SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., - Rebecca “Becky” Kreman, RN, APRN-C, PhD, a cancer case manager at Regional West Medical Center, and Patricia Ramirez, who works in housekeeping at the hospital, were selected as the hospital’s GEMs of the Month for May.

Kreman, who was nominated for this award by a patient, has been employed in the Cancer Treatment Center since July 2006. “Becky has been a lifeline for the last seven months during a very complicated mastectomy and cancer treatment,” said one of her patients. “The ‘Look Good Feel Better’ session was exactly what I needed .... a demonstration of techniques which, up until now, have mystified me; all the things I need to make it happen; a nice lunch; and great company…. Thanks to Becky Kreman for arranging a slot for me.”

Another Regional West employee nominated Ramirez, who has worked at the hospital since October 2005, for GEM of the Month.

A critical care unit employee wrote, “Patricia is an outstanding, hardworking housekeeper who always goes the extra mile when cleaning rooms in ICU. She always has a smile on her face, regardless of the type of day she's having. Her contagious grin brings joy to patients and staff in the ICU. Patients and their families are always commenting on her radiant smile, great personality and eagerness to help.”

Kreman and Ramirez each received a gift for their dedication to Service Excellence and are now eligible for GEM of the Year, which will be announced in early 2008.

Regional West Health Services, with over 1,400 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 40 medical specialties. Regional West Medical Center, a subsidiary of Regional West Health Services, is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and is one of only three Level II Trauma Centers in the state of Nebraska.