SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – During this cold, wintry weather Regional West Medical Center encourages patients and visitors to take advantage of its free valet parking service.

“Why park your car yourself when you can drive right up to the door and we can do it for you?” says valet Jerry Fertig. “It’s especially nice when the weather’s cold or icy or snowy like it is now.”

The complimentary parking service is offered free of charge at the main hospital entrance to patients and visitors who visit the Medical Center between 5:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Guests can drop their automobiles off at the main entrance and the valet will park it for them. When they leave, the valet will get the vehicle and drive it back to the main entrance, eliminating the need for guests to walk from the parking lot to the building.

According to some who have tried it, the Regional West valet parking service is even better than that offered at hotels and restaurants because it’s free and tipping is not permitted.

“Our valet service is offered as a courtesy for patients’ and visitors’ convenience and safety,” says Service Excellence Director Karla Edwards. “We invite all of our guests to utilize this service to save a few steps and to ensure their safety.”

Patricia Lackey of Lyman, Neb. has used the Medical Center’s valet service often in the past three years.

“I love it! It’s really handy, especially when I have to stay here all day long,” she said.

To use the valet parking service, simply drive up to the main entrance. A valet will either meet you at your car or you may go inside to the valet station to the left of the main entrance. The valet will complete a registration card then detach and give you a receipt to present when picking up your automobile. Your car key will be attached to a ticket and safely stored until you are ready for your car to be retrieved; if you leave after 5:30 p.m. your car keys will be available at the emergency department counter.

Regional West Health Services, with over 1,800 employees, provides 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, 95 percent of whom are board certified or board eligible, plus an additional 25 consulting specialists, Regional West offers care that spans more than 30 medical specialties. Regional West Medical Center, a subsidiary of Regional West Health Services, is accredited by The Joint Commission and is one of three Level II Trauma Centers in Nebraska.