SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – Regional West Medical Center was named one of the nation’s Top Perfomers on Key Quality Measures by The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health care organizations in America.

Out of 3,376 hospitals that submitted accountability measure data to The Joint Commission for 2011, Regional West Medical Center was one of only 620 U.S. hospitals to meet or exceed the target rates of performance.

Regional West was recognized for its accountability measures for both heart attack and pneumonia for 2011.

To earn Top Performer recognition, each hospital was required to meet two 95 percent performance thresholds on accountability data. A 95 percent score means a hospital provided an evidence-based practice 95 times out of 100 opportunities to provide the practice. Examples of evidence-based practices include: giving aspirin to heart attack patients at arrival, giving antibiotics one hour before surgery, and providing a home management plan for children with asthma.

“We understand that safe, effective care is what matters most to patients. That’s why Regional West has made a commitment to accreditation and to positive patient outcomes through evidence-based care processes. Regional West is proud to be named to the list of The Joint Commission’s Top Performers on Key Quality Measures,” said Todd Sorensen, MD, MS, Regional West Health Services president and CEO.

Among Nebraska’s 88 hospitals, Regional West Medical Center was one of seven hospitals to be recognized as a Top Performer by The Joint Commission.

Regional West Health Services is the parent company for Regional West Medical Center and Regional West Physicians Clinic. These organizations, with over 1,800 employees, provide 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, the Regional West family of health care organizations offers care that spans more than 30 medical specialties.