Box Butte Health Foundation Donates Wigs to Emma’s Closet at Regional West

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. --Thanks to a donation from Box Butte Health Foundation, patients visiting Emma’s Closet in Regional West’s Cancer Treatment Center now have a greater selection of wigs to choose from.

Sixty-seven wigs were received from Jane’s Closet, a service of Box Butte Health Foundation that helps cancer patients in Box Butte County with financial assistance and comfort bags. Jane’s Closet was established in memory of Jane Wineteer, a past Box Butte General Hospital employee and breast cancer patient dedicated to helping others who are fighting cancer.

When Jane’s Closet had a surplus of wigs, they wanted to donate to a place that would help local cancer patients. After some research, Box Butte Health Foundation Director Chelsea Thompson got in touch with Regional West Cancer Services social worker Jennifer Hiltgen, BSW, MHA. Thompson said she is happy that Jane’s Closet was able to ‘pay it forward’ for patients in the area.

“A lot of people from Alliance come to Scottsbluff for cancer treatment, so it’s great that everything stayed local,” Thompson said. “Our CEO, Lori Mazanec, has been a part of Jane’s Closet from the beginning and said Jane would be so proud knowing how many people have benefitted.”

Like Jane’s Closet, Emma’s Closet in Regional West’s Cancer Treatment Center is dedicated to helping the region’s cancer patients. After the Cancer Treatment Center relocated to Medical Plaza South in 2000, and with a generous donation from a retired storeowner, Emma’s Closet was born. Women can find new and gently used wigs, hats, scarves, and turbans at no cost, helping provide a bright spot in cancer treatment journeys.

“We’ve had a lot of laughter and a lot of tears in Emma’s Closet,” said Hiltgen. “Everyone is at different stages when they come to see us. For some, it’s the night before they shave their heads. For others, it’s, ‘I’m getting ready for my first treatment, and they say hair loss is going to happen.’ We’re blessed to be there for those moments.”

Clinical Patient Care Navigator Barb Jensen, RN, said Emma’s Closet also offers an opportunity for patients to explore fun new styles.

“Some patients try other colors and styles. I tell them, ‘Now’s the time to try something different!’”

“The patients are going through so much already,” Thompson added. “Finding a wig is one less thing they have to worry about.”

Any woman who is experiencing hair loss from cancer treatment is welcome to stop by Emma’s Closet and see what’s available. The Cancer Treatment Center is located in Medical Plaza South, 3911 Avenue B, Suite G100.

If you’d like to donate to or learn more about Emma’s Closet, please call the Cancer Treatment Center at 308-630-1348 or visit https://www.rwhs.org/services/cancer/cancer-services. To learn more about Jane’s Closet, visit https://www.bbgh.org.

Reflecting on a Year of Change, Regional West Looks Toward 2024

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. -- Following a yearlong process of refocusing priorities and implementing organizational change, Regional West’s CEO reflects on recent accomplishments while anticipating the hospital’s 100th anniversary in 2024.

“This year’s positive changes were the result of a true team effort,” said Regional West CEO Mel McNea.  “We’ve heard the community’s concerns, and welcome feedback on what we’re doing well and how we can improve. Regional West is taking constructive steps to sharpen our focus, operate as efficiently as possible, and continue serving our families, friends, and neighbors for years to come. We look forward to celebrating 100 years of service to our community and the region in 2024.”

Major 2023 accomplishments and works in progress include reviewing the relevancy of all vendor contracts to obtain the best possible prices, streamlining processes throughout the health system, partnering with a new purchasing organization, and improving transparency and communication.

Enhancing the efficiency of Regional West’s core services has been a key objective this year, including stepping back from providing ambulance services in regional locations, closing the Sidney and Chappell family medicine clinics, and transferring home care and hospice services to Brookestone Home Health and Hospice. In November, Regional West Emergency Medical Services (EMS) took over the ambulance service in Scotts Bluff County, including the Scotts Bluff County 911 service. This is the first time in the history of Regional West that all emergency services (ground, rotor, fixed-wing aircraft, and the Emergency Department) have been under one executive director. The change allows for more coordination between air and ground ambulance services and Regional West’s Emergency/Trauma Department.

Increased attention was placed on the revenue cycle so patient bills will become more timely and accurate. Eight teams of Regional West employees are diligently reviewing and walking through every step of the process to identify improvements that can be made to the system. This is an endeavor in which we will continue to focus.

The accomplishments and efforts to improve efficiencies have resulted in substantial cost savings throughout the organization.

There is also an ongoing effort to improve facility-wide cleanliness. As well, in 2023 there was a marked upgrade in the Park Bench Café dining experience.

Expanded physician, provider, and nursing recruitment was a major focus in 2023. A combined 20 new physicians and providers and 29 new graduate nurses joined the organization this year.

Taking proactive steps to improve employee morale is an ongoing focus, while realigning employees to find the best fit for their time and talents. The Regional West Board of Directors recently voted to install term limits for the board, as well as other changes, including instituting a larger physician presence on the board.

In addition to celebrating the hospital’s century anniversary, 2024 will bring expanded cardiology offerings and enhanced cancer services to Regional West. In the fall, the health system will transition to the nation’s most widely used electronic medical record software company, improving the accessibility and functionality of medical data for patients.

“This is an exciting time for Regional West as we celebrate the past and lay the foundation for our future,” said McNea. “We are dedicated to making Regional West an outstanding place to work while providing excellent care for our patients and their families.”