by Sonja Evensen, UH Student
Health Education Program graduate students of the School of Public Health at the University of Hawaii recently conducted surveys on behalf of the Waimanalo Health Center (WHC). Users of WHC were interviewed to determine the patient satisfaction level and nonusers were surveyed to assess the health needs of the community at large. The results will be considered by the health center staff and board in planning for improved services and future activities.
The majority of WHC patients rated services excellent or very good. Among the reasons given were the quality of care, friendly and caring staff, the convenience of location and clinic hours, and the ability to get an appointment on short notice.
One patient commented, "Dr. Akina is a wonderful doctor who always takes the time to call back and really follows my condition." Another patient had praise for the pediatrics clinic, "The clinic has been very helpful and considerate towards my kids and I. Dr. Wengler is fast and accurate and the nurses are sincere."
Most of the Waimanalo residents surveyed who do not use the Center's services receive their health care from Kaiser and other HMSA providers. The majority of those employed work in Honolulu and many have jobs in other Windward towns.
Residents were asked what type of health education programs they would like to see offered at the Center. There is a strong interest in learning about Hawaiian healing practices, CPR, and basic first aid. When asked for other ideas for improving services, a number of people recommended expanding clinic hours to evenings and Saturdays.
While almost everyone surveyed knew about the Waimanalo Health Center, many people did not know that it is managed by the community and not by the State of Hawaii. Although the health center was a state facility for approximately 20 years, many years of effort by dedicated community members successfully transformed it into a community-based nonprofit primary health care center in 1992. Membership in the Waimanalo Health Center is open to all persons of legal age who live in the Waimanalo area and who use the Center's services. They are eligible to vote for members of the Board of Directors at the annual meeting. Board members are responsible for planning, managing, and controlling the affairs of WHC.
Because the state-run facility only provided services to women of childbearing age and children, another misconception often heard by the surveyors was that WHC's services are not available for everyone. This could not be further from the truth. WHC is dedicated to providing quality care to anyone needing services. Primary and preventive health care is available, including adult medicine, pediatric care, prenatal care, family planning, health and nutrition education, social services, and referrals to specialists. The Center accepts almost every type of health insurance plan, helps patients apply for MEDQUEST, and offers a sliding fee scale to those without insurance. The Center sees patients from all areas of Oahu; Waimanalo residency is not required.
The UH students and the Waimanalo Health Center extend their heartfelt mahalo to all of you who participated in the survey. Your thoughtful responses and comments are much appreciated. Mahalo for sharing your mana'o with us. It was a great learning experience.