New administrator selected for Kula and Lanai hospitals
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Former Big Island medical facility administrator Kerry Pitcher has been appointed as the new administrator of Kula Hospital and Lana'i Community Hospital, according to a Maui Health System announcement.
"We are thrilled to have such a dynamic leader with years of Hawaii experience joining our team," said Maui Health System Chief Executive Officer Michael Rembis. "Kerry has a long track record of successes, and I am confident we will work together to bring exciting opportunities to both hospitals."
Pitcher said: "I look forward to working with the staff, residents and patients of our local hospitals. . . . I know that the needs in these communities are unique, and I look forward to working with the staff to ensure the quality care we provide to our community is exceptional."
Most recently, Pitcher served as regional administrator for the East Hawaii Region of Hawai'i Health Systems Corp., which includes Hilo Medical Center and Hale Ho'ola Hamakua. Previously, she was executive director at Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home in Hilo.
Pitcher earned her Bachelor of Science degree in hospital/health administration and Master of Public Health from California State University.
According to the announcement, Pitcher brings more than three decades of health care leadership, hospital operations and diversity management experience to her position while leading intercultural and multiethnic teams across three continents. She will oversee all hospital and long-term care operations for the two hospitals.
She replaces interim administrator Paul Harper-O'Conner, who remains the assistant administrator, quality, for Maui Health System.
Kula Hospital is a critical access hospital offering urgent and emergency care for Maui's growing Upcountry population. In addition to serving long-term care patients from all over the island, it offers a range of outpatient services, including a family medicine clinic.
Lana'i Community Hospital is the island's only hospital. It provides emergency, acute- and long-term care to roughly 850 patients every year.
Maui Health System is affiliated with Kaiser Permanente. In July 2017, the system took over management and operations of Maui Memorial Medical Center, Kula Hospital and Lana'i Community Hospital. Previously, the facilities were under the management of the quasi-public Hawai'i Health Systems.
For more information, go to mauihealthsystem.org.