The Queen’s Health Systems announced today it completed the purchase of Wahiawa General Hospital (WGH), welcoming it to Queen’s and renaming it The Queen’s Medical Center—Wahiawā.
“It’s a privilege for Queen’s to have the opportunity to build upon WGH’s strong foundation and begin serving the people of Wahiawā, Central O‘ahu and the North Shore,” said Jill Hoggard Green, PhD, RN, President and CEO of The Queen’s Health Systems. “Queen’s stands ready to provide high quality, compassionate care, and we are committed to preserving access to emergency services while increasing services available throughout the Queen’s network.”
WGH, a nonprofit hospital opened in 1957, serves more than 150,000 residents and the communities of Wahiawā, Central O‘ahu and the North Shore. It is an important part of the health care continuum for the communities it serves. As part of the due diligence process during the acquisition by Queen’s, WGH’s board, administration, physicians and staff had the opportunity to be a part of the process.
“In today’s rapidly changing health care environment, we must consistently expand and enhance care and delivery models,” said Brian Cunningham, CEO of Wahiawa General Hospital. “I am grateful that Wahiawā, and the communities of Central O‘ahu and the North Shore, will be a part of The Queen’s Health Systems, and leadership from both organizations are committed to making this transition as seamless as possible.”
“Queen’s plans to immediately renovate and strengthen the Emergency Department and diagnostic services,” said Robin Kalohelani, RN, MSN/Ed, CCM, FACHE, Regional VP for Operations, Central and West Oahu, ACNO. “Because Queen’s Medical Center—Wahiawā is the nearest emergency department for the residents of Wahiawā, Central O‘ahu and the North Shore, this will be our initial priority. We are committed to reopening an enhanced emergency department at Queen’s Medical Center-Wahiawā that best serves the needs of the people in the community. We anticipate opening in the summer of 2024.”
With this acquisition, the community will have access to a broader network of physicians, specialists and services through Queen’s University Medical Group (QUMG). With more than 700 physicians and specialists, QUMG provides expanded clinical services and leading edge resources for specialized care.
Queen’s engaged with WGH employees, offering employment to nearly 100 WGH caregivers and encouraging current employees at WGH to explore the many opportunities available at Queen’s various locations. “Queen’s Medical Center-Wahiawā enables Queen’s to further fulfill our mission to improve the health and well-being of Native Hawaiians and all the people of Hawai‘i,” said Dr. Hoggard Green. “We are honored and delighted to extend our work into Wahiawā, Central O‘ahu and the North Shore ensuring everyone there has access to high quality, compassionate care that is close to home.”
