News

Maui Memorial Medical Center (MMMC) Conducting surveillance testing at facility to protect staff and patients.

Wailuku, Maui, HI (April 10, 2020, 12:25pm) - Per CDC infection control protocol, as of today we have three additional employees and one patient confirmed by the Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) as having COVID-19. This brings the total number of MMMC employees in home-isolation for coronavirus over the past three weeks to 19. These individuals are in good condition and are being isolated to prevent spread of infection to others. We are working closely with federal, state and local public health agencies to notify all those who may have come in contact with these employees.

“We are continually impressed with the dedication and commitment from our staff, caregivers and physicians. Our heartfelt wishes go to our employees and patients who contracted COVID-19 and wish them speedy recovery,” said Mike Rembis, CEO Maui Health.

In an abundance of caution, Maui Health tested 126 patients, caregivers and physicians this week, for COVID-19 infection. Thus far we have received results for 24 individuals. The four positive cases mentioned above, 20 that were negative and 63 are still pending. Additional results are expected over the next few days and will be shared when available.

In addition to the announcements above, we regrettably had another patient death on April 7 in our chronic care unit. Our sincere condolences go out to their family and friends.

Maui Memorial Medical Center is and has been following CDC guidelines regarding the use of personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the guidelines have evolved our protocols have changed to align with the new recommendations.

Currently staff are being issued a mask at the start of each shift and will receive an additional mask if theirs becomes soiled or damaged. For the health and safety of all staff and patients we need to ensure that every piece of safety equipment is suitable and appropriate. N95 masks must be fit tested and this fitting differs by brand so using MMMC issued equipment ensures the best fit and improves safety for all. We now do allow staff to bring in their own masks but require them to use hospital-issued N95 masks in COVID-19 patient care areas.

In addition to masks, we have enhanced cleaning protocols in place and added temperature screenings for employees and visitors. We are doing everything we can to protect and safeguard our patients and their caregivers.

While we cannot comment on personnel matters, we are committed to supporting our employees, keeping them safe, and helping them through this pandemic.

For more information and updates, please visit our website at mauihealth.org.

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About Maui Health

Maui Health, aka Maui Health System, community hospitals and associated clinics affiliated with Kaiser Permanente, includes Maui Memorial Medical Center, Kula Hospital, Lanai Community Hospital and associated clinics, and serves the people of Maui and Lanai. The facilities under Maui Health employ more than 1500 Maui County residents, partner with over 460 hospital-based physicians, clinicians, and community-based primary and specialty physicians, and are open to all patients regardless of health insurance coverage. Maui Health is committed to delivering high quality, affordable, patient-centered health care and improving the health of the community. Maui Health is supported by Kaiser Permanente’s industry-leading technology systems, evidence-based medicine and nationally recognized care quality. For more information, visit mauihealth.org.