IU Health West Hospital

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IU Health West Hospital

www.iuhealth.org/west ~ IU Health West Hospital is a healing sanctuary, where caregivers and cutting-edge technology meet in a natural setting.

The IU Health West Hospital Difference
Patients see and feel the difference the moment they walk in the door. The use of natural materials and colors, peaceful garden views, cheerful natural light and soft, healing music set a soothing tone, establishing IU Health West Hospital as a place where patients can set aside stressful distractions and focus on what's important: getting well. IU Health West Hospital's team of caregivers further patients' sense of a healing sanctuary by working to build a sense of trust and rapport with patients, thereby making patients active partners in their healthcare experience, and allowing them to feel a sense of control, understanding and peace of mind. Think of every hospital experience you have had, and then push your expectations aside. IU Health West Hospital strives to exceed your expectations in every way, and provide patient care second to none. IU Health West Hospital was designed with "on-stage" and "off-stage" corridors and elevators to keep public and visitor movement through the hospital separate from the movement of patients, materials, staff and supplies. Hence, the "day-to-day" operations that go into running a hospital are kept out of the publicly-traveled areas, allowing for a more peaceful, serene and home-like environment. As just one example, Emergency Servies at IU Health West features private treatment spaces and separate waiting areas for adult and pediatric emergencies. IU Health West Hospital considers patients' privacy and dignity of the utmost importance. Therefore, in Emergency Services at IU Health West you will find no curtains separating patients - exam rooms are spacious, and have actual doors shielding patients from the bustling corridors outside their treatment room. Small waiting "nooks" throughout the hospital are designed to help families find cozy, private space away from the bedside for conversation and quiet time. It doesn't stop there - IU Health West Hospital's grounds feature many gardens and quiet courtyards, ponds and walking trails, perfect for conversation, relaxation and rejuvenation. Indiana University Health West Hospital does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. For further information about this policy, contact Linda Ryser, Patient Liaison, at 317.217.3183.

11/04/2025

As a Nursing Professional Development (NPD) specialist at IU Health West, Laura Claffey works to improve the practice of nursing and supports nurses in their education and career progression.

“Her approachable teaching style and dedication to professional growth have built confidence in our nurses and directly improved the quality of care we provide to patients,” a fellow team member says.

The team member notes that Claffey’s work has not only strengthened the team’s skills, but has also helped foster a culture of compassion, learning and excellence.
“She truly embodies the spirit of nursing education,” the team member adds. “Our unit is better because of her leadership and commitment.”

Because of Claffey’s dedication to compassionate education, she was recently honored with the DAISY Nurse Educator Award. This award recognizes NPDs who do extraordinary work in improving practice and advancing patient care through teaching, precepting and mentoring.

This award is given once a year at IU Health West. Help us congratulate Claffey on her achievements in the comment section!

10/29/2025

A decade of dedication: Katy Thacker’s journey to elevate patient care -

Katy Thacker has spent her career dedicated to patient care. Over the past decade, she has held multiple roles, and each one of them has had one goal: making sure patients have the best care at IU Health West.

Ten years ago, she started at the hospital as a pediatric bedside nurse.

“I am a nurse, and patient connection is a fiber of my being,” she says.

At the time, the Pediatric unit was attached to the Emergency department (ED). Thacker worked her way up to a shift coordinator in the ED. Then, she became the manager of the department.

“I realized I loved leading projects and initiatives,” she explains. “When I was a new grad nurse, I thought you had to be a manager or an educator, but nurses have so many opportunities.”

Thacker decided to support clinical team members and patients in a different way. She became a project manager and then Magnet program manager. In that role, she documented and submitted the work of nurses within the hospital to the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for consideration for the Magnet designation, a prestigious recognition among hospitals.

In 2024, IU Health West was awarded Magnet with Distinction recognition. This was the third time the hospital achieved Magnet, and the first time the hospital earned Magnet with Distinction. This achievement from the ANCC is the highest national honor for professional nursing practice. Less than 10 percent of hospitals across the United States have earned Magnet status. Even fewer have earned Magnet Recognition with Distinction.

“That call was one of the best days of my life. I felt so fortunate to be able to tell the stories about the work people do,” Thacker says. “To be able to work on a team that achieved that level of recognition was one of the highest points of my career so far.”

After that milestone, Thacker wanted to explore other ways to help deliver the best patient care possible. In February, she accepted the role of director of patient experience design.

“The primary goal is to really intake the feedback from our patients and draw insights around what can we do to give our patients the best experience,” she says.

This role was a new opportunity to use her clinical experience and love of data to make a difference. She has two team members who report to her, one in the ED and one in the inpatient units. She and her team gather feedback from patients through surveys, meetings with other team members, and speaking to patients firsthand.

Since taking the role, Thacker is proud that the hospital leadership team has also made it a priority to round and speak to patients one-on-one. In August, leaders rounded to speak with 420 patients.

“That’s evidence of the culture at West,” Thacker says. “We care about patients, and we care about their outcomes.”

Thacker is so passionate about the hospital because to her, it’s more than her workplace.

“This is my community. I’ve had my babies here. My family gets care here. It really matters to me that we have a great community reputation,” she says. “I want people to know that I get care at the facility because I believe in it that much.”

She is also grateful that she has had so many opportunities to grow her career within the hospital.

“I feel fortunate to have had leaders here in the last 10 years who have encouraged me to go after what aligns with my passions and my strengths,” she says. “That’s what I appreciate about IU Health. I’ve been able to grow within a system I truly believe in.”

Like Katy Thacker, you can build a meaningful career rooted in compassion and growth. Explore open positions at IU Health by visiting careers.iuhealth.org.

10/22/2025

Teacher triumphs over breast cancer at IU Health West -

As a middle school and high school French teacher, Amy Berry dedicates so much of her time to educating young minds. But when she received her breast cancer diagnosis in 2024, she had to rely on her care team to help educate her.

Her journey began last April.

“I saw some signs that concerned me,” she explains. “I went to my doctor and let her know.”

Between April and December, Berry underwent multiple tests, including a mammogram and two ultrasounds.

“It was at that point they said I needed an MRI biopsy. They didn’t have a machine to do it there, so I went to IU Health West,” Berry says.
After her biopsy, she received a call on December 12 letting her know she had breast cancer.

“I was disappointed, but I wasn’t shocked. I had expected it,” she recalls.

About a week later, she had an appointment with Dr. JoAnna Hunter-Squires, a breast surgeon at IU Health West, to discuss Berry’s options.

“She was wonderful. She and her staff were very kind, very informative, very welcoming,” Berry says.

One day after that, she met with Dr. Mateusz Opyrchal, a hematologist-oncologist at the hospital.

“We talked about what kind of breast cancer I had, which was triple negative,” she explains. “He explained my chances were better if I did chemo before surgery.”

And that’s what Berry did. She began chemotherapy in January, six treatments every 21 days at IU Health West.

“I want to give a special shoutout to my infusion nurses. They are amazing people. Once I got there, they put me at ease immediately,” she says.

Berry kept teaching through her chemotherapy treatments. When she finished, her next step was surgery with Dr. Hunter-Squires on May 23.

“Recovery from surgery was minimal. Dr. Hunter-Squires and her staff prepared me and let me know what to do.”

Berry began seeing Brannan Malicoat, a breast surgery nurse practitioner, for her post-surgery care.

“As a nurse practitioner specializing in breast cancer, I see firsthand how compassionate care helps patients navigate one of the most vulnerable times in their lives,” Malicoat says. “It’s about listening deeply, honoring each patient’s story and supporting them—not only through treatment, but through recovery and life beyond breast cancer.”
“Brannan has been wonderful,” Berry adds. “She has been good to communicate with. She calls me back right away. She talks me through it, and she is extremely easy to talk to.”

After she healed from surgery, Berry began radiation on July 8. She underwent three weeks of treatment, driving to IU Health West every day. She finished three days before school started.

Now, Berry is cancer-free, and sees both Malicoat and Dr. Opyrchal every six months.

“Caring for patients like Amy reminds me every day why I chose this field. It’s an honor to walk beside them through some of life’s most difficult moments and to witness their strength, faith, hope and healing along the way,” Malicoat says.

Berry encourages others going through something similar to be present, take notes and listen to their care team.

“IU Health West is a wonderful facility. There was a level of compassion that was just obviously noticeable,” she says. “There are so many unsung heroes in that hospital and they are all amazing.”

To learn more about IU Health’s breast cancer care, visit iuhealth.org/breastcancer.

Pictured: Amy Berry (left) and Brannan Malicoat (right)

10/20/2025

Each year, teams and team members who exemplify the IU Health values are nominated by their peers or leaders for the IU Health Values Leadership Awards (VLA).

Kathy Lutes is a registered nurse working in the 4A Adult Critical Care unit at IU Health West. She goes above and beyond for both her patients and team.

Part of Lutes' nomination reads: "Kathy is a perfect example of exhibiting the IU Health values. She believes that her patients deserve the upmost respect when it comes to the decisions of their care. I have witnessed her speaking to her patients in a way that makes my heart melt. This is what it means to be an exceptional nurse but most importantly, a human being.

She demonstrates being a team player. She definitely has compassion for others, her patients and her fellow peers. She makes you feel supported and engaged with her patients and teammates.

Kathy is listed in the professional governance as having completed the CRRT (continuous renal replacement therapy) certification. She is always advocating for others to get involved with higher education."

Please help us congratulate Kathy in the comments!

10/16/2025

Nurse leads with heart and dedication-

Shelly Hammontree has been a dedicated member of the IU Health team for over a decade in several departments. Now, she’s an assistant manager for the Medical-Surgical unit, overseeing day-to-day clinical operations.

Hammontree started out working night shifts in the Intensive Care unit, before transitioning to the day shift in the Adult Acuity unit and then to the 3C Medical-Surgical unit. When another manager in the unit stepped down, Hammontree stepped right up to the plate.

Some of her daily responsibilities include scheduling team members, researching on incident reports, checking on patients and more. She and her team are close, which makes all the difference.

“I love that my teammates and I click so well, they're like my siblings or my family. We can tease each other, and we can pick up on each other's cues,” Hammontree says.

She also loves getting to see patients. It’s one of her favorite aspects of the job.

“I just love talking to patients. I like the relationship building, because we're all still human here. I think that helps build trust too,” she says.

Being in a leader role can be a lot of work, but Hammontree appreciates it all the same.

“This is definitely the hardest position I've ever had in IU Health, but I'm so happy that I've been led down this path,” she says. “It's not where I ever saw myself going and I'm just proud of my team and my own personal growth.”

Do you want to be part of a team that promotes personal development? Visit careers.iuhealth.org to learn more.

10/08/2025

Marty Cox has spent the past 18-and-a-half years of her life dedicating herself to patient care. Now, she’s turning in her IU Health badge to start a new phase of her life–retirement.

Cox began her career at IU Health West in 2007 as a bedside Labor and Delivery nurse, though she has been a nurse since 1988.

“I think my favorite part was that direct contact and that tangible purpose when you help a patient,” she says.

Over the years, she was presented with management opportunities, which she accepted. She began as a shift coordinator and then became assistant manager.

“I had been a manager before, so I had leadership experience,” she explains.

In late 2010, she became the director of Maternity services at IU Health West. That role also extended to IU Health North in 2020. Her purview included Maternity and the Special Care Nursery at IU Health West as well as Labor and Delivery along with Postpartum at IU Health North.

Cox also helped spearhead the creation of the IU Health West Addiction Treatment and Recovery Center in 2018.

“I was really proud of that because that was something completely different from anything I’d done,” she says. “It’s still there helping patients too.”

When Cox announced her retirement, the team wanted to hold a gathering to celebrate her leadership for so many years.

“I got to see old friends. Team members came down. My daughter was there as well. It was really humbling,” she says.

For her retirement, she and her husband have multiple smaller trips planned. She’s also excited to spend more time with her three children and four grandchildren.

“It’s bittersweet. I’ve made a lot of friends. But I’m looking forward to shutting the alarm clock off.”

10/01/2025

Iesha Mitchell has an integral role to IU Health West Hospital as a supply specialist. For over three years, she has been stocking the Medical-Surgical units. Some of her daily tasks include stocking patient rooms, supplying medical equipment and more. Her role ensures the departments have what they need for the day ahead.

Mitchell’s role also allows her to engage with team members and patients, which is one of her favorite parts of the job.

“Patients and nurses are very nice and just always thank me for what I do. That motivates me every day to come in and do what I'm supposed to do,” she says.

09/25/2025

These nurses advocate with compassion-

At IU Health West Hospital, advocacy is more than a responsibility—it’s a calling. Two nurses recently exemplified this commitment through extraordinary care and compassion.

Aleisha Hurley (first picture, middle), a registered nurse on the Medical-Surgical 2 unit, cared for a patient with a history of extended hospitalizations. During a particularly difficult readmission, Hurley ensured the patient felt supported and never alone.

“Despite having a demanding assignment, she consistently responded to their calls with patience and empathy, never making them feel like a burden” shares the patient’s spouse.

Hurley also served as a voice for the patient, ensuring their concerns and needs were heard.

“She ensured that their concerns and needs were communicated clearly to the rounding physicians, providing a vital voice for when I could not be there,” adds the patient’s spouse. “Aleisha's genuine kindness and dedication left a lasting impression, and she
will always hold a special place in our hearts for the care and comfort she provided.”

In recognition of her compassionate advocacy, Hurley was honored with a DAISY Award. This award honors extraordinary nurses who bring compassion and care to their patients.

Another nurse at IU Health West cared for patients with compassion and excellence. Meghan Sanders (second picture, middle), in the Medical-Surgical 3 unit, was recognized for her outstanding contributions to both patient care and team support.

“She has consistently gone above and beyond for one of our long-term patients, providing not just clinical excellence but also emotional support, advocacy and a sense of stability that has made a profound difference in the patient's life,” says a team member.

Sanders is equally committed to her colleagues.

“No matter how busy or stressful the day, she remains calm, supportive and dependable—always stepping in to help her team members, answer questions or simply offer a listening ear,” adds the team member.

Sanders also received a DAISY Award due to her dedication to IU Health values.

Tell us what you think of Hurley and Sanders’s actions in the comments below.

09/23/2025

IU Health West team members are taking their mission to help others outside hospital walls. The hospital completed its 17th annual Days of Service last week at Virgil Park in Brownsburg. Team members volunteered their time to paint a mural along the B&O bike trail that goes through the park.

Days of Service is an IU Health volunteer effort each year for all team members across the state to come together and make a difference in the communities IU Health serves.

Krystle Barber, a Community Outreach consultant for IU Health’s Metro Region, helped organize the event.

“Our work deepens ties with the community while addressing key health needs like physical activity,” Barber says. “By enhancing local parks, we inspire people to get moving, which supports better health and strengthens the well-being of our community.”

This is one of multiple Days of Service projects team members are completing this year. Some of the other volunteer opportunities include assembling meal kits for the Million Meals Movement, a senior health fair, a Habitat for Humanity build, and more.

Thank you to Brownsburg Parks and Recreation for helping to make the day a success!

09/16/2025

Newborn screening is a simple, yet powerful test performed after the first 24 hours of life. A quick heel prick allows care teams to detect serious health conditions early—often before symptoms appear.

The sample is sent to a lab to check for conditions like cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease. At IU Health West, registered nurses and patient care assistants in the Maternity department are trained to perform these screenings.

September is Newborn Screening Awareness Month. Hannah Alexander, a registered nurse at the hospital, emphasizes the importance of early detection.

“It gives you information about those diseases that may not be caught early on. So, if people opt to not do this test, hereditary conditions could be missed. Then as the child grows up, they could be experiencing the signs or symptoms of that disease and then would have to go in for further testing,” she explains.

Newborn screening helps families and providers take proactive steps toward lifelong health.

09/09/2025

Team IU Health is making a difference at the Heart Walk -

According to the American Heart Association, 9 out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die. In most cases, a bystander didn’t know how to perform CPR.

The association’s annual Heart Walk aims to create awareness around heart health, provide CPR training in communities and further research.

The Heart Walk is slated for Saturday, Sept. 20, at Victory Field in Indianapolis. This year’s event has a close tie to IU Health West.

Juan Guzman (pictured right), chief operating officer of IU Health West, is serving as a chairperson for the walk. He also has his own personal connection with heart disease and stroke in his family, and he sees the Heart Walk as an opportunity to give back and raise awareness.

“My job has been to continue championing the Heart Walk itself, to continue to really drive commitment from people and organizations throughout our community,” Guzman explains.

Guzman says preparing for the Heart Walk and boosting team member engagement for the event is the epitome of the IU Health value of team.

He’s worked closely with Annie Cheek (pictured left), a fellow co-chair for the Heart Walk and executive director of IU Health and the IU School of Medicine’s Cardiovascular Institute; Jennifer Hudspeth, Cardiovascular service line administrator for the IU Health Metro Region and Laura Thompson, Cardiology service line administrator for the Academic Health Center.

“We’ve asked how we engage not only our frontline teams at the hospitals, but this year, we've taken a different approach, where we've begun to engage our clinical physician partners,” Guzman says. “We've seen more physician engagement this year than in any other year. People are engaged in it.”

Events like this are important for the community as they raise awareness about heart disease and stroke, which are two of the leading causes of death, worldwide.," Cheek says. "They also promote prevention, early detection, and healthy lifestyle choices. Through such events, we encourage walking and physical activity, motivating participants to adopt more active and heart-healthy habits.”

IU Health has a vision of making Indiana one of the healthiest states in the country and Guzman knows it can’t be done alone.

“I think it's important for us to engage in this work and be a part of events like this, because if we want to make Indiana one of the healthiest states, we know we need others to help do it alongside us—and the American Heart Association is one of those partners.

Several IU Health teams have been set up. Team members can also create a team of their own to lead and invite their friends, family and colleagues to join.

“There's 43 IU Health teams right now. You've got the Riley Heart Center on here. Our own Dr. Bill Gill in the suburban hospitals has a team as well. We have a Sleep Medicine team, a Food Services team, the Department of Public Safety and more,” Guzman says. “You can pick any team and represent IU Health and be a part of something cool on Sept. 20 at Victory Field.”

Check out the existing teams, sign up to participate or to donate at: www2.heart.org/site/TR?fr_id=12024&pg=company&company_id=508915

09/04/2025

When you need care for non-life threatening injury or illness, IU Health Urgent Care is available (even on weekends and evenings). Make sure you are getting the right care at the right time—and at the lowest cost—by knowing where to go.

When you need care, we’re ready for you:
iuhealth.org/get-care-now

Address

1111 Ronald Reagan Pkwy
Avon, IN
46123

Telephone

+13172173000

Website

http://www.iuhealth.org/west

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