SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., ― Regional West, along with many other hospitals and health systems across the country, has experienced a temporary decline in patient volumes with procedures, testing, and clinic visits due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Regional West is beginning to identify staff that will be furloughed on a temporary basis beginning April 19, but their core benefits will continue to be available. Regional West is also making other temporary pay reductions throughout the health system to include the executive and leadership teams as well as providers during this period.

The temporary furlough is not a reduction in force or layoffs. At this time there is not a hiring freeze, therefore Regional West will continue to hire some essential positions.                                            

“We deeply appreciate our staff’s dedication, resolve, and sacrifices for our community through this unprecedented time. Leadership across Regional West meets daily to continuously evaluate and update response tactics, operational plans, and to develop innovative strategies to provide healthcare services,” said John Mentgen, President and CEO of Regional West Health Services.

“Regional West believes these actions, along with the support from recently passed federal and state legislation, will help diminish the financial impact to our staff and health system,” he said.

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.