IU Health West Hospital

01/21/2026

Dr. Matthew Coghlan, the pulmonary critical care chief fellow at IU Health West, sanitizes his hands as he oversees the care for one of his patients in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

He was drawn to critical care because he’s able to see his patients improve within a shorter amount of time.

“I enjoy the acuity. With critical care, the things you do personally makes a big difference within a short window,” he explains.

As a fellow, Dr. Coghlan rotates to different facilities, including IU Health Methodist and University hospitals. This is his third or fourth time at IU Health West.

“What always impresses me here is the teamwork. It’s one of my favorite places to come out,” he says. “It really is a team sport. I love working with the nurses and the pharmacy here.”

01/19/2026

Each year, Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy is celebrated through acts of service and taking action to create a more equitable community where everyone is valued and respected, regardless of their race, ability, religion or background.

In 1994, Martin Luther King Jr. Day was designated as the only federal holiday that is a national day of service to encourage all people to volunteer to improve their communities.

In honor of King’s legacy, Community Outreach teams at IU Health Fishers, North and West hospitals organized volunteer opportunities. Team members at IU Health West assembled 75 chicken casserole meal kits that will be donated to local food banks.

“It’s important that we come together on MLK Day to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy by volunteering to better our communities, just as Dr. King envisioned,” says Krystle Barber, Community Outreach consultant. “This was a great opportunity for team members to get involved and not only make a difference by addressing food insecurity, but to also inspire others to do the same.”

01/15/2026

Kyla Brixey prepares equipment for a patient room in the Intensive Care unit at IU Health West. As the team lead for Endoscopy, she brings 18 years of experience to the role and recently celebrated her fifth year with the hospital.

Endoscopy involves using specialized instruments to view the body’s internal structures, often playing an important role in diagnosing and treating conditions. Brixey first discovered her interest in the field after taking a gastrointestinal position, and she quickly realized it was where she belonged.

While patient care remains at the center of her work, Brixey has also developed a passion for educating others.

“I’m our only endoscopy trainer,” she says. “I do a lot of teaching and orienting, and I really enjoy it.”

Whether she’s preparing equipment, supporting clinical teams or guiding new team members, Brixey’s expertise and dedication are evident.

01/06/2026

Tierney Dininger and Susan Paulick are the first hospital-based spine nurse navigators within the IU Health system, providing quality and personalized care to those seeking spine pain relief at IU Health West and North hospitals.

Dininger, pictured left, is the navigator at IU Health West. She's been with the team since 2015 and took on this new role in August 2024.

As a spine nurse navigator, she focuses heavily on patient and team member education and serves as a connection between the outpatient clinic and the surgical teams.

“We have a really wonderful team. Everybody cares a lot,” Dininger says. “We're very thorough and we just want to make sure that the patients are well taken care of.”

Meet IU Health's first spine nurse navigators. They provide quality and personalized care to those seeking spine pain relief at IU Health North and West.

01/05/2026

At 4:37 p.m. on New Year’s Day, Belen Barahona-Avalos became the first baby born at IU Health West Hospital in 2026. She weighed 7 pounds, 12 ounces, and measured 19.5 inches long.

Belen’s mother and father, Migdalia and Emerson, waited to learn her gender until birth and enjoyed surprising family and friends when they arrived home. It was especially exciting for Belen’s older siblings, including three sisters and a brother, to meet her.

“She was born a little early and it was a fast delivery, but everything went really smoothly,” Migdalia, Belen’s mother, said.

Maddison Bryant was the family’s lead registered nurse on the maternity unit.

“It’s super exciting to deliver the first baby of the new year, starting off the year with a healthy birth,” Bryant said, who’s worked as a registered nurse on IU Health West’s maternity unit for a year. “Mom did great and it was really fun for everyone involved.”

At IU Health West, the first baby born on New Year’s Day receives a special gift basket containing a variety of items for the baby and family.

12/29/2025

Flu season can be tough on little ones. Explore our guide for practical tips to keep kids healthy and safe.

Committed to providing the best care for Indiana families, Indiana University Health is the most comprehensive healthcare system with a personalized approach.

12/23/2025

While walking through the main hallways of IU Health West, you might've noticed some beautiful team-made Christmas trees.

The hospital's Engagement Team invited departments to show off their creativity and decorate trees this holiday season.

In decorating the trees, teams were asked to pick a theme—whether it be their unit, culture, country, holidays and more.

While scrolling through photos below, you might notice an Emergency department tree, a Hawaii tree and Polar Express tree. You can also find them in person on the hospital’s ground and first floor.

Leaders at IU Health West will vote on their favorite tree later this month. Let us know your favorite in the comments.

12/17/2025

Nurse navigator helps provide comfort after diagnosis -

Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis can be a harrowing experience. Michelle Bailey, a registered nurse navigator at IU Health West Hospital, makes it a little easier for patients.

Bailey reaches out to newly diagnosed patients to provide emotional support and review their diagnosis. She also assists with coordinating testing, scheduling appointments and connecting patients to helpful resources.

“I try to be available for the patients if they have any clinical questions or just need somebody to talk to after a disorientating diagnosis,” she says.

Bailey has been a nurse since 2010 and joined IU Health West about a year and a half ago. She appreciates the collaborative approach of the Breast Surgery team.

“We all come together to try and do what's best for our patients, to be able to provide them with the support and the care that they need through this process,” she explains.

For Bailey, advocating for patients is the most rewarding part of her role as a nurse navigator.

“I really am fortunate to be able to be that person patients can call anytime and just chat if they are having a rough day."

12/15/2025

Flu season is here—take simple steps to stay healthy this winter.

https://iuhealth.org/find-medical-services/cold-flu

12/09/2025

Is it a trip to the emergency room or Urgent Care? Do you need to see a doctor in person, or can you do a virtual visit from the comfort of your home instead?

Knowing where to seek care can save you time and money.

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

12/03/2025

At IU Health West, nurses across the hospital work with their patients to ensure they feel seen, heard and cared for.

One of those nurses is Abigail Lewis (pictured first), RN, who works in Endoscopy.

When a patient began experiencing concerning symptoms, they scheduled an endoscopy and colonoscopy. However, due to a previous life trauma, the patient was extremely nervous about the procedure, particularly about being put under anesthesia.

“I was terrified beyond belief of being unconscious and having something happen to me that was out of my control,” the patient says.

Lewis was the nurse in the room with the patient during the procedure. The patient was fine when being transported, but began to panic when arriving at the room. To help keep the patient calm, Lewis asked what music they liked.

“She started playing music for me and held my hand as I fell asleep. She was petting my hair and leaning in, trying really hard to reassure me that I was OK,” the patient says.
“I will think of Abby's kindness during every surgery in the future, as she will motivate me to speak up to those future nurses too.”

Because of Lewis’ compassionate and empathetic care, she was recently honored with a DAISY Award. This award honors extraordinary nurses who bring compassion and care to their patients.

Over in the hospital’s 3B Medical unit, one patient says Hayley Cora (pictured second), RN, never made them feel like a burden and worked to uplift up their spirit.

The patient noticed Cora was always willing to work with her fellow team members and helped with different methods of treatment.

For example, Cora suggested going to a liquid cough syrup instead of a pill when the pill didn’t seem to be as effective.

“Her actions show how much she cares about the nursing profession and the qualities needed to be effective in it. She shows her dedication to her chosen career by her interactions with both staff and patients,” the patient says. “This is how all nurses should be and she is a credit to her profession.”

Because of Cora’s top-notch skills, she was also honored with a DAISY Award.

Help us congratulate Lewis and Cora’s in the comments.

11/24/2025

Her compassion changes lives—

As a patient care assistant, Isabel Schafer (pictured first) knows how to create an atmosphere of safety and comfort.

Schafer works at IU Health West in the Acuity Adaptable unit, providing a calming presence and genuine care that makes patients feel valued and respected. One patient that came into the unit was stressed, but Schafer was there to provide support.

Throughout the day, Schafer went above and beyond by taking time to sit with the patient, listen to their concerns and offer reassurance during moments of anxiety. She never made the patient feel rushed or like a burden—instead, she provided understanding and support that transformed a stressful experience into one of comfort and trust.

“Isabel's dedication and genuine care made a huge difference in my experience, and I'm so grateful for the time and attention she gave me,” says the patient.

Schafer’s kindness and attentiveness exemplify patient-centered care. This led to her receiving the Sunshine Award, which recognizes patient care assistants for their support, impact on patients and contributions to their team.

Tell us what you think of Schafer’s actions below.