positive and informative.”

Joe began his wound care journey with concerns familiar to many patients—fears that healing would be slow or that he might never regain his independence. “The hardest part was the beginning—feeling like I couldn’t do things for myself,” he recalled. But with the compassionate support of the Stewart Memorial team, Joe says those worries quickly began to fade.

“I felt very supported along the way,” Joe emphasized. “Everyone helped educate me and overcome this. Things are amazingly better now—my quality of life has improved so much.”

Joe’s wounds have made remarkable progress, and he credits the team for not just delivering medical care, but for empowering him through education and encouragement. “I feel really good about my recovery and my future,” he said.

When asked what advice he would give to someone just starting their wound care journey, Joe didn’t hesitate. “Follow the rules and do what needs to be done,” he said. “I would recommend wound care services because they are very knowledgeable and help you learn and understand things. They work hard to make recovery fast and effective.”

At Stewart Memorial Wound Care Center, stories like Joe’s inspire our team every day. We’re honored to walk alongside our patients as they heal and regain their independence—step by step, day by day.

About Stewart Memorial Wound Care
Stewart Memorial Wound Care provides advanced wound healing treatments in a compassionate, patient-focused environment. Our expert team uses evidence-based therapies and personalized care plans to help patients achieve better outcomes and a higher quality of life.

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital Receives National Recognition for Employee Wellness Efforts

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital was honored this May at the annual Community Hospital Insurance Coalition (CHIC) conference for its leadership and innovation in employee wellness programming.

Representing Stewart Memorial at the conference were Lydia Larson, Director of Human Resources, and Jim Henkenius, Chief Financial Officer. They joined representatives from 42 other hospitals across the country that are part of the CHIC program. As a self-insured organization, Stewart Memorial participates in this national captive insurance group, which brings together community hospitals focused on collaborative health insurance and risk management strategies.

During the event, Stewart Memorial was recognized for its outstanding commitment to employee wellness. The hospital stood out for its comprehensive initiatives, including wellness challenges, employee-focused events, and community outreach programs, all led by an active and engaged Wellness Committee.

“It was an honor to share the work our team is doing to support staff well-being,” said Lydia Larson. “We’ve built a strong culture of wellness, and one thing that really resonated with other hospitals was our investment in biometric screenings. We offer them annually and actively encourage participation from all employees.”

Larson noted that many hospitals represented at the conference do not yet have formal wellness programs as robust as those in place at Stewart Memorial. The hospital was one of the few highlighted for having a structured, ongoing approach to staff health and wellness.

“This recognition belongs to the entire team,” Larson added. “And I especially want to thank Ashley Mork for her outstanding leadership of the Wellness Committee. Her passion and dedication to employee wellness have truly made an impact.”

Stewart Memorial remains committed to supporting the health and well-being of its employees and the greater community through innovative wellness programming and continued investment in employee care.

Kayte Kurth Named Q2 Exceptional Experience Award Recipient at Stewart Memorial Community Hospital

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital is proud to announce Kayte Kurth as the Quarter 2 Recipient of the Exceptional Experience Award. Kayte was nominated by colleague Sarah Mowrey for her outstanding dedication to patient care and education, particularly in medication management for cardiac rehabilitation patients.

In her role, Kayte meets individually with patients following cardiac interventions, taking time to review and thoroughly explain their prescribed medications. These conversations are often essential, as many patients leave the hospital without fully understanding their treatment plans due to the overwhelming nature of their hospital stay.

“Kayte is a vital asset not only to our department but also to our patients,” said nominator Sarah Mowrey. “She frequently spends an hour or more with each patient to ensure they understand their medications and feel comfortable moving forward in their recovery.”

One patient was so impacted by Kayte’s support that they specifically requested she be recognized for her professionalism, knowledge, and clear communication.

Nicole Kock, a colleague, added: “Kayte has a true passion for patient education. She thoroughly reviews each patient’s chart prior to their meeting, ensuring accuracy and relevance. Her ability to present information in a way that’s easy to understand helps our patients feel empowered and informed.”

The Exceptional Experience Award is presented quarterly to staff members who go above and beyond in delivering compassionate, high-quality care that reflects Stewart Memorial’s core values. Kayte Kurth exemplifies this standard through her unwavering dedication to educating and supporting patients at one of the most critical points in their health journey.

Marie Drey Honored with Q2 Exceptional Experience Award at Stewart Memorial

Stewart Memorial is proud to announce Marie Drey as the recipient of the Q2 Exceptional Experience Award, a recognition given to team members who exemplify outstanding patient-centered care.

Marie, a dedicated member of the Rehabilitation Department, was nominated by Branden Roberts, Director of Rehab Services, following a heartfelt call from a patient’s friend who personally witnessed Marie’s compassionate care. The caller shared:

“Marie was absolutely professional and compassionate. She treated my friend with such kindness and respect, even making therapy enjoyable. It’s rare to see someone so young demonstrate such empathy toward older patients. She’s just fabulous.”

In his nomination, Roberts praised Marie’s work ethic and dedication, stating:

“Marie treats every patient as if they were a member of her own family. Even in times of high demand, she never complains and continues to provide the highest level of care.”

Marie’s recognition reflects Stewart Memorial’s commitment to delivering exceptional care grounded in dignity, compassion, and professionalism. Her positive attitude, clinical excellence, and unwavering dedication make her an invaluable member of the team.