July 21, 2023

Advocating for Our Patients

When patients or visitors walk into Regional West, countless emotions can run through their minds. Perhaps they’re excited because they get to meet the newest addition to their family. Or, maybe they’re scared because they’re about to undergo a major surgery. Regardless of why they’re here, it’s up to us to provide a positive experience.

Whenever we interact with a patient, or family members, we should imagine ourselves in their shoes. How would we like to be treated in our time of need? Should we dismiss their thoughts and concerns, or should we work together to provide compassionate care at every step?

Our actions matter. Let’s find ways to advocate for our patients and consistently provide exceptional care.  

Quality

Chief Quality Officer

Margo Ferguson l 308-630-1681

Navigating the ins and outs of a hospital stay, insurance, and treatment following a hospital stay can be tough, but Regional West's Case Management team works with patients to help with the process.

Social workers within the department are tasked with patient advocacy and discharge planning coordination. This means working with patients and their families to help make the transition after hospitalization as successful as possible. This can include setting up a visiting nurse or Meals on Wheels, connecting to a support group, or working with the patient or family for placement in an assisted living or skilled nursing facility. 

Click here to go to the intranet and scroll down to the department features to read the whole article!

Regional Care, Inc.

President

Tim McGonigal l 308-633-3423

I’d like to start this update by congratulating Kriss Hovis and Janet Frederick, our employees of the second quarter! Kriss works as a client coordinator, and Janet is our administrative assistant. We are lucky to have these two amazing people working for RCI. Thank you for all you do, Kriss and Janet.

RCI takes pride in being a community-minded company. When we need services done on behalf of RCI, we make an effort to do business with our local companies and clients. We are happy to be a part of the panhandle community!

We look forward to continuing to grow and serve an extensive base of clients, both local and national. Thanks for tuning in!

Regional West is proud to be nationally recognized by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association for our commitment to providing research-based, high-quality stroke care with the Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Gold Plus award. To learn more about this achievement, click here!

Question: Is there a set date for the Sidney and Chappell clinic closures?

Answer: The Sidney and Chappell Family Medicine clinics will close Sept. 21, 2023. We will continue to update patients regarding the clinic’s status as we approach the closing date. We encourage patients to visit with their provider or clinic employees regarding the specific date their provider will no longer schedule future visits.



Family medicine providers in Regional West’s Scottsbluff and Gering locations are available to assume patient care. If patients would like to schedule an appointment, they may call 308-630-2100.

Rumor: The hospital is going bankrupt.

Answer: The hospital is not filing bankruptcy, and it is not for sale. We are working to improve the bottom line while being more mindful of our resources. For example, we’re making changes to the revenue cycle and focusing on improving the efficiency of our core services. It’s important that we continue to take steps to remain viable so we can keep serving our families, friends, and neighbors.

Check out the results from

Regional West Foundation's floating golf ball race!

Congratulations to Jeanne McKerrigan, Regional West Foundation director of development and Regional West interim controller, for being named the 2023 Panhandle Business and Professional Women (BPW) Woman of the Year!

This award is presented annually to a woman who demonstrates outstanding career achievement, strong advocacy for business and professional women’s issues, and meaningful community service.

We are proud to have you on our team, Jeanne!

Physician Recruitment

Director

Lisa Steele l 308-630-1723

We are excited to welcome new providers to Regional West. Check out the start dates below to see when these providers will join us.

Family Medicine

Aubrey McLellan, FNP - Aug. 1

Ashley Satur, FNP - Sept. 1

Nephrology

Kristine Soltanpour, MD - Sept. 1

Orthopaedics

Kevin Anderson, MD - July 31

Austin McPhilamy, MD - Aug. 21

Barbara Elias, PA-C - Aug. 21



Pulmonology, Critical Care

Vandan Patel, MD - Sept. 16

Surgery, Vascular Diagnostics

Erin Holcomb, APRN - Aug. 1