Maui Health System Announces Change for Patients Requesting Private Postpartum Rooms
Wailuku, Hawaii (October 31, 2017) – When Maui Health System assumed operation of the state hospital in July, we continued a prior practice of charging families requesting a private postpartum room. Effective November 1, 2017, we will no longer collect fees for a private room. All patients will be given a private room if one is available when admitted.
“At Maui Health System, we know patients trust us to provide high-quality, affordable health care, and we’re committed to responding to the needs and feedback of the community and our patients,” said Dr. Michael Kim, Medical Director of Women’s and Children’s Health Services. “With this change, more families will be able to celebrate the birth of their little ones in a private postpartum setting.”
Since July 1, over 400 babies have been born at Maui Memorial Medical Center. The average stay in the hospital is about 40 hours. Based on our assessment over the past three months, the majority of new moms will be able to get a private room during their stay.
“We will make every effort to provide families private opportunities to bond with their new baby,” said Dr. Martin Newman, OB/GYN medical staff department chair. “There is an intense attachment that occurs between parents and their baby in the hours following the birth.”
Preferred visiting hours in OB are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. for general visitors; however, Maui Memorial Medical Center now allows open visitation, anytime, for one adult support individual of the patient’s choice, unless this poses a risk to patient safety.
“We’ve had an opportunity to review our visitation policy, and we know that for many new moms, it’s important to them to have overnight postpartum support from a family member or friend,” said Dr. David Ulin, Chief Medical Director. “We’re delighted to be able to help our patients feel more comfortable during their stay, but we also ask that families be respectful of others during these quiet hours, as sleep is critical to new moms in recovery, as well as their infants.”
Maui Memorial Medical Center is working on other projects to improve the patient experience for moms, babies and visitors, including looking at room refurbishments and adding a lounge area for partners to rest.
About Maui Health System
Maui Health System, community hospitals and associated clinics, affiliated with Kaiser Permanente, includes Maui Memorial Medical Center, Kula Hospital, and Lāna‘i Community Hospital, and associated clinics, and serves the people of Maui and Lāna‘i. The facilities under Maui Health System are open to all patients regardless of health insurance coverage. Maui Health System is committed to delivering high quality, affordable, patient-centered health care and improving the health of the community. Maui Health System is supported by Kaiser Permanente’s industry-leading technology systems, evidence-based medicine and nationally recognized care quality. For more information, go to mauihealthsystem.org.