SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – Nancy Ryks and Audrey Garcia, who both work in the patient access department at Regional West Medical Center, were selected as Regional West’s GEMs of the Month for July.

Ryks, who has been employed at Regional West since March 2004, was awarded GEM of the Month for her compassion and professionalism.

A patient's mother contacted Pam O'Neal, director of patient financial services, to let her know how impressed she was with Nancy's kindness and excellent customer service. The caller was extremely worried about the hospital invoice she received and her ability to pay the bill. She was very grateful for the manner in which she was treated and commented how fortunate Regional West is to have people like Nancy working for them.

Garcia was chosen as GEM of the Month for the outstanding service she provided to an expectant mother who had no family in the area and did not speak English. In addition to helping translate for the patient, Garcia purchased diapers, baby clothes and other items for the baby.

According to Audrey’s supervisor, Kathy McLellan, Audrey called the patient, pre-registered her, helped her understand what was happening and why, and even offered to pick her up and bring her back to the hospital.

"The patient had no understanding of the shaky ground she and her baby were on. The patient was very grateful to have someone to help her through this tough time and all ended well," said McLellan. "Audrey does this sort of thing daily to make sure all of her customers are met with optimum service with a smile."

Regional West Health Services, with over 1,400 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 40 medical specialties. Regional West Medical Center, a subsidiary of Regional West Health Services, is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and is one of only three Level II Trauma Centers in the state of Nebraska.