Kohala Hospital creates more space for patient care

Kohala Hospital is freeing up space for patient care and future expansion of services by moving administrative operations to a dedicated space in the new administration building.

Kohala Hospital originally opened its doors on April 1, 1917 and was funded and operated by the sugar plantation to provide care for local laborers and their families. Today, it operates as a critical access hospital with acute and long-term care services and a 24-hour emergency department that supports the North Kohala community.

Kohala Hospital received $3.9 million in state funds for the new administration building, which is the first addition to the hospital’s campus since it was built in 1962.

“The new admin building is an example of the region’s plans for growth and commitment to providing much-needed specialty care for patients,” said Clayton McGhan, CEO of West Hawaiʻi Region. “We are grateful for the support of our area legislatures and partners, who recognize the need patients, staff and our community face in accessing care in rural areas like Kohala.”

The build includes a registration window for patients, conference rooms for regional meetings, and offices for the hospital’s administration. The space these rooms and offices previously occupied in the main hospital can now be reallocated to patient care.

Currently, Kohala Hospital offers diagnostic lab services, diagnostic x-rays, emergency, imaging, inpatient services, intermediate care, medical surgical unit, other support services, rehabilitation inpatient services and skilled nursing care.

The main hospital’s former administration offices will be retrofitted to include a dedicated family admission area. Admission to Kohala Hospital’s skilled nursing care can involve family meetings, which previously took place outdoors without privacy. The new area will give residents and their loved ones a private, comfortable space for those discussions.

Leadership from West Hawaiʻi Region of Hawaii Health Systems Corporation held a blessing ceremony for the recently completed building at the hospital on Monday. Both Congresswoman Jill Tokuda and Sen. Tim Richards were in attendance.

“From their first to last breath, West Hawai‘i families have long relied on the care and healing they receive at Kohala Hospital,” Tokuda said. “These patient centered improvements are critical investments that ensure our residents don’t need to travel far from home to get the healthcare they need, and we must continue to support additional resources and increased reimbursements to keep our hospital doors open.”

“Kohala Hospital has served this community for generations, and this building helps make sure it can continue to do so,” Richards said. “More space for patients and families means healthier families in North Kohala.”

For more information on the hospitals, clinics and services, visit the West Hawaiʻi Region website.