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Maui hospitals will transfer to Kaiser management in ’17

Announcement ended any hope that change could take place in 2016

The Maui News – July 1 will be the official date for the operational transfer of the three Maui County public hospitals to the private Kaiser Permanente, the Hawaii Health Systems Corp. Maui Region Board announced Thursday.

The announcement by the quasi-public body that oversees Maui Memorial Medical Center and Kula and Lanai Community hospitals quells any previous comments about an earlier transition. The original transition date was July 1 of this year but was set back by a lawsuit by one of the hospital unions. After a settlement was reached, Kaiser announced the July 1, 2017, transition date.

The void of uncertainty over an official transfer date impacted staffing and morale at the hospitals. Maui Region Chief Executive Officer Wesley Lo, who has led the efforts to create the public-private partnership, will be leaving for Hale Makua Health Services on Tuesday, and Dr. Barry Shitamoto will serve as CEO until the transfer is completed.

“While our transition may be delayed, we have much to do in the interim,” said Maui Region Board Chairman Avery Chumbley on Thursday. “We will commit to a transition date of July 1, 2017.

“Kaiser has already started to assist with bringing on board key medical staff. Maui Region’s board, executives and staff as well as Kaiser’s leadership and medical staff are eager to make Maui’s hospitals stronger.”

HHSC CEO Dr. Linda Rosen said that remaining unresolved issues “will take us into 2017.”

“Therefore, setting the transfer date for July 1, 2017, will allow all parties to focus on providing high-quality patient care.”

Maui Region officials asked state legislators last week during a hearing on Maui for $5.65 million to hire additional nurses and doctors as part of a new plan that they hope will fill gaps in staffing and services through July 1.

The Maui board earlier had discussed cutting beds and services but the additional funding from the state would prevent those reductions. The money would be used to hire 55 nurses and other staff and allow the hospitals to contract with Kaiser to recruit physicians in key positions, including a neurosurgeon and trauma and orthopedic surgeons, as well as advanced practice registered nurses to help staff the intensive care unit.

“The dedication of our employees and medical staff during these difficult times has been phenomenal,” said Lo. “Ending the uncertainty will bring relief and hope for the future.”

He said that Kaiser’s filling of key medical staff positions “will only make our hospitals and services better.”

“We want to ensure quality services to our families, friends and those who visit Maui Nui,” Lo said.

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