Kohala Hospital News

West Hawai‘i Region of Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation honors dedication of long-serving employees

West Hawai‘i Region of Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation honors dedication of long-serving employees

West Hawai‘i Region of Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation recently honored 303 employees of Kona Community Hospital and Kohala Hospital for their service of between 5 and 37 years.

More than 160 staff attended the recognition luncheon Sept. 28 at Makae‘o Events Pavilion at Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area in Kona, where each honoree received a certificate and commemorative pin.

West Hawai‘i Region of Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation Chief Executive Officer Clayton McGhan speaks Sept. 28 during a recognition honoring the region’s longest-serving employees. (Photo Courtesy: West Hawai‘i Region of Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation)

Longest-serving employee Dawn Inaba — who was born and raised on Hawai‘i Island — is celebrating 37 years of service at Kona Community Hospital in Kealakekua.

Inaba began her career with the hospital as a biller and has since had several different roles, including in patient accounting, billing and collections.

“Back when I started,” she reflected in a release about the recognition luncheon and those honored, “my predecessor told me, ‘Thirty years will fly by,’ and now I’ve come full circle. I’m pushing for 40 because I truly love what I do.”

She recalled joining the hospital’s business office and quickly realizing it felt like an extension of her family.

“It didn’t take long before it turned into ‘ohana, and I looked forward to coming to work” Inaba said. “The people here care deeply about what they do and for the community we serve. We help each other, we grow together and that makes all the difference.”

Evelyn Kaneshiro was recognized for 34 years of service at Kohala Hospital in Kapaau.

Also born and raised on Hawai‘i Island, Kaneshiro began as a clerk typist — before 9-1-1 existed — personally fielding emergency calls and coordinating ambulance responses.

Now an accountant, she has seen the hospital transform from paper charts to digital systems, and she takes pride in her involvement in its continued growth.

“Kohala Hospital is special because of the people,” Kaneshiro said in the release. “We’re a family here, and I’m grateful to have spent my career caring for my community.”

West Hawai‘i Region of Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation longest-serving employee Dawn Inaba — who was born and raised on Hawai‘i Island — is given a standing ovation as she walks up to receive her certificate and commemorative pin during a special recognition luncheon Sept. 28. Inaba has worked for the region at Kona Community Hospital. (Photo Courtesy: West Hawai‘i Region of Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation)
 
 

 

 

 

West Hawai‘i Region of Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation longest-serving employee Dawn Inaba is congratulated during a special service recognition luncheon Sept. 28. Inaba has worked for the West Hawai‘i Region, at Kona Community Hospital, for nearly 40 years. (Photo Courtesy: West Hawai‘i Region of Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation)

 

 

 

Kohala Hospital leadership is pictured with Evelyn Kaneshiro, who has worked for the hospital 34 years, during a special recognition luncheon Sept. 28 to honor the longest-serving employees of the West Hawai‘i Region of Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation. (Photo Courtesy: West Hawai‘i Region of Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation)

The West Hawai‘i Region is comprised of Kona Community Hospital and Kohala Hospital. The region is dedicated to providing a healing environment to all the people of Hawaiʻi and delivering quality, accessible care that leads to optimal health.

Both hospitals offer 24-hour emergency services and are members of the Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation, a public entity established in 1996 by the State of Hawai’i to fulfill the promise to provide quality, hometown health care.

This was the first recognition event in more than a decade and underscored the strong sense of belonging and commitment that defines both facilities.

“Half of our workforce has been with us for at least 5 years, which speaks volumes about the culture we’ve built,” said West Hawai‘i Region Chief Executive Officer Clayton McGhan in the release. “This level of dedication ensures that our patients receive care from experienced, compassionate professionals who are deeply rooted in our community.”

Kohala Hospital leadership with Eveyln Kaneshiro 34 years of service
35+ years of service
30-34 years of service
25-29 years of service
20-24 years of service
15-19 years of service
10-14 years of service
5-9 years of service

Kohala Hospital Emergency Department Nears Completion

Kohala Hospital’s Department (ED) relocation and renovation project is nearing completion.  Hospital administrator, Gino Amar, recently updated the Kohala community on the progress of this project, which kicked off in July, 2013.

Phase 1 of the project included relocation and construction of a four bed, state-of-the-art emergency department.  Kohala Hospital ED nears completion (2)

It is expected to be open for new patients by the end of the year.

As Phase 1 neared completion, hospital administrators made the decision to change the planned access point into the emergency department.  The implementation of a “walkway project” resulted in construction changes designed to create improved flow and direct entry into the ED.

“The initial entry plan was a bit confusing,” said Amar.  “The new entry will not be routed through the hospital, but will be a covered walkway with direct access into the emergency department.”

The walkway project required a few revisions to the original plan.  A window was replaced by a door, an exterior walkway cover was added and the parking area is being expanded with the addition of five new spaces, including handicapped parking.

As Phase 1 work was in process, plans for Phase 2 were set into motion.  Phase 2 included a triage area where incoming patients will initially be assessed.  It also includes a multipurpose room and waiting room with exterior entrances, and encompasses a covered ambulance carport and drop off area.

The emergency department is in the final stages of the inspection phase.

Prior to opening the new ED, hospital staff will perform mock drills to practice patient flow and resource allocation, test communications and orient staff.  The mock drills will include ED personnel along with staff from radiology, the laboratory and dietary departments.  The practice will help to identify any last minute changes that may be needed.  It will also allow staff members to become familiar and comfortable with the new facility.

The total cost of the emergency department relocation and renovation project is $1.2 million dollars.  Over $400,000 funding was provided through the efforts of the Kohala Hospital Charitable Foundation.  Additional monies were received through Capital Improvement Project (CIP) monies from the State.  Capital Improvement Project funding is restricted to maintenance and facility improvement projects, and cannot be used for day to day hospital operations.

Once the emergency department construction is completed, hospital administrators plan to begin the process to expand their service lines.

“We would like to start looking at what services we can provide here that could meet the future needs of our North Kohala community,” said Amar.

Kohala Hospital ER Renovation Project Set to Begin

Group_Wall_Break_PicAfter years of discussion, planning, and fund-raising, Kohala Hospital is set to begin demolition on its Emergency Room. The ER renovation/relocation project kicked off on July 1, 2013. A commemorative “wall-breaking” ceremony on June 20th included a blessing, a presentation on building plans and work phases, and light refreshments. The community was invited to join the festive occasion and to view the long awaited results of their investment, time, and patience.

Read moreKohala Hospital ER Renovation Project Set to Begin

Kona Community and Kohala Hospitals Receive Award of Community Excellence

Kona_Award_of_Community_ExcellenceKealakekua, Hawaii – On January 9th, Kona Community and Kohala Hospitals received the Award of Community Excellence from The Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaii in recognition of their recently adopted smoke and tobacco-free campus policies. Both campuses, which comprise the West Hawaii Region of Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, became smoke and tobacco-free effective January 1, 2013.

Brenda Larson, West Hawai’i Community Coordinator with the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawai’i said, “The presentation of these awards recognizes both

Read moreKona Community and Kohala Hospitals Receive Award of Community Excellence

Kona Community and Kohala Hospitals Launch Smoke-Free Initiative

Kealakekua, Hawaii – Kona Community and Kohala Hospitals launched their smoke and tobacco-free initiative last week in conjunction with the Great American Smokeout. This was an opportunity for both facilities to communicate to employees and the public that they will become smoke and tobacco-free campuses beginning January 1, 2013.

Read moreKona Community and Kohala Hospitals Launch Smoke-Free Initiative

Gino Amar – New Administrator for Kohala Hospital

Gino Amar, JrKealakekua, Hawaii – Jay Kreuzer, Regional Chief Executive Officer for Kona and Kohala Hospitals today named Eugene “Gino” Amar, Jr. as the new Administrator of Kohala Hospital. He will assume his duties immediately.

Gino Amar has 20 years’ experience at Kohala Hospital. He began his career there as an accountant, then became the hospital’s business office manager. He subsequently moved up the ranks to assistant hospital administrator. Most recently, Mr. Amar was named acting administrator at Kohala Hospital.

Read moreGino Amar – New Administrator for Kohala Hospital