Kona Community Hospital Contracting Out Hospitalist Services

Kona Community Hospital has contracted with Sound Physicians to provide hospitalist services at the Kealakekua facility.

The Tacoma, Washington-based firm made the announcement Tuesday, stating the agreement calls for the recruiting of six physicians for the 94-bed hospital.

Included among the six physicians will be a chief hospitalist as well as a dedicated hospitalist registered nurse, whose role is to increase patient satisfaction.

“We’re excited to partner with Kona Community Hospital in their mission to provide quality-driven, customer-focused, cost-effective health care services for patients, the providers and the community,” said Sound Physicians Chief Executive Officer Robert Bessler, MD, in a press release.

Dr. Kathleen Rokavec, medical director at Kona Community Hospital, stated, “we chose Sound Physicians for its strong leadership and recruiting expertise.

“We’re confident that Sound Physicians’ approach to hospital medicine with proven tools and workflows will allow for the best possible care of our patients.”

Working with Kona Community Hospital’s leadership team, the company will work to improve inpatient care as well as the hospital’s financial outlook.

A private, public benefit health care facility accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations, Kona Community Hospital includes an on-site skilled nursing facility and 24-hour emergency services.

Operated by Hawaii Health Systems, its current staff includes 400 employees and 100 medical practitioners.