Page 3 - August 2020 Ulupono

Together as One 'Ohana
Aloha `Ohana,
Over the past few weeks, most of the country has experienced significant increases in COVID-19 cases. This includes Hawaii. For many of us, when we hear this news on television or in our newspapers, it almost doesn’t seem real.
Well, I am here to tell you it is. We have seen an alarming increase of positive cases in our state, with a significant surge in the past three weeks alone. This surge not only has affected the lives of people with COVID-19, it has impacted their friends, family and neighbors who they’ve
Mobile MRI Arrives
by Kristen Polenz, Director of Imaging
Adventist Health Castle's mobile MRI trailer arrived as the first step in replacing Castle's current MRI and CT machines. MRI’s will be performed in the trailer
for the next 10 months as the new MRI machine is installed in a larger, more comfortable space for our patients.
The GE Signa MRI machine in the trailer is a fully capable, modern scanner that many hospitals use as their main MRI, and will allow us to continue to care
for our patients and even offer some increased comforts and services during
been in contact with as well. We’re hearing of younger people testing positive for COVID-19, many of whom don’t have any underlying health conditions. The virus has proven to be very unpredictable. Our physicians agree, without a doubt, this is a serious issue that is growing rapidly and it’s very concerning for our state.
COVID-19 is a real threat to our lives and livelihoods. Thriving communities like ours depend on a robust economy powered by healthy people. Right now, both are at risk. If we have a significant outbreak of this virus in our community, we will continue to see economic stress for a long time to come.
The quickest way to get back to thriving is to come together as a community and support each other by doing what we can to minimize the spread of COVID-19. This is about acting now to protect our friends, our `ohana and neighbors from getting sick. By physical distancing – staying at least 6 feet away from others
– washing our hands and wearing a mask, we can protect those around us. For those who may be skeptical about wearing a mask, health experts have concluded there is strong evidence that masks prevent the spread of COVID-19,
this transition period.
Next May MRI services will move into our new space with exciting new machines and new capabilities. Stay tuned!
especially since it can be transmitted by those who are carrying the virus but don’t have symptoms or feel sick.
At Adventist Health Castle, we’ve taken extra steps to prepare and protect you. Whether you need emergency care, an elective surgery or an appointment with your doctor, it’s important you don’t delay. You now have more options to see your doctor – in-person or by virtual visit. Daily COVID-19 screening, universal masking, physical distancing, heightened cleaning and disinfecting and visitor restrictions are just a few of many ways you can feel confident and safe. Our hospital, emergency room and clinics
are offering a full range of healthcare services, so you and your family can get the care you need to stay healthy.
Thank you for doing your part and asking your `ohana and friends to do the same. We will continue to do our part as well. Now is the time we need to come together to act, because what we do today will forever impact the future.
Mahalo nui loa,
Kathryn A. Raethel
President, Adventist Health Castle
AUGUST 2020 - ULUPONO
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