News

Applications for Foundation Scholarships Now Open!

The Stewart Memorial Community Hospital Foundation is proud to offer the opportunity of a $1000 scholarship to local students pursuing a career in healthcare. We are excited to support students from SCC, ESC, SEV, and MNW as they continue their education and work toward their career goals. This scholarship aims to recognize academic merit, leadership, and career aspirations, and we look forward to helping deserving individuals succeed in their healthcare careers.

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital leaders participate in IHA Hospital Day on the Hill to advocate for Iowa's healthcare systems.

On March 12, 2025, Stewart Memorial Community Hospital’s Chief Executive Officer Linn Block, Chief Nursing Officer Ann Lengeling, Chief Clinic Officer Melissa Wallace, and Stewart Memorial Board of Trustees member, Theresa Hildreth participated in the Iowa Hospital Association (IHA) Hospital Day on the Hill in Des Moines. The event brought together hospital leaders, trustees, and healthcare advocates from across Iowa to connect with legislators and advocate for policies that impact the healthcare system, and the patients served across the state.

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital Launches Medical Equipment Loan Closet for the Community

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital is proud to announce the launch of its new Medical Equipment Loan Closet, a vital resource aimed at supporting individuals in need of medical equipment.

Stewart Memorial Wound Care Clinic at Stewart Memorial Community Hospital Receives Dual Recognition with Clinical Distinction and Excellence in Patient Satisfaction Awards

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital is proud to announce that its Stewart Memorial Wound Care Clinic has received dual recognition, earning both the Clinical Distinction Award and the Excellence in Patient Satisfaction Award from RestorixHealth.

Stewart Memorial Honors Klay Birkey as First Recipient of the Path to Excellence Employee Recognition Award

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital is proud to announce Klay Birkey, an Emergency Room (ER) Technician, as the first recipient of the Path to Excellence Employee Recognition Award. This recognition celebrates employees who exemplify Stewart Memorial’s core values and demonstrate significant growth throughout their time with the organization.

Healthcare Connection Winter 2025

The Stewart Memorial Community Hospital and McCrary-Rost Clinics Winter 2025 newsletter is here! The newsletter highlights several key topics related to healthcare in rural Iowa. It opens with mothers praising the high-quality obstetric care provided by Stewart Memorial Community Hospital, sharing positive experiences about their childbirth care. The focus then shifts to Jess Drees, a dedicated family care provider at the Lake View McCrary-Rost Clinic, who is playing a significant role in supporting local health needs. Additionally, the article emphasizes the importance of community generosity, showing how donations are helping keep rural Iowa healthy by sustaining essential health services. Finally, the piece touches on Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), raising awareness about the condition and its impact on individuals during specific seasons.

Quarter One Team Award Presented to Nutrition Services Team at Stewart Memorial

Stewart Memorial is proud to announce that the Nutrition Services team has been selected for the Quarter One Team Award, in recognition of their exceptional teamwork, unwavering dedication, and commitment to excellence.

Katelyn Brown, PA, Joins Stewart Memorial Team at Gowrie Clinic on March 13th

Stewart Memorial is excited to welcome Katelyn Brown, PA, to the Gowrie Clinic starting March 13th. With a focus on family medicine and pediatric care, Katelyn brings extensive experience and a patient-centered approach. Originally from Carroll, she has worked part-time at Stewart Memorial for three years and is now joining full-time. Katelyn is passionate about treating patients of all ages, particularly in pediatric care, and offers a wide range of services. The team is thrilled to have her back, and new patients are encouraged to schedule an appointment at the Gowrie Clinic.

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital Announces Q1 Exceptional Experience Award Winner Mackenzie Monahan

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital is pleased to announce that Mackenzie Monahan has been selected as the recipient of the Q1 Exceptional Experience Award. This recognition highlights outstanding individuals who go above and beyond in providing exceptional care and service to both patients and colleagues.

Stewart Memorial Delivers New Year’s Baby on January 1st

Lake City, IA – Stewart Memorial Community Hospital in Lake City is delighted to celebrate the arrival of the first baby of 2025. Madelyn Jane was born to Chandy and Sam Priebe of Rockwell City on Wednesday, January 1st at 2:21 am.

Jess Drees Providing Family Care at Lake View McCrary-Rost Clinic

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital and McCrary Rost Clinics are excited to announce that Jess Drees, ARNP, FNP-C, is now providing care at the McCrary Rost Clinic in Lake View as of January 1, 2025.

Carene Folden’s Gift to McCrary-Rost Clinic in Rockwell City

After experiencing exceptional care at McCrary-Rost Clinic in Rockwell City, Carene Folden’s family honored her legacy with a generous estate gift to Stewart Memorial Community Hospital. Their donation funded a new mobile vitals machine, ensuring other patients receive the same high-quality care that supported Carene throughout her 98 years.

Holiday Stress and Seasonal Affective Disorder

The holidays and winter months can strain mental health, especially for those with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Experts recommend staying active, setting realistic expectations, and seeking support when needed. Stewart Memorial and McCrary-Rost Clinics offer counseling and treatment to help the community thrive.

Employee Engagement Trends are Reason for Celebration

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital and McCrary Rost Clinics are proud to announce a significant increase in employee engagement scores for 2024.

Stewart Memorial Welcomes New Chief Clinic Officer, Melissa Wallace

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital (SMCH) is pleased to welcome its new Chief Clinic Officer, Melissa Wallace, BSN.

Don’t Let Your FSA Dollars Go to Waste!

As the year comes to a close, Stewart Memorial Community Hospital (SMCH) reminds individuals to maximize Flexible Spending Account (FSA) benefits. Any unused funds in FSAs will expire at the end of the year.

Healing the Invisible Wounds: The Power of Mental Health Treatment for Veterans

In recognition of Veterans Day, Stewart Memorial Community Hospital(SMCH)and McCrary Rost Clinics are emphasizing the critical role of mental health treatment in addressing the unique challenges faced by veterans, particularly those struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Dawn Parkins Receives DAISY Award Nomination

We’re thrilled to celebrate our latest DAISY Award nominee, Dawn Parkins, for her outstanding dedication and compassion in patient care.

Breathing Easy Again: How Pulmonary Rehab Changed Gary Gregg's Life

About a year ago, Gary Gregg made an unexpected trip to the Stewart Memorial Community Hospital (SMCH) Emergency Room, where he received life-changing news— a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) diagnosis

Lung Cancer Screening is Quick & Painless at Stewart Memorial

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and Stewart Memorial Community Hospital (SMCH) is committed to raising awareness about the importance of early detection and prevention of this disease.