A shift in care?
I have used Hospice of Hilo twice in the past — for my partner’s father in 2004, and for my father in 2014.
Both times, the nurses and attendants were open and friendly, inspiring dependence on their assistance, and had good rapport with the patient. The fathers were both in their 90s when they died.
My partner is in the last stages of cancer, weeks to months left, and I was understandably pleased when he was referred to Hospice in May. I can do his 24/7 care, but Hospice covers my back with their assistance and ability to get medicines that treat his symptoms.
I was disheartened to learn that Hospice is no longer Hospice — a name that is recognized worldwide for their good work — and has become Hawaii Care Choices, a nebulous phrase at best, not delineating what they care for, nor the choices offered.
Unfortunately, this name change seems to have further bureaucratized the management of Hospice, and communication with patients, their families and their caregivers has taken a dive.
The nurse my partner was assigned quickly endeared herself to both of us with her adept handling of his condition and the emotional effects of his situation. She inspired confidence and honesty, a professional.
After two weeks of home visits with her, another nurse came out, saying our usual nurse was on vacation. The next week the other nurse came again, and said our usual nurse was not our nurse any longer, and that she was assigned our case.
In asking what happened, I met a brick wall of “I don’t knows” from nurses, the social worker assigned us and finally from the director of clinical services, with the phrase, “I can’t divulge that information.”
This is unacceptable to my partner and me, as well as being unprofessional; communication is the backbone.
I hope our previous nurse is OK, having no idea whether she became ill, resigned, was fired, went to the mainland — no communication or openness.
This letter is not meant to demean the fine work hospices do around the world, helping many people to live more bearable lives when the end is in sight.
Peter Dillingham
Pahoa
Efficiency and respect
This letter is in regard to the operation and management of the Hawaii Community Correctional Center.
Myself and others were told to arrive at 9 a.m. to pick up inmates that were to be released. We sat and waited, and as I write this it has been one hour and 10 minutes late.
I asked officers about the delay and was told next to nothing, while they indifferently sized me up, making me feel like a problem.
I called into the jail and was told it just happens and that they get out when they get out, and blamed it on paperwork.
I am not a criminal. Neither are the others waiting for their friends and loved ones. Our time is valuable, as well.
Considering we pay the salaries and costs of the facility, a higher level of efficiency and respect for those depending on the operation of HCCC to be smooth and professional is not too much to ask.
Phillip Petty
Mountain View
