SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – Regional West Medical Center will undertake a month-long building repair and cleaning project beginning July 9. It will involve eliminating and preventing birds from roosting on building ledges, cleaning the windows, and cleaning and repairing sections of the exterior of the patient tower.

“The birds present a health hazard and are the primary reason for undertaking this project. Once we prevent their access to the tower, we will be able to do some much needed maintenance, repairs, and cleaning,” said Steve Hodges, vice president human resources.

The project will begin at 6 a.m. on July 9 when a crane will be positioned in the medical center’s receiving dock, and a fork lift at the north patient dismissal entrance. The equipment will be used to lift scaffolding material to the roof.

During that time, the following areas of the campus and building will be temporarily closed and blocked: the north patient dismissal entrance; the north parking lot, the Gazebo area of the Park Bench Café; the receiving dock and driveways leading to it; and building exits that lead to the dock.

No pedestrians or vehicles will be permitted in the construction zones and staff will be at each closure location that morning to redirect pedestrians and vehicles.

During the month of July, workers will erect scaffolding at each corner of the patient tower to install new safety rails before cleaning and repairing the building. Installation of the safety rails is expected to cause significant noise and vibration. Hearing protection options will be available at no charge to patients and visitors who request them. The safety rails will be installed from July 12 to 20.

“Our primary concerns during this project are the safety and comfort of our patients, staff, visitors, and vendors,” said Hodges. We regret any inconvenience that may be result from the construction project.”

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.