Janette O’Brien was checking in on her chemotherapy infusion patients at Lutheran Cancer Center in Wheat Ridge, Colorado when she encountered an older gentleman smiling from ear to ear. He was wearing a virtual reality (VR) headset for the first time. “I’ve never had an entire theatre to myself before!” he exclaimed to O’Brien, Lutheran’s Oncology accreditation and program coordinator. As part of Lutheran's Virtual Reality Experience Program, VR headsets are available for Oncology patients to use while receiving chemo treatments, some which can last up to seven hours. The headsets simulate fun, real-world experiences including horseback riding, hiking, river rafting, cross country skiing, and dog sledding. It allows patients to immerse themselves in the beauty of Colorado despite sitting in an infusion center chair. After all, when it comes to battling cancer, a little happiness goes a long way. “Most of them have really enjoyed it,” said O’Brien. “We had another patient who recognized a particular hiking trail in Colorado. He told us he missed hiking. He couldn’t get out there anymore because of his treatment, but this gave him the opportunity to still do what he loves.” Lutheran is the first cancer center across Colorado to incorporate VR for patient care in Oncology settings. The innovative use of this technology exemplifies how our Colorado and Montana care sites are turning to the power of digitalization to support patients and caregivers in unique ways.
We’ve spent 50 years together for the healthiest lives, but our legacy is rooted in more than a century of healing. Intermountain Health has evolved from its modest origins into a leading health system, setting the standard for compassionate and innovative care. Our story is not just about our growth, but about the unwavering dedication of our caregivers and the profound impact they’ve had on countless lives. Join us as we look back on some of the great moments in Intermountain history. Our legacy of healing continues to inspire health and wellness for future generations.
Colby, an occupational therapist at Utah Valley Hospital in Provo, Utah, noticed that some of his patients struggled with basic hygiene and grooming. Enlisting his mother and students from Mapleton Jr. High, Colby led the team in making scrunchies. The donated items were added to the hospital's "above and beyond" box for occupational therapy patients, and are available in the therapy gym. "This is our chance to help our patients feel just a little bit better," Colby said.
Congratulations to the following Intermountain Health hospitals for being recognized on The Chartis Group's 2025 Top 100 Critical Access and Rural & Community Hospitals lists! Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals - Garfield Memorial Hospital - Panguitch, Utah Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals - Bear River Valley Hospital - Tremonton, Utah - Cedar City Hospital - Cedar City, Utah - Park City Hospital - Park City, Utah - Sevier Valley Hospital - Richfield, Utah Each year, the rural hospitals are analyzed through the lens of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX, the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance in the United States.
Simple changes make a big difference. Our Respiratory Therapy team at McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden, Utah found a common thread in their procedures that led to a reduction in caregiver needlestick injuries. The team has been needlestick free for more than 500 days, thanks to one leader’s approach to managing change.
Most nine-year-olds don’t go to the hospital to receive foreign language lessons but when Carson Prisbrey was seven years old, he started learning German from Cedar City Hospital phlebotomist Ilona Ewen during his scheduled blood tests. In 2023, Carson was diagnosed with craniopharyngioma, a rare but benign tumor that forms near the pituitary gland. While living in Cedar City, he and his family traveled to Salt Lake City and Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital, Salt Lake City for surgery to remove most of his tumor followed by treatments at Primary Children's. While 70 percent of the tumor was removed during surgery, he continued to get treatments over the last two years at Primary Children’s. However, before he can have treatment, Carson needs to get blood tests to make sure he is clear for treatment. At one point, he was taking these tests every couple of weeks. While Carson has strong ties to his caregivers at Primary Children’s, finding a way to have some of his care closer to home was a game changer for Carson and his family. Instead of traveling to Salt Lake for tests and then again for treatment, Carson started coming to Cedar City Hospital for blood draws where he met Ilona, and they immediately became kindred spirits.
Christine Sotelo was once a beginner. But with our Path to Education, Advancement and Knowledge (PEAK) benefit to hone her technical skills and support from encouraging leaders, her confidence soared. She’s now seen hundreds of hearts come alive in the operating room, including her own.
Our Health Promotion and Wellness team at Select Health is deeply committed to our mission: Helping People Live the Healthiest Lives Possible. Using a diverse approach that includes biometric screenings, health coaching, wellness consultations, and data-driven insights, this team guides members toward better health. As a team that provides on-site screenings to all lines of business and during community events, they are often referred to as “the face of Select Health.” Whether helping members set personal wellness goals, conducting screenings to detect health risks, or collaborating with employers to create wellness strategies, their unified goal remains the same: inspire and support healthier living for our members and communities.
Congratulations to the following Intermountain Health hospitals for being recognized on Premier's list of 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals in 2025! ⭐ Intermountain Medical Center, Murray, Utah - ranked #3 among cardiovascular teaching hospitals ⭐ McKay-Dee Hospital, Ogden, Utah - ranked #1 among teaching hospitals ⭐ St. George Regional Hospital, St. George, Utah - ranked #4 among community hospitals Premier, a health care improvement company, has been studying and ranking America’s best cardiovascular hospitals since 1998. The firm uses publicly available data to annually assess performance indicators including patient experience, inpatient mortality and complications, 30-day mortality and readmissions, and average length of stay and cost per case.
Caregivers at St. James Hospital helped keep a Butte, Montana man alive after suffering a near fatal heart attack at the gym. His story showcased why knowing the signs of cardiac arrest and what to do during an emergency is critical to saving lives.
