Memorial Hospital in Carthage, Ill., was awarded the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network's hospital "Innovation of the Year" competition for its outdoor fitness park.
Participants of the competition submitted innovations implemented at their respective hospitals which initiated a new approach to improve patient relationships; implemented a new process flow or safety improvement; found a creative way to motivate and inspire staff; or fostered a successful community project.
Greta Wetzel, Memorial Hospital Foundation executive director, accepted the honor for Memorial Hospital during a ceremony held Nov. 9.
The outdoor fitness park is designed to increase opportunities for residents of Hancock County and its surrounding areas to improve physical fitness. The park, which was completed in May, is on the Memorial Hospital campus.
The fitness component of the park includes nine different pieces of equipment, including three that are accessible by wheelchair.