News

Wailuku, Maui, HI (January 20, 2022) – Maui Memorial Medical Center (MMMC) is caring for 44 COVID-19 patients, breaking a previous record of 41 set in August 2021. Of the 44 patients, 26 are unvaccinated, four require ICU level of care (three unvaccinated), and one is on ventilator (one unvaccinated). Positive cases continue to rise within Maui County, also breaking a COVID-19 positive case record with 1,067 new cases reported today. This is a 93% increase from 14 days prior, representing the largest percent increase in the state.

MMMC’s census is very busy at over 95% capacity with COVID and non-COVID patient care needs. However, the hospital is not at an “internal emergency” status as other hospitals around the state have declared. This current surge is stretching hospital resources and capacity and the Emergency Operations Center team is working around the clock to ensure we remain nimble and respond to immediate and potential needs. We received 12 FEMA nurses yesterday to help with staffing and care for COVID-19 patients. Ten additional FEMA nurses are expected next week.

The MMMC emergency department is very busy, and patients are waiting longer to be seen and to be admitted to the hospital, if required. If you or a loved one has an emergency, please do not hesitate to access the MMMC emergency department. Emergency, critical, life-threatening care is always available, 24/7, and no one is ever turned away.

As a reminder, if non-life-threatening care is needed, such as suspected broken bones, wound care, allergies or flu, Maui Health’s Kula Hospital critical access hospital and emergency room (ER) is an option for care. The Kula Hospital ER offers x-ray and laboratory services, and can take care of splinting, suturing, and wound care, as well as administer IV fluids and medications. There is a physician on staff in the ER 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The hospital has an on-site laboratory and limited diagnostic imaging capabilities, so you can be treated for broken bones, infections, and other medical needs and health concerns with mostly minimal wait times. However, if you require immediate care for a heart attack or stroke, as example, please use the MMMC ER, or call 911 for an ambulance. Please note that the Kula Hospital ER or operator is not able to provide medical advice over the phone. Medical questions should be directed to your primary care physician and insurance questions to your insurance carrier.

As a reminder, Maui Health is still providing COVID-19 antiviral treatments to qualified individuals. Anyone who recently tested positive and is at high risk for severe illness is encouraged to submit a request form. Supplies are limited and requests are reviewed carefully to ensure we can provide treatment to those who are at highest risk for severe illness, hospitalization, or death. For more information and to submit a request, visit mauihealth.org/covidtreatments.

This surge is expected to continue through the next few weeks, which absolutely has an impact on hospital services. We are asking everyone to please do your part, mask up, avoid crowds, wash your hands frequently, stay home if possible, get vaccinated, and most importantly if you qualify, get your booster dose. For more information, please visit www.mauihealth.org/covid19.

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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 nearly 1700 Maui County residents, partner with over 450 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