November 2023

Time for Reflection

A message from Regional West CEO Mel McNea


Thanksgiving is a time for joyful celebrations and the perfect time for reflection. Every day, I feel gratitude toward our physicians, providers, and employees who work tirelessly to provide our friends and neighbors with exceptional healthcare. Change is hard, and although there has been many adjustments over the past year, they have handled it with dignity and compassion.


To our patients and families, we thank you for letting us care for your healthcare needs. As you gather with friends, families, and loved ones this week, know we are here for you now and in the future. This holiday season, I urge you to take a little time to enjoy life’s small moments, give thanks for those closest to you, and grant yourself permission to relax and recharge. On behalf of everyone at Regional West, we wish you a very happy, healthy Thanksgiving. 

Manley Awarded the Caring Kind Award

Congratulations are in order for Regional West’s nursing recruiter and staff development coordinator Annie Manley, RN, BSN, our 2023 Caring Kind Award recipient!


Read more about Annie’s honor and why we’re proud to celebrate her.

The Regional West Foundation annual fundraiser is back on Friday, Dec. 1 at 6 p.m., and you are invited to join us for a "Roaring 20s" themed cocktail party.



Tickets are available at the Regional West Foundation office on the second floor of St. Mary Plaza for $80 per person or $140 per couple. All proceeds from the event will go toward a new linear accelerator for The Cancer Treatment Center at Regional West.


The event will include a text-to-bid auction with numerous items from our many generous donors. Item viewing will begin Nov. 28, with bidding running from 4 to 9 p.m. on the evening of the event, Friday, Dec. 1. To view or bid on items, text “RWMC” to 71760.


Thank you to all our sponsors and donors for making a difference in the healthcare at Regional West!


For more information, please call the Regional West Foundation at 308-630-1485 or visit RegionalWestFoundation.org.

Two New Physicians and Two Nurse Practitioners


Regional West Emergency Medical Services Embarks on Contract Agreement

with Scotts Bluff County

Regional West is now providing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Scotts Bluff County, including the Scotts Bluff County 911 service. Valley Ambulance Service previously provided the ambulance service. Regional West has purchased the assets of Valley Ambulance.


Regional West is assuming the contract to provide the emergent services, as Scotts Bluff County is our core service area; emergency services and 911 response are critical to a community, and Regional West has the tools to do it and do it well. Adding the ground ambulance aspect to the Air Link helicopter and airplane services is a natural fit and will benefit the area’s residents. The agreement will allow more coordination and better communication between air and ground ambulance services and Regional West’s Emergency/Trauma Department.


Click here to read more!



Regional West Encourages Lung Cancer Screening


Regional West has joined the annual statewide effort, organized by the Nebraska Cancer Coalition (NC2), to heighten awareness of lifesaving lung cancer screening during Lung Cancer Awareness Month in November.


According to NC2, lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in Nebraska for both men and women. In 2023, the American Cancer Society estimates there will be 1,340 new cases and 630 deaths from lung cancer in Nebraska. The most recent data indicates that the five-year relative survival rates for Nebraska’s lung cancer diagnoses are 61% for early-stage diagnoses, while rates for later-stage cases fall to 34% for regional diagnoses, or diagnoses where cancer has spread to lymph nodes or nearby organs, and 7% for distant diagnoses, or diagnoses where cancer has spread to distant organs.


Click here to read more.

The Air Link crew will be flying in Santa and the Grinch by helicopter for this year’s Downtown Scottsbluff Christmas Parade.


Bring the whole family to watch Santa and the Grinch land in style Nov. 26 at 4 p.m. at Bearcat Stadium, weather permitting.


“We are honored that Santa and the Grinch chose Air Link to fly them in for the Downtown Scottsbluff Christmas Parade,” said Tracy Meyer, Air Link chief flight nurse. “After we land, come meet our Air Link and Regional West Emergency Medical Services (EMS) crews and see all the features of the helicopter.”


After landing, Air Link and EMS will host their holiday open house before the parade, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., at the football field. The Air Link crew will give public tours of the Bell 407GXi helicopter and EMS will have two ambulances on display. There will also be games, prizes, and snacks.


Click here for more details!



Regional West Home Care and Hospice Partner with Vetter Senior Living to Transfer Services


In a partnership with Vetter Senior Living (VSL), Regional West transferred Regional West Home Care and Hospice services to Vetter, effective Nov. 1, 2023.


VSL is a highly respected and well-established regional leader that provides services and living options for rehabilitation, independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, home care, and hospice. VSL operates 28 facilities in Nebraska, including Heritage Estates in Gering. The company specializes in the broad care continuum of home health and shares Regional West’s commitment to the greater Nebraska community.


VSL has a proven record of providing community access to home care and hospice services throughout the state. With an objective to provide quality care for those in the region, Regional West is pleased to support VSL in its area of expertise with the transfer.


Click here to read more!

Visiting Regional West

Visitors of all ages are welcome to Regional West Medical Center during normal visiting hours, which are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Visitors under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.


The main hospital entrance is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can also enter through the Birth and Infant Care Center entrance on the facility’s north side during these hours.


If visiting the hospital after 5 p.m. or on the weekends, please use the Emergency Department entrance.


Thank you for choosing Regional West!


Director of Development

Jeannie McKerrigan l 308-630-2244

Regional West Foundation has kicked off our Grateful Patient program! This program provides patients and their families a way to show gratitude toward a physician, provider, nurse, employee, or department who played a special role in their care.


If you know someone at Regional West who has made your care special, we invite you to share your story and make a donation in his or her name. They will then be recognized by the Foundation.


Click here to view the donation information form, or call the Foundation at 308-630-1485 to make a donation in someone’s name.

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