Wingerter working to make positive changes at Integrity Healthcare

Lauriel Wingerter has recently been promoted to administrator at Integrity Healthcare of Chester and is working toward making the facility better.

"I love it," she said of her new role. "I feel in control of positive changes that can be made in our facility."

Born and raised in Chester, Wingerter attended St. John Lutheran School, graduated from Chester High School and has a degree in biological science from Southern Illinois University - Carbondale.

Her first day in her new role was Sept. 30.

"I became a CNA in March of 2015 to obtain some hours to get some experience to go back to school," Wingerter said. "Then, I got promoted to director of Business Development in August of 2015 and then our administrator had left and I had decided to take on this position.

"With two young ones at home, it's easier to move up at a job then stop working and go back to school."

Formerly known as St. Anne's and Chester Rehabilitation and Nursing, Integrity Healthcare of Chester (770 State St.) is looking to improve its relationship with the community.

"I feel like since it's no longer St. Anne's, there's a lot of bad taste in people's mouths about our facility," Wingerter said. "I want to continue traditions from our two St. Anne's employees - Tina Clark (social services director) and Jamie Miner (activities director) - who have been here more than 20 years and try and keep those traditions going.

Wingerter also credited a good working relationship with her staff that was created during time spent working other positions at the facility.

"I want the community to know we are a good resource, no matter what name is on the building," she said.

Wingerter was asked for examples of the positive changes she mentioned.

"Improving our resident care, improvements to the building, making it a better resource for our community," she said.

As for the facility itself, Wingerter said she is prepping for the annual state survey, which could come at any time from July until the end of the year.

"They showed up last year on a Sunday and they say they have to do certain weeks and weekends," she said. "So I don't expect them to show up unexpectedly, but I think we're prepared.

"I feel confident we'll do good this year, I'm just excited to get it over with so I know what we need to work on."