• A new record for visits to hospital? • Thanks to all who voted in KIUC election A new record for visits to hospital? I am fairly new to Kaua‘i but have lived in Hawai‘i for 16 years. Most of
• A new record for visits to hospital? • Thanks to all who voted in KIUC election
A new record for visits to hospital?
I am fairly new to Kaua‘i but have lived in Hawai‘i for 16 years. Most of that time was on O‘ahu. My husband grew up on Kaua‘i since he was in seventh grade. My biggest concern moving from O‘ahu to Kaua‘i in 2005 was having access and receiving excellent medical care if need be. Everything I heard about outer island care was scary, uncertain and costly. Overall my health was not a concern but what if…. Well folks, “Welcome to 40 was a real challenge,” and “what if” showed up. For the past three years I have one thing after another happen medically. Thank goodness I had Wilcox and Kaua‘i Medical Clinic services. I thought of many ways I could show my appreciation. Mail a card, fill out the surveys your provider mails you, make a cake?? Well hear I am putting my effort on paper for all of Kaua‘i to see.
I recently learned about perimenopause (look it up ladies). My thyroid, cortisol and vitamin D was very low = challenged energy. Special thanks to Marghee Maupin NP who specializes in women’s health. With the help of Dr. Trpkovsky, Dr. Scheppers, Dr. Littler supporting Marghee I have made good progress.
This was a service I thought I would have to go to O‘ahu or the Mainland for. I had an entire lab work-up done, three pages, outlining what my levels are and what they should be. It really made sense and helped me move forward with treatment plans. Every man and woman should have there hormone levels checked the minute they feel “tired all the time, low energy” (35-40 years). Basic labs might show you are in the normal range but for men and women a closer look can reveal so much more. This is why your general doctor might miss things. That is why we have specialized services. None of these health issues were life threatening to me however it was life changing. Mahalo to Dr. Rao, neurology, for seeing me in the ER regarding my migraine troubles. I look forward to improvements!
So I’m getting on track and I injure my back. Two herniated discs. Thanks to Wilcox Physical Therapy Department, many physical-therapy appointments, some homework and time to heal, I have done well. I appreciated your professional work environment, friendly, well educated PT staff. A few months go by and I am doing well until I twist my ankle taking out the trash. So here I am back with PT services and an ankle surgery with orthopedics, Dr. Pohlman. As I go along I start to learn more and more about how advanced and high tech Wilcox and Kaua‘i Medical Clinic are. So you would think I had enough but no. Due to a possible genetic factor I learn about Dr. Keith, Davone and staff with gastroenterology. I received the tests, procedures, treatment and care plan along with the services of Dr. Chris Jordan (ear, nose and throat). I am doing much better, with a positive outcome thanks to the efficient care of Wilcox and Kaua‘i Medical Clinic. Note so far I have never had to go to O‘ahu. Mahalo to everyone who crossed my path on the way to my appointments, I appreciate all of you and your departments.
To sum things up…
I think I have a record for the most visits in less than a year to the surgical department.
I had five procedures and my husband had two. I just want everyone to know that the Wilcox Surgical Center is beyond high tech, caring, professional and awesome at what they do day in and day out for Kaua‘i! U DA BES! And we are fortunate to have such an amazing center available to us. I can’t thank Wilcox enough for investing the time and money for our surgery center.
I look at my success as a collaborative effort due to the finely tuned medical professionals who strive and will continue to strive to bring all of Kaua‘i the best. I know many others out there have similar stories about there hospitals and care providers of choice. Do tell, Kaua‘i is growing and so are our needs. Let’s keep it Kaua‘i right down to our medical services. In most cases all the services you need are right here on Kaua‘i. Mahalo and fill out your medical-provider surveys you receive in the mail. Think of it as a census for quality care and future service needs.
Donna Pickard, Wailua Homesteads
Thanks to all who voted in KIUC election
I would like to thank all the member-owners of KIUC who participated in the co-op’s election this year and a personal mahalo to those who voted for me. I am humbled by the support that was shown for my attempt to become a board member of KIUC and to have a stronger voice and vote in setting our utility’s vision and goals.
I believe that KIUC has some initiatives that are moving in the direction they need to but am still concerned that they are not moving fast enough nor do we have enough board members truly committed to achieving a sustainable-energy future — the talk is present but the actions do not convince me.
I look forward to KIUC addressing energy-conservation issues, initiating alternative-energy projects to assist in stabilizing our rates and getting us less dependent on foreign fuels, and developing rate structures that assist in conservation which will all help eliminate the need for additional generation capacity. I hope that as KIUC addresses these issues they become a more truly cooperative utility and operate less like an investor-owned utility.
I wish the newest member of the board, Jan TenBruggencate, along with Carol Bain and Allen Smith the best and hope that the entire board truly develops a vision and follows with actions that move us toward a path of energy independence and full sustainability. The member owners of KIUC deserve nothing less.
Pat Gegen, Kalaheo
