The Queen’s Medical Center-Manamana (QMC) will be upgrading its existing Emergency Department to better meet the current and future needs of patients and communities in today’s rapidly changing health care environment.
QMC’s Emergency Department, the busiest in Hawaiʻi, cares for nearly 70,000 patients each year and serves as the front door for the majority of the state’s critically ill and most vulnerable populations since it is the only Level 1 trauma center, only comprehensive stroke center, only organ transplant program, and the busiest STEMI center. QMC’s Emergency Department also cares for the greatest number of patients with behavioral health conditions.
“The Queen’s Medical Center was founded to fulfill the intent of Queen Emma and King Kamehameha IV with a mission to improve the well-being of Native Hawaiians and all of the people of Hawai’i,” said Jill Hoggard Green, PhD, RN, President and CEO of The Queen’s Health System. “Enhancing QMC’s Emergency Department will increase access to life-saving emergent services while strengthening our commitment to provide equitable healthcare for all.”
As part of The Queen’s Health System’s multi-campus master plan, QMC will begin construction in May 2023 to expand and modernize its Emergency Department. This renovation will include:
- Increasing the number of treatment rooms from 40 to 91 and upgrading the Level 1 Trauma Center.
- Expanding the Emergency Department’s size to accommodate the latest in medical technology, including dedicated diagnostic and treatment facilities with state-of-the-art CT and X-Ray services.
- Expanding behavioral health services to include a dedicated space for patients with behavioral health needs in an environment that provides the safest care and maintains the dignity of every individual.
- Improving patient flow to allow for the safe separation of patients with suspected or confirmed infectious disease from the rest of the patient population, including those at higher risk of contracting an infectious disease due to pre-existing conditions.
- Upgrading mechanical systems to allow for negative air pressure and enhanced air filtration, as well as improved surface and air disinfection to prevent the spread of the viruses.
Construction is expected to last through late 2024, and Queen’s is committed to making sure that patient visits continue with minimal inconvenience. Clear signage will be placed both outside and inside the facility to guide visitors to their destinations during this time. “This project will create an improved patient experience, and the safety of patients, visitors and staff is at the forefront of the design,” Dr. Hoggard Green said. “We appreciate everyone’s support and patience as we work towards creating a more advanced facility that will benefit our state for years to come.”
