Kaiser closure unfairly affects entire community

The closure of the Kaiser Wailuku ambulatory surgery and gastroenterology departments is not just about job loss or a Kaiser health plan insurance issue. MMMC services the entire community of Maui. I want to know how this will impact me and my family’s accessibility when we need surgery or a colonoscopy in the future.

The article that announced the closure touted “the state-of-the-art procedural and surgical suites at MMMC.”

This may be true, but the infrastructure of MMMC has not changed since Kaiser took over. There are still six operating room suites, two labor and delivery operating room suites and four procedural suites for endoscopic procedures. How will MMMC handle the influx of Kaiser’s patients?

MMMC might perhaps extend operational hours, but who wants to have surgery or a colonoscopy at 9 p.m. or 2 a.m.?

This closure will affect non-Kaiser patients and physicians who use these services too.

What will happen when there is another COVID-19 surge or influx of tourists when the economy reopens? MMMC stopped elective surgeries and procedures to conserve PPEs. How will they decide who goes first when they resume these procedures?

The article also listed that Kaiser is “experiencing financial challenges at this time.” Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. had a $4.5 billion profit between April-June 2020. Their best performance in 10 years! Shame on you for blaming the pandemic! Use your profits to update your clinic and not burden the Maui community.

Malu Nuuhiwa

Wailuku