Mother's Heartfelt Plea for Patient Care Amid Hospital Nurses Conflict

7-year-old Skylar Koga, who suffers from a rare neurological condition, has been a frequent visitor to Kapiolani Medical Center since birth. Last week, during a five-day hospital stay, his mother, Yuzo Mochizuki, expressed concerns over the quality of patient care amid the ongoing nurses conflict.
Voices of Concern
Mochizuki described a distressing scenario where her son was ignored by overworked temporary nursing staff as he struggled with vomiting and low oxygen levels. She pointed out the lack of adequate staffing as a key reason behind the compromised care. The recent tragic death of 4-year-old Ava Agbayani further intensified Mochizuki's fears, prompting her to raise her voice before more lives are lost.
Seeking Accountability
The hospital's response came through Gidget Ruscetta, RN, the chief operating officer at Kapiolani Medical Center, who emphasized the collaborative nature of patient care involving temporary nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals. Ruscetta assured that any concerns would be addressed promptly. Despite negative incidents, the hospital has received positive feedback about the temporary nursing staff.
Protest and Advocacy
Amid the tensions, ten individuals were arrested during a protest outside the hospital for obstruction. John Witeck, a Hawaii Workers Center board member and one of the arrestees, expressed his emotional motivation to prevent such tragedies from recurring. In an internal memo to the medical staff, Hawaii Pacific Health's president and CEO, Ray Vara, expressed sorrow over any patient loss. Vara clarified that the hospital's quality of care remains unperturbed by the ongoing conflict, citing previous successful patient care outcomes.
Urgent Call for Action
Mochizuki's plea sheds light on the critical need for maintaining high standards of patient care amidst challenging circumstances. As the nurses conflict continues, ensuring the well-being of all patients at Kapiolani Medical Center remains a top priority for all stakeholders involved.