SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – Regional West Medical Center will close half of the main first floor hallway this Friday in preparation for asbestos abatement and remodeling.

The north-south hallway leading from the north Patient Dismissal entrance to the central east-west hallway will be closed for five to seven weeks, effective Friday, February 17.

In addition, all first floor administrative offices will be temporarily vacated. Most of hospital’s administrative staff will be relocated to the ground floor level of Medical Plaza North.

Because the construction project will involve asbestos removal, only authorized personnel will have access to the construction areas.

Beginning Friday, February 17:

· The main hospital will be accessible from the north Patient Dismissal entrance, past the Birth & Infant Care Center and the Medical Staff office.

· The main hospital will be accessible from Medical Plaza North and the Restorative Care Unit (RCU) through the hospital meeting room hallway.

· The Facilities department will be accessible through the Stock Room.

· The Restorative Care Unit (RCU) and Medical Plaza North will not be accessible from the north Patient Dismissal entrance.

· The entire stairwell (ground level to 5th Floor) across from the Administration offices will not be accessible.

· The employee time clock will be moved from the first floor stairwell entrance to the alcove near the Chapel along the central east-west hallway.

· The Dawes Room will not be available for meetings.

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.