Regional West Health Services, based in Scottsbluff, has notified the Garden County Health Services trustees that Regional West will not renew the existing contract to operate Regional West Garden County Hospital, Rural Health Clinic, and Nursing Home, effective June 30, 2024.
“The healthcare environment has changed drastically since Regional West’s original agreement with Garden County and through the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Interim Regional West CEO Mel McNea. “Over the next year, we will take a step back to discuss if there is the opportunity to find efficiencies with our partnership while maintaining quality healthcare in Garden County. We want to continue to support Garden County if it is beneficial for Regional West and the residents of Garden County.”
“Our community is not unique in facing the challenge of keeping healthcare services available in a rural setting,” said Brad Howell, Regional West Garden County CEO.
A team comprised of Howell and members from Garden County Health Services (GCHS) and RWGC trustees will meet to discuss available options to maintain emergency services and sustain the Rural Health Clinic, nursing home, and inpatient services.
The team plans to utilize the expertise of multiple sources, including Regional West, Regional West Garden County’s hospital and nursing home employees, state agencies, the Nebraska Hospital and Nursing Home Associations, the Nebraska Rural Health Association, the National Rural Health Redesign Center, and the Community Hospital Corporation.
“Maintaining strong, high-quality healthcare services in our community is essential,” said Dennis Miller, Jr., GCHS board chair. “We will do all we can to make sure that the lifesaving care we are currently providing continues in the future for the citizens of Garden County.”
