SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., ― Following a yearlong process of refocusing priorities and implementing organizational change, Regional West’s CEO reflects on recent accomplishments while anticipating the hospital’s 100th anniversary in 2024.

“This year’s positive changes were the result of a true team effort,” said Regional West CEO Mel McNea.  “We’ve heard the community’s concerns, and welcome feedback on what we’re doing well and how we can improve. Regional West is taking constructive steps to sharpen our focus, operate as efficiently as possible, and continue serving our families, friends, and neighbors for years to come. We look forward to celebrating 100 years of service to our community and the region in 2024.”

Major 2023 accomplishments and works in progress include reviewing the relevancy of all vendor contracts to obtain the best possible prices, streamlining processes throughout the health system, partnering with a new purchasing organization, and improving transparency and communication.

Enhancing the efficiency of Regional West’s core services has been a key objective this year, including stepping back from providing ambulance services in regional locations, closing the Sidney and Chappell family medicine clinics, and transferring home care and hospice services to Brookestone Home Health and Hospice. In November, Regional West Emergency Medical Services (EMS) took over the ambulance service in Scotts Bluff County, including the Scotts Bluff County 911 service. This is the first time in the history of Regional West that all emergency services (ground, rotor, fixed-wing aircraft, and the Emergency Department) have been under one executive director. The change allows for more coordination between air and ground ambulance services and Regional West’s Emergency/Trauma Department.

Increased attention was placed on the revenue cycle so patient bills will become more timely and accurate. Eight teams of Regional West employees are diligently reviewing and walking through every step of the process to identify improvements that can be made to the system. This is an endeavor in which we will continue to focus.

The accomplishments and efforts to improve efficiencies have resulted in substantial cost savings throughout the organization.

There is also an ongoing effort to improve facility-wide cleanliness. As well, in 2023 there was a marked upgrade in the Park Bench Café dining experience.

Expanded physician, provider, and nursing recruitment was a major focus in 2023. A combined 20 new physicians and providers and 29 new graduate nurses joined the organization this year.

Taking proactive steps to improve employee morale is an ongoing focus, while realigning employees to find the best fit for their time and talents. The Regional West Board of Directors recently voted to install term limits for the board, as well as other changes, including instituting a larger physician presence on the board.

In addition to celebrating the hospital’s century anniversary, 2024 will bring expanded cardiology offerings and enhanced cancer services to Regional West. In the fall, the health system will transition to the nation’s most widely used electronic medical record software company, improving the accessibility and functionality of medical data for patients.

“This is an exciting time for Regional West as we celebrate the past and lay the foundation for our future,” said McNea. “We are dedicated to making Regional West an outstanding place to work while providing excellent care for our patients and their families.”

Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff, Neb., is the parent company of Regional West Medical Center, a 188-bed regional referral center and the only Level II Trauma Center in Nebraska west of Kearney. As the region’s only tertiary referral medical center, Regional West offers care that spans more than 32 medical specialties provided by over 28 physician clinics. Regional West provides comprehensive and innovative healthcare services for the people of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming.