Save the center
Closure of the Hilo Community Surgery Center could potentially be disastrous to health care in Hilo
You don’t know what you have till it’s gone. True of HCSC. Ideally, the hospital and surgery center operate synergistically, with inpatient, complex and emergency cases performed at the hospital, and outpatient cases at the surgery center.
Why should you care if HCSC closes? One day you or your family member will need surgical care. Without HCSC for elective surgery, there will less openings at the hospital, and you will likely be postponed, delayed and/or cancelled.
Emergency cases will bump others or be done much later in the evening, stressing the operating room staff and not ideal for you or your surgeon.
Although the hospital is trying to build up capacity, the current reality is that the operating room schedule is often completely full, running late into the night. Your pocketbook will take a hit if you have a co-pay, as hospital charges are significantly higher than at the surgical center, not to mention complications from delayed or substandard care.
What can we do? Local surgeons, we invite you to explore HCSC’s capabilities. For primary care doctors, consider referrals to surgeons who utilize HCSC or at the very least have procedures done here in Hilo. We have invited and encouraged the hospital-employed physicians to work at HCSC as well.
As a patient, find the best physician and request your operation be done at HCSC. You will receive personalized, compassionate and professional care. Ask anyone who has been here at HCSC.
Most of the staff at HCSC staff have been there for many years. The surgeons and anesthesiologists work both at HCSC and the hospital. HCSC is fully credentialed, with clinical results that rival any other institution.
“Shop Local, Buy Local.” Utilizing local facilities, physicians and specialists, will increase the availability and quality of our Big Island medical capabilities, and there will be more opportunities for local young physicians to return home and care for the ohana.
Peter Matsuura, MD
Hilo
Open Aunty Sally’s
According to the Hawaii County Department of Parks and Recreation, the Aunt Sally Kaleohano’s Luau Hale will be closed until December.
I am alarmed, because they have had two years to undergo renovations. Throughout the years, there are many organizations that have used this facility and even waited in long, early morning hours to have a place on the calendar of events.
Now that we are able to move more freely due to the reduced numbers of COVID cases, it is vital to return to normal where possible. Use could begin with a lottery so groups can return.
We have been socially isolated for the past two years. Resuming the use of Aunty Sally’s now will be good for the mental and physical heath of our community.
It is my hope that the Department of Parks and Recreation will reconsider opening Aunty Sally’s for our community for now.
Much mahalo for the employees who have maintained our parks and bathrooms during the past two years. You are much-appreciated.
Suzanne Hutchins
Hilo
