SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – The wall of plastic enclosing part of the second floor lobby at Regional West Medical Center is the first sign that something new is happening at the hospital.

Workers have been steadily moving I-beams and construction materials through an opening in the outer wall of the main entrance since the first of the year, as work begins on a new education center.

For many, it’s the first sign of the major fundraising campaign launched more than two years ago by Regional West Foundation to support important improvements at the Medical Center.

For the past two years, Regional West Foundation board members and campaign volunteers have been meeting with local businesses, potential donors, and Regional West employees, as well as writing grants in support of Regional West Foundation’s first major capital campaign in over a decade, “The Campaign for Continuing Excellence.”

“Our goal is to raise $4.2 million over five years to fund investments in technology, expand health care services, provide space for on-site education for health care providers, and support the Medical Center’s renewal project. I’m very pleased to announce that we have successfully raised almost two-thirds of our goal,” said Regional West Foundation President John Massey.

Oregon Trail Community Foundation President Travis Hiner said their board was unanimously in favor of pledging $45,000 to the campaign.

“Regional West Medical Center is a vital force in our community. It provides health care and careers for our family and friends, and is a mainstay of our regional economy,” said Hiner.

In addition to other substantial pledges, funds raised at the 2013 Regional West Foundation Gala were donated to the Campaign for Continuing Excellence.

Now, Regional West Foundation is kicking off a community campaign in an effort to meet or exceed their goal. This will be the Foundation’s first major fundraising campaign since its 1995 campaign to raise funds for the Regional Communications Network.

Projects designated for funding through the Campaign for Continuing Excellence include development of a new education center, which is being constructed adjacent to the Medical Center’s second floor lobby. It will feature the latest audio-visual and communications technology and provide on-site meeting space for more than 250 people.

“The education center will provide the room and technology to allow our staff to access continuing education on-site, rather than traveling to attend conferences and courses,” said Shelley Knutson, executive director of Regional West Foundation.

In addition, renovation on 2 West patient care unit will soon be underway as part of the Medical Center’s “Renewal Project.” The Foundation has committed $600,000 for the renovation which will include complete demolition and new construction of approximately 24 patient rooms and adjacent hallways.

The campaign will also fund the purchase and installation of a large-bore CT simulator at the Cancer Treatment Center as well as new cardiac catheterization equipment in the Heart Center.

“Nearly 20 years ago, our donors showed their faith in Regional West by supporting our efforts to establish an emergency communication system for trauma services,” Massey said. “Today, thanks in large part to donors’ generosity, Western Nebraska has reliable, seamless emergency communication between ground, air, and hospitals. The ‘Campaign for Continuing Excellence’ is another great opportunity for donors to consider their support of Regional West Foundation and to ensure quality health care services for the future.”

Regional West Foundation has been raising funds for the benefit of the hospital since 1972. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that solicits tax-deductible private contributions for the benefit of Regional West Medical Center. For more information about the Regional West Foundation Campaign for Continuing Excellence, please call 308-630-1485.

Regional West Health Services, Scottsbluff, Neb., 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.