Maui Hospital Breaks Ground on New Inpatient Dialysis Unit

Shown here at the groundbreaking ceremony are left to right: Wesley Lo, MMMC Chief Executive Officer; Senator Roz Baker; Dr. Elaine Williams, Director of Nephrology; Karen Oura, Maui Region Board; Judy Kodama RN,MSN, Nurse Manager of Dialysis and Sandy Knapp, RN, Dialysis. Courtesy photo.

By Wendy Osher

Groundbreaking was initiated on a new inpatient dialysis unit at the Maui Memorial Medical Center.

Prior to 2002, many patients on Maui were sent to ‘Oahu for treatment.  MMMC officials say that was the year the hospital obtained approval on a Certificate of Need application for inpatient dialysis service.

Over the next six years, hospital officials say the caseload increased from 90 to 150-200 treatments per month, illustrating the need for inpatient services.

“We are grateful to the many people who helped get this project started some ten years ago and were instrumental in bringing dialysis treatment on-island,” said Wesley Lo, MMMC Chief Executive Officer.

The facility will be located on the fourth floor in the Wailuku Tower of the MMMC.  Construction is made possible through state CIP funds, and is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2013.

“The diligence of our Maui legislators to help obtain funding for these critical projects truly hits home in increasing access to services that Maui’s people utilize. We continue to be very appreciative of their efforts.” Lo adds.

***Supporting information courtesy Maui Memorial Medical Center.