FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 8, 2025
GANADO, Ariz. – Sage Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce the creation of its new Patient Experience Division, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of care and overall patient satisfaction. To lead this transformative effort, the hospital has appointed Christian Bigwater, a seasoned marketing professional with extensive experience in branding and engagement, as the division’s inaugural Chief Patient Experience Officer (CXO).
The Patient Experience Division will work to make every part of a patient’s journey better, from the moment they connect with our messaging, to when they arrive to after they leave and beyond. The team will listen to patients’ feedback, thrive to make services easier to use, and create a warm and caring environment.
Bigwater has worked in marketing for over 22 years. He went to Northern Arizona University, where he earned a degree in marketing. Since February 2023, he has been the Director of Marketing and Public Relations at Sage Memorial Hospital. Before that, he worked for 13 years at the Navajo Housing Authority as their Public Relations Coordinator.
“I’m excited to lead this new initiative at Sage Memorial Hospital,” Bigwater said. “Our relatives deserve care that helps their health and respects who they are, their stories, and traditions. We want to make a place where every relative feels listened to, cared for, and respected, so their time with us feels special and important.”
“Sage Memorial Hospital is focused on delivering the best possible experiences for our relatives, and this new division shows that commitment,” said Melinda White, the hospital’s CEO. “With Christian Bigwater’s expertise and connection to our community, we are confident this team will make a big difference for our patients and their families.”
The Patient Experience Division will collaborate with doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff to implement strategies to improve care, including:
- Better communication: Training doctors and nurses to listen well and talk clearly so relatives feel understood and supported.
- Faster visits: Using technology to make it quicker to book appointments and check in at the hospital.
- Special care: Making plans that fit each relative’s unique needs, culture, and preferences.
- Listening to relatives: Using surveys, group talks, and community events to find out what our relatives want and need.
- Respecting culture: Teaching staff about Navajo traditions and values so they can care for relatives in a respectful way.
- Easier access: Sharing clear information about hospital services in different languages, including Navajo, to help relatives understand their care.
For more information about Sage Memorial Hospital and its new Patient Experience Division, visit www.sagememorial.com/experience.
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