MEDIA RELEASE

Hilo Medical Center

Hilo, Hawaii – Governor Neil Abercrombie’s December 26 release of funds for capital improvement projects (CIP) included $1,771,000 for Hilo Medical Center to replace dietary equipment that was installed when the hospital was built more than 25 years ago in 1985.

“I would like to thank the Governor for releasing funds to replace our aging refrigeration units, a key component of one of the most essential services in the hospital,” said Howard Ainsley, CEO of the East Hawaii Region of Hawaii Health Systems Corporation. “Hilo Medical Center is a full service hospital and operates as a little city within Hilo. The new equipment will ensure that we continue to meet food safety requirements and provide nutritious meals to our patients, visitors and staff.”

On average, the hospital’s Food and Nutrition Services Department prepares upwards of 875 meals per day for patients, visitors and staff. This CIP funding is a part of the $21.7 million allocated for state hospitals within the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation.