Kula Hospital to add 15 beds in CIP Expansion

Kula Hospital will expand its services by adding 15 additional beds with $5 million in capital improvement project funding released from the state.  The project is currently in the design phase and is expected to be complete within 12-18 months.

Rep. Kyle Yamashita, who helped to secure the funding, called it one of his top legislative priorities, saying the addition of long-term care beds will help to address a population that is growing older and allow for treatment close to home.

“I know how important it is for local families to be able to take care of elderly loved ones.  Equally important for the elderly, is to be able to be treated close to home.  The addition of long-term care beds in our community will improve access to health care on the island and offer peace of mind to Maui families,” said Yamashita.

The hospital is part of the Maui Region of Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, which also includes Maui Memorial Medical Center and Lanai Community Hospital.  Kula Hospital is primarily a long term care facility, but also has an emergency room.

According to Wesley Lo, Maui Memorial Medical Center CEO, the CIP project is part of an overall plan to increase beds that can be utilized by wait-listed patients (patients who need a lower level of care than acute care) who now reside at Maui Memorial Medical Center as they wait for long-term care beds elsewhere. “The patients are also treated at the more appropriate level of care and this frees up space for acute care patients at critical times,” said Lo.

“The release of these funds will positively affect our long term care patients by providing them with additional care and support.  It will also provide much needed financial relief for Maui Memorial Medical Center. The result is win-win and I am happy to see our patients benefit as well as the health care system on Maui,” said Senator Shan Tsutsui of Maui.

“Kula Hospital has been an important part of Maui’s healthcare history for 100 years.” said Kula Administrator, Nick Hughey. “And with this expansion, we are excited to play an even greater role for the future.”

(Posted by Wendy Osher; information courtesy Maui Memorial Medical Center)