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Q: I see a lot of people on social media talking about PPE (personal protective equipment) at Maui Memorial. Is it true that staff are not allowed to use masks from home?
Mike Rembis, CEO, Maui Health System: The safety of our nurses, doctors and other Maui Health employees is our top priority, and we are beyond grateful for all they are doing for our community, as well as the work of health care personnel around the nation. We understand the fear and anxiety amongst health care workers and the public. These same concerns are being felt across the nation and some of this has led to improper use of PPE, which has contributed to some shortages of clinical supplies, especially surgical face masks and N-95 respirators.
We have been and will continue to closely follow the evolving COVID-19 situation and make adjustments to protocols when safe and appropriate for our employees and community. On Monday, we released new hospital protocol for personal protective equipment (PPE) that allows Maui Health employees and providers to wear their own masks. Per the latest CDC infection control guidelines, our hospitals will maintain current PPE protocols per droplet and isolation precautions, where hospital-supplied PPE is required. Staff caring for non-COVID-19 patients and/or in clinical areas where masks are not required, as well as staff in nonclinical areas, may use their own masks if they choose to, at their own discretion and risk. Additionally, homemade masks that have been donated by the community will be made available for clinician and staff usage, while these supplies last.
We want to assure the public that we are closely following federal and local guidelines for the care of our employees and patients and monitoring protective equipment supply levels.
We ask for the community's help to minimize the spread of inaccurate information that could cause alarm, fear and confusion in our community. We also want to thank everyone that has reached out with questions and offers of assistance. We have received an outpouring of support for our employees and all the people in Maui County who have dedicated their lives to caring for our friends and neighbors.
If you have PPE supplies, including handmade masks, that you'd like to donate to Maui Health, please visit mauihealth.org/covidrelief. There are a few different ways you can contribute to COVID-19 relief efforts. Thank you again, for your support!
Q: I was just furloughed from my job at a hotel. Do you have any openings at Maui Health? I don't have any medical education or background.
Tara Cole, HR director, Maui Health: Yes, we do! We have a number of positions open in both clinical and nonclinical departments. Some of the nonclinical opportunities include housekeeping aide, kitchen helper, security officer, patient access services clerk and phone operator. Visit mauihealth.org/careers to view all available jobs at Maui Health, which includes Maui Memorial Medical Center, Kula Hospital and Lanai Community Hospital.
If you are interested in exploring a new career in health care, we also have a free training program where you can earn a Nurse Aide certification in six weeks and get paid while you learn. Anyone with a high school diploma or GED can apply. The training is held twice per week on Fridays, Saturdays and/or Sundays. Accepted applicants are paid for the six-week training and after successful completion of the program and certification, you are offered a job at Kula Hospital. This is such an amazing opportunity for anyone looking for a career in health care. If you enjoy caring for others and want a rewarding career that is stable and long-term, please look in to it right away. Spots are limited. Visit mauihealth.org/kulacna for more information or call Kula Hospital at 876-4307.
* Physicians, providers and administrative staff who practice at Maui Health System hospitals and clinics answer questions from the public in ìHealthwise Maui,î which appears on the first and third Thursdays of the month. Maui Health System operates Maui Memorial Medical Center, Maui Memorial Medical Center Outpatient Clinic, Kula Hospital & Clinic and Lana'i Community Hospital and accepts all patients. To submit a question, go to the website at mauihealth.org/healthwise.