SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – Regional West Medical Center recently recognized two employees for going the extra mile. Jerry Gename, a certified respiratory therapy technician in the cardiopulmonary services department, and Doug Carter, a lab courier in the laboratory services department, were awarded the hospital’s GEMs of the Month for August.

When a patient awoke from a surgery, Gename was a calming influence.

"Jerry was the only staff member who could calm my fears and help me to breathe," said the patient. "His presence was very calming."

Another hospital employee nominated Carter for stepping up to cover the extra workload after a co-worker was injured. In a 24-hour time period, Carter drove to Denver and back three times to ensure all specimens from the outreach laboratory centers arrived at Regional West’s main lab in a timely manner.

"Throughout a very long day, Doug maintained a positive attitude and still had a smile on his face at 1 a.m.," said his supervisor. "Way to go, Doug."

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.