SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., –. Beginning as early as the 1970s, the need emerged for an intermediate level of patient care between intensive care and a medical-surgical unit. The answer was progressive care. Progressive Care, at that time, usually referred to post heart attack patients. Today a growing number of patients are eligible and best cared for in a specific setting like progressive care. Alternately called step down units, direct observation units, telemetry beds or transitional care, Regional West will officially open its progressive care unit in September.

Today, progressive care units allow for better patient flow throughout hospitalization, matching the patient with an appropriate level of care and better enabling Regional West to accommodate new patients.

Last winter Regional West Medical Center faced some challenges with an unusual number of patient admissions as well as staffing in critical areas such as the Intensive Care unit. As a result, we’ve worked hard in the areas of recruitment to address staffing needs and examined our current admittance procedures and how we are addressing the clinical needs of our patients.

The result is a specially designed unit for patients who are moderately stable with less complexity. These patients typically require only moderate nursing resources, less frequent nursing supervision or are currently stable but could become critical again. The progressive care units is perfect for patients who don’t need the level of care that the ICU offers but require more resources than are typically available on the floor.

The new unit is the result of careful examination of admitting practices, cooperation with the newly integrated Regional West Physician’s Clinic and a commitment from leadership to employee satisfaction and recruitment. Progressive care will aid in positive outcomes and recovery from illness by providing an environment in which patients are given the level of care best matching their needs.

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, we offer 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 the state of Nebraska.