SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., - Regional West Medical Center is asking that children under the age of 15 not visit the campus unless they have a medical condition that needs to be treated. This action relates to the increase in occurrence of pediatric viral infections in the community in recent weeks and is intended to reduce the spread of infection to hospital patients and staff.

The decision to limit access by minors to our hospital is an effort to protect our patients from unnecessary viral exposure. Social visits at Regional West Medical Center by young people under the age of 15 will be restricted in the following areas:

-Birth and Infant Care Center
-Pediatric Unit
-Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

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.