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Stewart Memorial Community Hospital is proud to recognize three exceptional nurses, Dawn Parkins, Renee Bronzynski, and Kelly Lee, as DAISY Award nominees. Each nominee was honored for delivering extraordinary compassion, comfort, and support during a family’s deeply challenging medical experience.

Dawn Parkins was nominated for the kindness and emotional support she offered while a patient with a complicated medical history, including muscular dystrophy and a pacemaker, struggled with severe breathing difficulties. Dawn took the time to stop and speak with the patient’s family, sharing both reassurance and lighthearted conversation that eased a stressful moment. As their conversation came to a close, Dawn gently asked if she could pray with them. The family described the gesture as beautiful and deeply meaningful. They called her an amazing woman whose compassion made a difficult day feel a little lighter.

Renee Bronzynski and Kelly Lee were nominated together for the exceptional care they provided to the same patient, who was also battling pneumonia and facing a complex transfer to another hospital. The family expressed heartfelt gratitude for the attentiveness, gentleness, and emotional support these nurses offered during an overwhelming and frightening time. As the family prepared for a difficult transfer, they shared that they were crying and terrified, but Renee and Kelly continued to care for their loved one with patience, skill, and unwavering compassion. The family described them as amazing staff who made a profound difference in their experience.

The DAISY Award celebrates nurses who go above and beyond in their commitment to clinical excellence and compassionate care. Stewart Memorial Community Hospital is honored to have Dawn, Renee, and Kelly as part of our nursing team and congratulates them on this well-deserved recognition.

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics is proud to announce that it has been recognized with the NRC Health® Excellence in Patient Experience Award in the Critical Access Hospital category.

This distinguished honor celebrates healthcare organizations that go above and beyond in providing exceptional care experiences to their patients and communities. Stewart Memorial was one of only three facilities nationwide designated as Critical Access Hospitals recognized for outstanding patient experience across the continuum of care.

Award recipients were selected based on their combined Real-time Net Promoter Score (NPS) and HCAHPS scores for the “Would Recommend Facility” question during the time period of April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025, out of 190 eligible facilities.

“This award is a reflection of our team’s unwavering commitment to compassionate care and human connection,” said Linn Block, CEO of Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics. “Every member of our staff plays a vital role in ensuring patients and their families feel heard, respected, and cared for every time they walk through our doors.”

Helen Hrdy, Chief Operating Officer at NRC Health, said, “This year’s Excellence in Patient Experience Award winners have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to listening to patients and their families, and improving care in ways that reflect NRC Health’s mission of Human Understanding. This achievement highlights the dedication of their entire teams, and we’re proud to celebrate their successes.”

“We are honored to be recognized for excellence in patient experience,” added Block. “Our team remains dedicated to continuous improvement and to upholding the trust our patients place in us.”

To learn more about Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics and its commitment to exceptional patient care, visit www.stewartmemorial.org.

About Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics
Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics provides compassionate, high-quality healthcare services to the Lake City area and surrounding communities. With a patient-centered approach, the organization is committed to advancing rural healthcare through innovation, integrity, and personal connection.

About NRC Health
For more than 40 years, NRC Health (NASDAQ: NRC) has led the charge to humanize healthcare and support organizations in their understanding of each unique individual. NRC Health’s commitment to Human Understanding® helps leading healthcare systems get to know the patients, families, consumers, employees, and communities they serve on a human level. NRC Health has received the 2025 Best in KLAS Award for Healthcare Experience Management, further validating its dedication to creating the most human healthcare experiences.

As part of National Rural Health Day, Stewart Memorial announced it has earned a 2025 Performance Leadership Award for excellence in Patient Perspective. Compiled by The Chartis Center for Rural Health, the Performance Leadership Awards program recognizes top quartile performance (i.e., 75th percentile or above) among rural hospitals in Quality, Outcomes, and/or Patient Perspective.

“We are honored to be recognized for our strong patient perspective scores,” said Linn Block, CEO of Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics. “This award reflects our team’s ongoing commitment to listening to our patients, understanding their needs, and delivering compassionate, high-quality care close to home. Every staff member plays a role in making sure our patients feel valued and supported through every step of their healthcare journey.”

The Performance Leadership Awards program is based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®, a comprehensive and objective framework for assessing how rural hospitals are performing. INDEX benchmarks are relied upon by rural hospitals, health systems with rural footprints, hospital associations, and state offices of rural health to measure performance across multiple areas impacting hospital operations and finance.

“The areas of quality, outcomes, and patient perspective are cornerstones of healthcare delivery across rural America, and this year’s Performance Leadership Award recipients are establishing a standard of excellence for their rural peers to follow,” said Michael Topchik, Executive Director, Chartis Center for Rural Health. “We are delighted to shine a spotlight on such strong performance and honor the achievement of these hospitals on National Rural Health Day.”

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics is proud to recognize Michael Meyer, Maintenance Technician, as the recipient of the November Path to Excellence Employee Recognition. Meyer has been a valued member of the Stewart Memorial team for eight years.

Michael’s journey with Stewart Memorial began through connections with friends who worked at the hospital. “What initially drew me here was the people,” he shared. “I had friends that worked here, and that really made me want to join the team.”

Since joining the organization, Meyer’s role has evolved significantly. “When I first started, I was a little lost,” he said. “This is a big facility with a different pace. Over time, I went from being the one learning to being someone people look to for guidance and instruction.”

Of Stewart Memorial’s core values, ‘Stewart’ship’ stands out most to Meyer. “I take responsibility for this place,” he said. “I’ve always treated it like it’s my own and try to do the best I can every day.”

Meyer credits his colleagues and leaders for supporting his professional growth. “When I started, there were a lot of great maintenance guys ahead of me who taught me a lot,” he shared. “My bosses have also encouraged my development, offering opportunities like boiler training, which I’ve completed twice, and other education programs that help us grow.”

Reflecting on his career, Meyer takes great pride in being part of major improvements across Stewart Memorial’s facilities. “I was very proud of the remodels at our outlying clinics and the Lake City Clinic,” he said. “They were kind of in disrepair when I started, and I was highly involved in getting them back in shape.”

When asked what keeps him motivated, Meyer reflected on advice from a past employer. “I was once asked the difference between a job and a place you work,” he said. “That stuck with me. Stewart Memorial isn’t just a job. It’s a place I work, a place where I can make a difference and help a lot of people.”

Jon Nelson, Director of Facilities, shared his perspective on Meyer’s contributions: “Michael embodies what ‘Stewart’ship’ means at our organization. He takes ownership of his work, cares deeply about our facilities, and approaches every task with pride and purpose. His efforts make a real difference every day.”

Stewart Memorial congratulates Michael Meyer on being named the November Path to Excellence honoree. His dedication, craftsmanship, and commitment to ‘Stewart’ship’ make a lasting impact on the organization, his colleagues, and the community he serves.

We are pleased to announce that patients can now self-schedule their screening mammograms directly through MyChart. This new feature is designed to make the process simple, convenient, and patient-friendly.

When it’s time for your annual screening, an order will be placed by your provider or our radiology team. You will receive a notification in MyChart once your mammogram is due. From there, you can log in and select an available date and time that works best for your schedule.

Scheduling is only available once the patient is due, ensuring your appointment is timely. For added convenience, we will provide a reminder call the day before your appointment, and you can complete your online check-in through MyChart.

Take control of your breast health and schedule your mammogram at your convenience.

Get free and unbiased Medicare counseling at Stewart Memorial!

Choosing the right Medicare plan can be confusing, but you don’t have to do it alone. During Open Enrollment (Oct. 15–Dec. 7), schedule an appointment with our SHIIP counselor, Cindy Carstens. She can help you compare plans, understand your coverage options, learn about your rights and benefits, avoid scams, and even save money.

Call 712-464-3171 to schedule your free appointment today!

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.

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.