The Queen’s Health Systems in the midst of several expansion projects to improve access to care

In a landmark partnership, The Queen’s Health Systems, Hawai‘i’s largest private health care organization, has teamed with the Hawai‘i Health Systems Corp. to develop a new outpatient care center in Kailua-Kona on Hawaiʻi Island. 

Queen’s previously announced it is building a new hospital in HHSC’s fast-growing West Hawai‘i region and will further donate 3 to 5 acres of land for a 50,000-square-foot medical facility adjacent to the new hospital. 

“This new outpatient care center will provide a seamless transition between inpatient and outpatient care, while creating a one-stop hub for primary and specialty care services that will reduce wait and travel times for patients,” says Jason Chang, The Queen’s Health Systems president and CEO. “The new medical center is expected to enhance West Hawaiʻi region’s ability to attract and retain providers at a time when the region is facing a critical physician shortage.” 

At The Queen’s Medical Center – West Oʻahu, home to the second-busiest emergency department in the state, a project is underway to add 32 additional care spaces to the ER, and 48 additional inpatient care spaces.  

Queen’s Uytengsu Family Emergency Department at Punchbowl is also expanding. Phase 1 of the expansion opened in June, increasing the number of treatment rooms from 35 to 76 and enhancing behavioral health services. Construction on Phase 2, which will include isolation rooms to contain infectious diseases, a trauma wing and high-acuity care spaces, will begin soon. 

“At Queen’s, we have the state’s only Level 1 trauma center, the only comprehensive stroke center, only organ transplant program, and the busiest STEMI center,” Chang says, referring to the Queen’s rapid response center for victims of severe heart attacks and other serious conditions. “We also care for the greatest number of patients with behavioral health conditions. Our caregivers are committed to upholding our mission of providing, in perpetuity, quality health care services to improve the well-being of Native Hawaiians and all the people of Hawai‘i.”