SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – The Acute Rehabilitation Unit at Regional West Medical Center has received a full three-year accreditation of its inpatient medical rehabilitation and stroke specialty programs. This represents the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to an organization and shows the organization’s substantial conformance to the CARF standards.

“It is obvious that ARU (acute rehabilitation unit) fosters a caring, professional, and person-centered environment. All staff members seem committed to the care, satisfaction, and well-being of those who are entrusted to their care,” the commendation stated.

The Acute Rehabilitation unit was also honored for “exemplary conformance” to CARF standards for its Patient Advisory Council, a group of former patients who volunteer their time to advocate for patients and their families.

The CARF surveyors cited numerous areas of strength in the program including unit leadership, caring environment, family assistance, interdisciplinary team communication, the medical director’s enthusiasm and commitment to patients, the stroke specialty program, stroke support group, involvement of the pharmacists and dietitians in team conferences, and the successful fall and injury prevention program.

“Our Acute Rehab Unit has enabled many area residents to remain close to home while receiving intense rehabilitation after stroke, traumatic injury, and illness,” said Tami Bokelman, Acute Rehabilitation Unit program director. “This accreditation reflects the quality of care our patients receive. I’m proud to be a part of such a great team on ARU.”

CARF is an independent, nonprofit accrediting body whose mission is to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process that centers on enhancing the lives of the persons served. Founded in 1966 as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, and now known as CARF, the accrediting body establishes consumer-focused standards to help organizations measure and improve the quality of their programs and services.

Regional West Health Services, Scottsbluff, Neb., is the parent company for Regional West Medical Center, Regional West Physicians Clinic, and Regional West Garden County. These organizations, with over 1,900 employees, provide 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, plus an additional 25 consulting specialists, the Regional West family of health care organizations offers care that spans more than 30 medical specialties.