News Summary
Maui Memorial Medical Center has announced the start of construction on a new Clinical Decision Unit (CDU) designed to enhance emergency healthcare services. The CDU will feature 12 observation beds for patients with acute conditions, aiming to improve patient flow and reduce ER wait times. As the project unfolds, the emergency department will remain fully operational, ensuring continuous care. Significant funding has been received from community donations, including a major contribution from local philanthropists. This initiative is a crucial step towards improving healthcare accessibility and response on the island.
Maui, Hawaii – Construction Begins on New Clinical Decision Unit at Maui Memorial Medical Center
Maui Memorial Medical Center (MMMC) is set to begin construction on a new Clinical Decision Unit (CDU), aimed at enhancing emergency healthcare services on the island. The project, announced by Maui Health, includes the addition of 12 observation beds specifically designed for patients experiencing chest pain and other acute conditions, with the goal of improving patient flow and reducing wait times in the emergency room (ER).
Details of the Construction and Impact on Emergency Services
Construction activities for the Nan and Wayne Kocourek Clinical Decision Unit are scheduled to commence with Phase 1 starting on September 3, 2025. During this initial phase, temporary changes will be made to the ER’s access points, including relocating the ER entrance, registration area, and waiting room. These adjustments are planned to facilitate construction while ensuring patient care remains uninterrupted. The entire construction process, which will unfold in multiple phases, is expected to continue through 2026.
Despite these developments, the emergency department will remain fully operational throughout the construction period. The hospital has assured the community that there will be no interruption in emergency care services, emphasizing their commitment to providing continuous support during the construction process.
Funding, Donors, and Support for the Project
The project received a significant boost from community donations and contributions from local organizations. A key donor, Nan and Wayne Kocourek, contributed $1 million, which served as a catalyst for additional funding. This generous donation, along with support from Kaiser Permanente and the state of Hawaii, helped finance the CDU’s construction.
The Kocoureks’ donation was highlighted during a blessing ceremony held on March 10, 2025. Attended by community leaders and officials, the event marked the formal kickoff of the project with the purpose of blessing the new facility and acknowledging the support behind it.
Purpose and Expected Benefits of the New CDU
The Clinical Decision Unit is designed to streamline diagnosis and monitoring of patients who do not require inpatient admission but need observation for conditions such as chest pain, monitoring for possible deterioration, or further assessment. This will help reduce unnecessary hospital admissions, decrease ER overcrowding, and enable quicker diagnosis and treatment.
The project aims to improve the overall quality of emergency care in Maui by increasing capacity and efficiency in one of the busiest hospital departments. The new unit is projected to open in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Community and Healthcare Impact
The construction of the CDU is considered a vital step in enhancing healthcare accessibility on Maui. It is expected to support an increased capacity for emergency response and improve patient outcomes. Additionally, Maui Health’s leadership expressed gratitude for community patience during construction activities.
Maui Health continues its broader efforts to support the recovery and health of residents affected by recent fires on the island and maintains focus on implementing long-term healthcare solutions to meet the community’s needs.
Leadership and Community Engagement
Maui Health Foundation Board President Tamar Goodfellow acknowledged the Kocoureks’ leadership and generosity in making the project possible. The ongoing construction underscores Maui Health’s commitment to improving emergency health services and delivering high-quality care for residents and visitors alike.
To keep the public well-informed, Maui Health has committed to providing updates through local media outlets, social media platforms, and its official website as the project progresses.
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Additional Resources
- Maui Now: Maui Memorial Medical Center Begins Construction on New Clinical Decision Unit
- Maui News: Maui Health Foundation Plans to Open Clinical Decision Unit in 2026
- Maui Now: Construction Now Underway for New Clinical Decision Unit at Maui Memorial Medical Center
- Wikipedia: Clinical Decision Unit
- Hawaii Business: Maui Strong Fund Grantmaking to Target Housing, Mental Health
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