News

Wailuku, Maui, HI (February 16, 2022) – Maui Memorial Medical Center (MMMC) continues to experience an extremely high census, and in fact, this has been the longest, most sustained high census the hospital has ever experienced. However, this high census is not unique to Maui Health, as hospitals across the state are experiencing the same, record-breaking census levels and it is not related to COVID-19 patients. The MMMC COVID-19 patient census has decreased to 18 COVID-19 patients today (11 unvaccinated), two require ICU level of care (2 unvaccinated), and zero COVID-19 patients on a ventilator. This is a significant reduction to the high of 51 patients recorded on January 27, 2022.

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 a medical 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.

“We are here to care for you no matter what,” said MMMC Medical Staff Chief of Staff and ER 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 check-ups 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.”

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, for 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.

Additionally, MMMC is still offering outpatient treatment of COVID-19 positive individuals with mild-moderate disease, who do not require hospitalization. Self-referrals for treatment are accepted and anyone who may benefit from a COVID anti-viral treatment is encouraged to submit a request online at mauihealth.org/covidtreatments. Several options for treatment are available including oral medications and intravenous infusion. Once a request is received, and the patient qualifies, an MMMC provider will determine treatment based on risk factors including age, underlying health conditions and severity of illness.

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