Westside Health   

By Virginia Beck

Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital has been a resource for the Westside since 1938, when it originated as a plantation dispensary. A modern facility opened to the public in 1957, owing to population growth and the efforts of WWII Veterans to make sure the community was up to date. Starting under the Territorial government, by 1965, it was run by the State of Hawai‘i.

A surgical operating suite came as well as clinical services in 1978. In 1992, it saw a new medical/surgical patient wing. And in 2000 a new OB/GYN practice opened the Family Birthing Center, for Baby Friendly, Family Friendly care.

Nurses are at the heart of healthcare, and since Florence Nightingale the training of nursing has developed into a multidisciplinary profession.

Nursing at the bedside, the ER, the OR and the ICU. Clinic nurses are vital partners ensuring patients in the four clinics are well served

Mabel Wilcox, founded the nursing profession on Kaua‘i. She was one of the first graduates from Hawai‘i of John Hopkins School of Nursing. She served behind enemy lines in WWI, in charge of 15 other nurses serving refugees in France. She received awards from the Queen of Belgium and others for her service.

She saw the devastating effects of tuberculosis abroad, as well as on Kaua‘i. Before antibiotics, good nursing, nutrition and hospitalization were essential.

Returning to Kaua‘i, she helped established Mahelona Hospital and Wilcox Hospital, and trained nurses for the plantation dispensaries. KVMH is the evolution of one dispensary.

Nurses, active and retired, created the KVMH Auxiliary as a way to improve patient care, working to raise funds for important needed equipment and furnishings not provided by a state budget.

Over the years, these volunteers have donated thousands of hours to create a gift shop on the hospital premises. It is filled with small items to cheer patients, gifts, cards, and snacks and treats for employees. These determined volunteers raise thousands of dollars to pay for everything from new kitchen equipment, bariatric chairs for larger people, and many items that directly affect patient care. Quarters and dollars add up to significant funds each year.

The nurses have always focused on the patients of the community, “because they are our family.”

Instrumental in willingness to support for the “Ten Times Healthier Babies” project, they partnered with the March of Dimes. The goal was to improve prenatal care and prevent preterm pregnancy. Early access to care, more consistent prenatal visits, prenatal vitamins and free childbirth classes were all emphasized. The Family Birth Center has received numerous donations from the Auxiliary.

Since Kaua‘i runs on the oral tradition of “talk story,” radio advertising funds were secured, and working with HHawaii Media, the Auxiliary met their goals. During morning commute, you could hear prenatal health messages supporting the goals of preventing preterm birth, and ensuring healthier babies.

The resourceful Auxiliary members paid for patient education materials and sponsored the grant.

They also fundraise diligently throughout the year with an annual Bon Dance to cheer patients and community, a Holiday craft fair like no other and the best food at a bon dance!

Over the years, they have given more than $ 80,000 to the hospital and this year, $11,000 in scholarhips for health careers.

New members are always welcome, and you can call 338-9488 to find out how to help.

Aloha makes us great!

• Virginia Beck, NP and Certified Trager® Practitioner, offers Wellness Consultation, Trager Psychophysical Integration and teaches Malama Birth Training classes. She can be reached at 635-5618.