SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., - Regional West Medical Center has broadened its visitation restrictions on children under the age of 15 to include all hospital nursing units. Children under 15 should not visit the campus unless they have a medical condition that needs to be treated. This action is intended to protect hospital patients from an increase in occurrence of common pediatric viral infections in the community in recent weeks.

As always, anyone experiencing a fever or cough should refrain from visiting any part of the hospital for social reasons.

Regional West reminds people to protect themselves from the spread of viruses by washing their hands frequently.

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.