WAILUKU — Maui Memorial Medical Center will no longer charge extra fees to mothers who want a private room after giving birth.
WAILUKU — Maui Memorial Medical Center will no longer charge extra fees to mothers who want a private room after giving birth.
The Maui Health System announced the change on Monday, the Maui News reported . The rate for a private postpartum room was $152 per night starting in 2009, and then jumped to $672 when Maui Health System took over operations of the hospital July 1.
Maui Health System Director of Communications Chastell Ely said in July that when a patient requests a private room, space is not available for another patient. But all mothers who give birth will now get a private room, as long as one is available.
“With this change, more families will be able to celebrate the birth of their little ones in a private postpartum setting,” said Dr. Michael Kim, medical director of Women’s and Children’s Health Services at the hospital.
Since July 1, more than 400 babies have been born at the hospital. The average stay is about 40 hours, according to a hospital news release.
“We will make every effort to provide families private opportunities to bond with their new baby,” said Dr. Martin Newman, obstetrics and gynecology medical staff department chairman. “There is an intense attachment that occurs between parents and their baby in the hours following the birth.”
The hospital is working on other projects to improve the patient experience for moms, babies and visitors, including looking at room refurbishments and adding a lounge area for partners to rest, according to the release.