StarBulletin.com

Queen's celebrates 150 years


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POSTED: Tuesday, August 25, 2009

In this year of grand anniversaries, count the Queen's Medical Center among the celebrants. In its 150-year history, the hospital marked many island firsts. From the first blood test performed (1905) to the first diabetic clinic (1940) to the first open heart surgery (1959), the hospital continues to expand its services and technology to suit community needs.

Queen's also recently became the first hospital in Hawaii to achieve Magnet status, the highest institutional honor awarded for hospital excellence. The honor is bestowed by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and is held by less than 5 percent of hospitals in the United States.

“;It is a testament to the solid commitment our entire team has made to strive for the highest standards of excellence for the people of Hawaii,”; said Art Ushijima, president of the Queen's Medical Center. Staffers prepared a stack of documents 15 inches high and participated in a three-day intensive visit by representatives of ANCC during the rigorous application review process.

The Queen's Hospital, established by Queen Emma and King Kamehameha IV in 1859, was the first hospital to be founded by royalty as a response to the introduction of diseases that began decimating the native Hawaiian population after Western contact. Modern times may have eliminated and controlled the old scourges of yesteryear, such as smallpox and measles, but new challenges like SARS and H1N1 continue to arise. Diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer are still major concerns.

In recent decades, Queen's introduced preventive care and has become known for a roster of classes to help people learn to manage their health through yoga, smoking cessation and weight- and diabetes-management classes.

For more information, visit the hospital's Historical Room near its admitting office. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.

               

     

 

HIGHLIGHTS

       

1860 New hospital opened
        1905 First known bloodtest performed in Hawaii
        1906 First spinal anesthetic given in Hawaii
        1910 First X-ray equipment introduced
        1916 Queen's School of Nursing opened
        1938 Mental Health Clinic opened
        1940 First diabetic clinic in Hawaii established
        1959 First open heart surgery in Hawaii performed at Queen's
        1960 Nuclear Medicine department opened
        1968 Coronary Care Unit opened
        1978 Trauma team formed for major emergencies
        1982 New outpatient oncology department established
        1986 Comprehensive Home Care Program established
        1989 New obstetrics department opened/Breast Health Center established
        1996 The first and only Neuro-Intensive care unit in Hawaii opened
        1997 Queen's first in Hawaii to use 3-D simulation for radiation therapy cancer patients
        1998 PET Imaging Center opened; The Family Treatment Center opened to treat adolescent behavioral disorders; Queen's acquired the first MRI scanner in Hawaii; the comprehensive genetics center opened
        2005 Queen's and John A. Burns School of Medicine enter into a joint venture to establish the first MRI images that study how drug abuse affects the brain
        2006 Native Hawaiian Health Program established
        2007 Introduced da Vinci robotic surgery to Hawaii; the first single incision laparoscopic surgery was performed, removing a gallbladder through the belly button.
        2008 Partnered with Emergency Medical Services by providing portable EKG units in City & County ambulances.

       

Source: Queen's Medical Center

       

               

     

 

UPCOMING CLASSES

» Spirituality & Cancer: Facilitated by a hospital chaplain, to address the spiritual needs of patients and family members. Takes place 9 to 10 a.m. Sept. 9 at the Cancer Center. Call 545-8984.

       

» Baby Massage & Exercise: Learn exercises to relieve your baby's gas, colic and chest congestion. From 10 to 11 a.m. Saturdays, Sept. 12 to Oct. 3 at the Queen Emma Tower, 10th floor. Cost is $65 per baby (includes two adults).

       

» Yoga Basics: Learn poses that will invigorate, rejuvenate and restore the body, mind and spirit. Suitable for all levels, no experience required. From 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays, Sept. 14 to Oct. 26. Cost is $60 for six classes.

       

» Facials & Rejuvenating Peels: Enjoy a customized facial from 1 to 5 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays (no session on Sept. 7). Cost is $54 for 50 minutes, $27 for 25 minutes and $98 for a peel and facial. Call 537-7734 for an appointment.

       

To register, call 537-7117 or check online at http://www.queensmedicalcenter.net. A complete schedule is available on the Web site.