News Summary
Maui Memorial Medical Center has initiated construction on the new Nan and Wayne Kocourek Clinical Decision Unit, set to enhance emergency care with 12 additional observation beds for chest pain patients. While access will be temporarily modified starting September 3, the emergency services will remain fully operational. Funded by a notable donation and community support, this project aims to significantly improve patient care efficiency and reduce wait times. The CDU is expected to open in late 2026, marking a crucial advancement for healthcare accessibility in Maui.
Maui – Construction has officially commenced on the new Nan and Wayne Kocourek Clinical Decision Unit (CDU) at Maui Memorial Medical Center (MMMC). This essential addition aims to boost the efficiency and quality of emergency care by adding 12 observation beds specifically for patients experiencing chest pain. The project highlights the commitment of Maui Health to enhance patient flow and minimize emergency room wait times, ultimately improving community care.
Temporary changes to access will take effect on September 3, 2025, as the project enters its first phase. During this time, the emergency room (ER) entrance, registration area, and waiting room will undergo relocation. Despite these adjustments, MMMC’s emergency services will remain fully operational throughout the construction phases, which are expected to extend into 2026.
Maui Health has assured the community that emergency care services will not be disrupted during the construction period. Additionally, the organization plans ongoing communication with the public via local media, social media platforms, and its official website to provide updates on the construction process.
The CDU construction was made possible through a generous $1 million donation from Nan and Wayne Kocourek, whose contribution catalyzed further funding for the project. Additional financial support has been drawn from community donors, Kaiser Permanente, and the state of Hawaii, demonstrating a broad base of community involvement in improving local healthcare infrastructure.
A blessing ceremony was held on March 10, 2025, to celebrate the project’s initiation, with the presence of state officials, community leaders, and the project benefactors. Following this ceremonial blessing, pre-construction activities began, paving the way for the anticipated buildout of the Emergency Department.
Once completed, the new CDU is projected to open in the fourth quarter of 2026, offering a streamlined approach to patient diagnosis and monitoring for those not requiring inpatient admission. This innovative design is expected to increase capacity in the busy emergency department at MMMC, directly addressing the healthcare needs of the community.
The introduction of the CDU is regarded as a pivotal development in enhancing healthcare accessibility in Maui, aligning with Maui Health’s ongoing efforts, especially in the context of recovery for individuals affected by recent fires on the island. By expanding facilities and resources, Maui Health aims to support the overall health and well-being of the community.
Maui Health Foundation Board President emphasized the importance of the Kocourek family’s contributions, underscoring their significant role in securing necessary funding. The CDU’s establishment is anticipated to not only improve the operational aspects of emergency care but also elevate the overall quality of patient care in the region.
As the construction unfolds over the next couple of years, Maui Health has reiterated its dedication to maintaining a standard of care for emergency services while working on this critical facility. The collaborative nature of the project’s funding and community engagement reflects a shared commitment to improving healthcare resources on the island.
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Additional Resources
- Maui Now: Maui Memorial Medical Center Begins Construction on New Clinical Decision Unit
- Maui News: Maui Health Foundation Plans to Open Clinical Decision Unit in 2026
- Maui Now: Construction Now Underway for New Clinical Decision Unit at Maui Memorial Medical Center
- Wikipedia: Clinical Decision Unit
- Hawaii Business: Maui Strong Fund Grantmaking to Target Housing, Mental Health
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