SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., ― Regional West is expanding the current visitor restrictions to protect our patients and providers. These restrictions will be implemented at all Regional West healthcare facilities including the Medical Center, all Regional West Physicians Clinics, Village at Regional West, Surgery Center, offsite physician clinics, and Urgent Care. Visitors 18 years and younger will not be allowed to visit, unless they are a patient or parent of a patient. Valet service is closed and curbside assistance is limited.

In addition, every visitor will be screened and asked two questions.

1.  Have you had a fever in the past 24 hours?

2.  Have you had a cough or shortness of breath in the past 24 hours?

If the visitor answers “YES” to any of the above questions they will not be allowed to enter the facility. If they are seeking care, they will be required to put on a mask before entering.

We are asking anyone in the western Nebraska region who has potentially been exposed to COVID-19 and has a fever, cough, or shortness of breath call 308-630-1580 before coming to any Regional West healthcare facility. Healthcare providers will determine if the patient can be cared for at home or if screening is necessary.

As a regional referral center, Regional West provides a continuum of specialized care for people of all ages − from pediatric to adult patients. When an even higher level of care is necessary, patients are transferred to tertiary care partners for the most advanced treatment.

Remember, the best way to protect yourself from all respiratory viruses, includes washing your hands frequently with soap and water, avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue then throw the tissue in the trash, stay home when you are sick and clean and disinfect frequently touched objects.

Information is changing quickly. Please check the Regional West website and Facebook page for current restrictions as well as support group updates. For current Nebraska and national information, visit cdc.gov.

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.