As a result of staffing shortages brought on by the latest COVID-19 surge, Kona Community Hospital (KCH) has activated its contingency and crisis staffing plan.

The decision was made to implement strict staffing strategies in alignment with current guidelines provided by the CDC and the Hawaiʻi Department of Health. Contingency staffing is now in place hospital-wide. In this model, exposed staff are permitted to work, but remain in quarantine under DOH care. COVID positive staff members are following guidelines that are already in place for isolation, COVID testing and return to work. A crisis staffing model will be implemented on a department-by-department basis based on a daily assessment of capacity and personnel need. The hospital’s emergency department initiated crisis staffing today. Under the crisis staffing model, a COVID positive staff member may be allowed to return to work with prioritization consideration given to whether the employee is asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic. These staff members will adhere to isolation guidelines while at work, and remain under the care of the DOH.

In addition to the temporary staffing strategies, visitor restrictions have been reinstated as another measure to mitigate the potential for further exposure within the hospital. KCH will reopen to visitors when it is considered safe for patients and staff.