SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – The Gordon Memorial Health Services board of directors announced Wednesday that James B. McHugh, MHA, has been appointed interim chief executive officer of Gordon Memorial Health Services; a position he held in 2006 and 2009.

McHugh, retired vice president of outpatient services at Regional West Health Services, replaces Jim LeBrun who announced his resignation in April after serving more than three years.

“We welcome Jim back to Gordon,” said Carol Balius Board of Directors Chairman “His health care management expertise and his familiarity with our hospital and community will be very beneficial to as we search for a full-time administrator.”

McHugh assumed administrative responsibilities for the hospital and rural outreach clinics Monday May 13, 2013.

“It’s a pleasure to return to Gordon Memorial Hospital as interim CEO,” said McHugh. “The hospital is a vital part of health care in this area. I am excited to help Gordon Memorial Health Services take this next step with electronic medical health records.”

McHugh joined Regional West Health Services in 1992. He oversaw the development and expansion of rehabilitation services at Regional West and was integrally involved in the development of its trauma system. He also worked extensively with the management of hospitals in Nebraska’s panhandle. McHugh holds a Master of Health Administration from the University of Colorado at Denver.

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.