Kaiser Permanente expands maternity services on Maui

HONOLULU — Kaiser Permanente in Hawaii recently announced the expansion of its maternity services on Maui, bringing enhanced care and support to expectant parents and their families on the island. This initiative comes at a crucial time, after the only private practice obstetrics group on Maui stopped providing obstetrical care, limiting access across the island.   

Starting in April 2024, Kaiser Permanente will introduce a suite of new services designed to ensure comprehensive care and support for birth parents and newborns. The expansion of Maui’s largest OB-GYN department includes the addition of three certified nurse-midwives, a nurse practitioner, and an eighth OB-GYN physician to its team, providing members with personalized and expert care throughout the pregnancy journey.

Highlights of the expanded services include:

• KP Connected: Already live, this innovative program offers a flexible option for low-risk prenatal care, combining in-person and virtual visits. Expectant birth parents will receive a kit that includes a blood pressure cuff and a fetal Doppler (handheld ultrasound tool) for convenient at-home monitoring. Initially piloted on Oahu, this program is now available to our members on Maui, highlighting the organization’s dedication to accessible and adaptable prenatal care.
• Maternal Newborn Clinic: Launching in May 2024, this clinic is aimed at providing immediate care to birth parents and newborns after discharge from the hospital. Within 48 hours after birth, both baby and birth parent will undergo a thorough assessment, setting a new standard of care on Maui.
• Centering Pregnancy: Beginning in June 2024, the Kaiser Permanente Wailuku Medical Office will host group support sessions that aim to foster a sense of community among pregnant members and their partners, allowing them to share experiences and support one another through their pregnancy journey.

“Obstetrical care is so vital to having a safe and healthy pregnancy,” said Kristin Redenbaugh, DO, Maui section chief of OB-GYN for Kaiser Permanente in Hawaii. “I’m thrilled that we’re able to expand our services for pregnant patients and their keiki, so that they can continue to receive their care on the Valley Isle.”

These expanded maternity services on Maui underscore Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to ensuring that every family has access to the care and support it needs for a healthy start in life. Early and regular prenatal care is critical for a healthy pregnancy. Prenatal care not only significantly lowers the risk of preterm births but also aids in identifying potential complications that might go unnoticed without regular monitoring. Furthermore, prenatal care establishes a foundation of support and trust between expectant parents and their health care team, ensuring a continuum of care that is essential for everyone’s health.

Greg Christian, Hawaii market president, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals, stated, "Expectant families on Maui deserve safe and timely care. We understand the importance of support and care during this significant time in a family's life and it has been our priority to meet the needs of expectant families on Maui. The expansion of maternity services reflects Kaiser Permanente's unwavering commitment to providing high-quality, accessible health care to our Maui community."