SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – Air Link at Regional West is pleased to announce the launch of an additional Air Link base and partnership with the Medical Center of the Rockies.

Regional West Health Services partnered with Poudre Valley Health Services (PVHS) to build Medical Center of the Rockies in 2007. Regional West owns 12 percent of the hospital, which is located in Loveland, Colo.

"The beauty of this partnership is that it's really about the patient and those we serve. It allows a greater depth of coverage, opens many opportunities to increase resources, and helps us to consistently offer a quality of care to a larger geographic area," said Shirley Knodel, Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Patient Care Services at Regional West Medical Center.

Medical Center of the Rockies will take possession of their brand new aircraft later today. According to Timothy Hutchison, MD, Medical Director of the PVHS air ambulance program, the AStar AS350 B3 helicopter is capable of high altitude flight and was the first helicopter to land on Mount Everest, the world’s highest mountain.

"Achieving positive patient outcomes is the primary focus of our new program,” he said. “With quality medical teams on board, helicopters play a pivotal role in getting patients with life-threatening conditions to the care they need as quickly as possible.”

"Air Link at Regional West has flown between 350 and 400 patients per year over the past three years,” said Peter Meyer, MD, FPC, Medical Director of Air Link at Regional West. “This is an increase in flight volume since our launch in 1995, and the volume continues to increase. To meet the needs of our patients and referral sources in the next five years, we really looked to the future in our planning. This partnership offers a greater flexibility by adding a second helicopter. It also opens the door for future expansion of services to the area.”

Like its sister helicopter Air Link 1, A Bell 407 based in Scottsbluff, the PVHS aircraft is equipped with the latest medical transport technology available to support optimal on-flight treatment. Dr. Hutchinson and Dr. Meyer will work closely together to continue the excellent level of care provided by Air Link flight nurses and paramedics. Although some differences exist in the programs, based on state laws dictating scope of practice, they share one motivation—providing patients with excellent, timely, and efficient care when they need it most.

Regional West Health Services, with over 1,800 employees, provides comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people and communities of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming. With over 110 active physicians, 95 percent of whom are board certified or board eligible, plus an additional 25 consulting specialists, Regional West offers care that spans more than 30 medical specialties. Regional West Medical Center, a subsidiary of Regional West Health Services, is accredited by The Joint Commission and is one of three Level II Trauma Centers in Nebraska.

Regional West Health Services , Scottsbluff, Neb., is the parent company for Regional West Medical Center and Regional West Physicians Clinic. These organizations, with over 1,800 employees, provide comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people and communities of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming. With over 110 active physicians, 95 percent of whom are board certified or board eligible, plus an additional 25 consulting specialists, the Regional West family of health care organizations offers care that spans more than 30 medical specialties.