SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – Regional West Medical Center will join hospitals throughout the country in celebrating National Hospital Week, May 12 to 18. The theme this year is, “Celebrating Hope and Healing.”

National Hospital Week celebrates the hospitals, health systems, and the men and women who support the health and well-being of their communities. From providing treatment and comfort to the sick, to welcoming new life into the world, hospitals are central to a healthy and optimistic community.

“National Hospital Week is a celebration of our health care team and their successes. This year we are celebrating our 95th anniversary, which is extra special,” said John Mentgen, president and CEO of Regional West Health Services. “We’re extremely proud of each member of our health care team and recognize the important role they play in providing exceptional services to our patients and our communities. Our providers and staff concentrate on making a difference in the lives of the patients we are honored to serve. We are fortunate and appreciate having them as part of our health care team.”

National Hospital Week dates back to 1921 when it was suggested by a magazine editor who hoped a community wide celebration would alleviate public fears about hospitals in the wake of the “Spanish flu” outbreak, which killed more than 600,000 Americans. The celebration succeeded in promoting trust and goodwill among members of the public and eventually spread to facilities across the country.

Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff, Neb., is the parent company of Regional West Medical Center, a 188-bed regional referral center and one of three Level II Trauma Centers in the state. 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. With nearly 300 in-network providers, and 2,000 employees, Regional West provides comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming.