MAY 2026

Regional West Recognizes American Stroke Month

Throughout American Stroke Month in May, Regional West encourages people to learn stroke’s symptoms, signs, and risk factors.

Stroke happens when a clot or rupture interrupts blood flow to the brain, causing brain cell death. It is the fifth-leading cause of death in the United States. Ischemic strokes are caused by clots, while hemorrhagic strokes are caused by blood vessels bursting in the brain. A transient ischemic attack (TIA), or mini-stroke, blocks blood flow to the brain for a short period of time.

Anyone at any age can have a stroke. Regional West Stroke Program Coordinator Janelle Schroeder, MSN, RN, SCRN, ASC-BC, said learning 
the warning signs of stroke can be lifesaving.

“It’s important to know that stroke is treatable if care is received as 
quickly as possible after the onset of symptoms,” she said. “Time is brain, meaning lost time equals lost brain cells. If you see the signs of stroke, 
call 911 immediately.” 

Stroke’s warning signs are represented by the acronym B.E.F.A.S.T., 
which stands for balance (loss of balance), eyes (loss of vision), face (facial drooping), arms (weakness or numbness in the arms), speech (slurred speech), and time (call 911 immediately). It’s also important to watch for sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side; trouble seeing, walking, or speaking; severe headache; and confusion.

Click here to learn more!

Regional West Recognizes Brian Nichols as 2025 STAR of the Year

Regional West is happy to celebrate Brian Nichols 
as the organization’s 2025 STAR of the Year. 

The STAR program at Regional West encourages employees, patients, their family members, and 
visitors to nominate employees who demonstrate outstanding care and customer service. 

In addition to being named 2025 STAR of the year, Nichols, a computer analyst in the Information Technology (IT) department, earned a second quarter STAR award. He was nominated by a fellow employee, who appreciated Brian’s willingness to investigate and assist with technical 
issues right away. 

“I needed a printer installed in the computer training room,” said his co-worker. “He only had one day’s notice and stayed late finding a spare printer, installing, and adding it to the network. In my experience, Brian always goes above and beyond, and I know that I can count on him.” 

“Our team members are the heart of our organization. We aim to treat every patient as if they are our loved ones, and always act in the best interest of 
the patient. The individuals recognized have demonstrated commitment to 
our healthcare system and community and have gone above and beyond 
to make sure our patients receive exceptional care,” said Ned Resch, 
Regional West President and CEO. “Safety, quality, and culture are the 
most important aspects of our work – we are proud of our award winners 
and grateful for their service.” 

Four other Regional West employees were chosen as 2025 STARs of the Quarter. 

Click here to read more!

Regional West Welcomes New Board Chair and Two New Board Members

The first quarter of 2026 brought changes to Regional West’s board of directors since enacting term limits.

The board bid farewell to long-time members Hod Kosman and Dennis Hadden. John Massey was named board chair, succeeding Jim Trumbull, 
who will continue to serve as a member of the board of directors.

“We want to take a moment to thank our incredible outgoing board members, Hod Kosman and Dennis Hadden. Their countless hours of volunteer service 
in guiding our health system have made an impact on our community and beyond,” said John Massey, chair, Regional West board of directors. “A special thank you also goes to Jim Trumbull for his outstanding leadership as chair of the board of directors. We’re thrilled he will continue to contribute his valuable insight and experience to the board."

The board welcomed community members Grant Hinze and Kathi Jordan Swanson as new members. Hinze serves as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Kelley Bean. Swanson is the retired founder and strategic analyst for CLARUS, a Carnegie company. The nominating committee, comprised of current board members, maintains a working list of prospective candidates from the community, of which two were voted on by the entire board.



“Finding dedicated volunteers who can commit their time to making a difference at the hospital can be challenging in today’s busy world. We are fortunate to welcome Grant Hinze and Kathi Jordan Swanson to our board 
of directors, and we look forward to their contributions,” said Massey.

Administrator and Students Recognized at NSRT Annual Conference  

Congratulations are in order! Regional West Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology Program Director Stephanie Cannon, MSRS, RT(R), 
and students Madeline Steinbron and Mykel Palomo earned special recognition at the annual Nebraska Society of Radiologic Technologists (NSRT) conference in Grand Island.

Click here to read more about their achievements.

Regional West Physicians Clinic-Psychiatry & Behavioral Health wants to make mental healthcare even more accessible – so we’ve expanding our hours again! Ana Cerrato-Young, PMHNP-BC, sees patients until 7 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. 

To schedule your appointment, call the clinic at 308-635-3888. For more information about our services, click here.

Volunteers & Friends of Regional West Awards $33,500 in Scholarships  

The Volunteers & Friends of Regional West proudly awarded $33,500 in scholarships for area students pursuing healthcare careers during the 2025-2026 academic year!



Click here to read more.

Patients receiving blood work at Regional West’s Medical Plaza South laboratory location can now self-schedule appointments in MyChart, Regional West’s patient portal.

Once labs are ordered by a Regional West physician or provider, patients can log into MyChart, select a day and time, and complete the check-in process before they arrive. When they get to Medical Plaza South, they will check in 
at registration desk number one. 

Click here to read more about this exciting new service!

Activate Your MyChart Account Now!


Discover the convenience of MyChart, Regional West’s patient portal! You can easily activate your account to request prescription refills, pay your bill online, message your provider, and even e-check in before your visit. Check out the video to see how simple and quick it is to get started!

High school students, college students, and people looking to make a career change can earn a degree and earn a living at the same time with the remote dietetics program options at Regional West. Click here to learn more!

Visiting Regional West

Visitors of all ages are welcome 
to Regional West Medical Center during normal visiting hours, 
which are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Visitors under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

If visiting the hospital after 8 p.m., please use the Emergency Department entrance.

Thank you for choosing

Regional West!

308-630-2244

Regional West Foundation has kicked off our Grateful Patient program! This program provides patients and their families a way to show gratitude toward a physician, provider, nurse, employee, or department who played a special role in their care.

If you know someone at Regional West who has made your care special, we invite you to share your story and make a donation in his or her name. They will then be recognized by the Foundation.

Click here to view the donation information form, or call the Foundation at 308-630-1485 to make a donation in someone’s name.

Stroke Support Group

Second Tuesday of every month

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Regional West Medical Plaza South

Conference Room 1

3911 Ave. B l Scottsbluff

For more information, contact

Gene McDowell at 308-630-2046.

Weight Loss Support Group

First Wednesday of every month

5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Regional West Medical Plaza South

Conference Room 1

3911 Ave. B l Scottsbluff

For more information, contact

Amber Schulze, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, 
at 308-632-2872.

Cancer Survivors Support Group

Fourth Tuesday of every month

5:30 p.m.

Cancer Treatment Center

Medical Plaza South, ground floor

3911 Ave. B l Scottsbluff

Call 308-630-1348 for more information.