The Maui News

Maui Memorial Medical Center continues to experience “an extremely high census” — the longest, most sustained high census the hospital has ever experienced, according to Maui Health, which operates the hospital.

Maui Health said the high census is not unique to Maui Memorial and that hospitals across the country are experiencing the same record-breaking census levels that are not related to COVID-19 patients, according to a news release.

In fact, the hospital’s COVID-19 patient census has majorly declined, from a high of 56 patients on Jan. 28 to just 11 patients on Thursday and none in the ICU or on a ventilator.

Maui Health said the hospital’s emergency department is very busy and that patients are waiting longer to be seen and admitted to the hospital if required.

“We are here to care for you no matter what,” said Maui Memorial Medical Staff Chief of Staff and emergency room physician Dr. Vijak Ayasanonda. “We are seeing many patients who have delayed care for either known or unknown chronic conditions and by the time they access care in our emergency department, they are very sick. Please do not wait to see your regular doctor, get your checkups and screenings. If you have noticed a change in your health, or any signs or symptoms of a potential health condition, please schedule an appointment with your primary care physician right away and avoid a health emergency.”