HHSC East Hawai’i Evaluates Potential Alliance

The East Hawai’i Region of Hawai’i Health Systems Corporation is looking into strategic alliance prospects for its hospitals following a $7 million shortfall that led to 7 percent of its workforce, approximately 87 workers, losing their jobs as cutbacks and service closures took place earlier this year.

HHSC East Hawai’i officials say that despite the recent reductions being necessary in the short run, they aren’t in the best interests of the patients, staff, and overall community.

“Our Board, as responsible stewards of our commitment to healthcare, has set a very high priority on the examination of several potential options to better provide for the needs of our community,” said Kurt Corbin, Board Chair of HHSC, East Hawai’i. “The prospect of a strategic alliance with another healthcare organization is one of these options that merits a serious evaluation.”

Castle Medical Center will visit three East Hawai’i hospitals in late August. The hospital has served its community for over 50 years. Adventist Health owns over 20 hospitals, 230 clinics, and several home health agencies in four states, including Hawai’i.

“These preliminary talks will allow us to exchange views on compatibility of our organization’s missions and to identify resources and strengths that could potentially be shared to enhance the delivery of sustainable healthcare for our community,” said Corbin. “It’s too early to speculate on the prospects of an outcome.”

Dan Brinkman, East Hawai’i Regional CEO of HHSC, says the mission is to improve the community’s health. “Frankly, the road ahead is even more financially challenging in our journey to achieve long-term sustainability and we must be open to all viable solutions.”