On Nov. 1, members of the Hilo Medical Center Foundation and hospital staff and officials celebrated the completion of a shower room renovation project at the hospital’s 112-bed Long Term Care Facility.
On Nov. 1, members of the Hilo Medical Center Foundation and hospital staff and officials celebrated the completion of a shower room renovation project at the hospital’s 112-bed Long Term Care Facility.
“This project is a tremendous boost to the quality of life for long-term care residents who call our facility home,” said Dr. Craig Shikuma, HMC medical director of long-term care. “I am grateful to the Hilo Medical Center Foundation, Dr. Richard Robbins and his foundation for responding to the need for a new shower room that provides a level of dignity that each and every one of our residents deserve.”
According to facility director Teana Kaho‘ohanohano, there is a six-member shower team whose job it is to bathe and shower an average of 25 residents throughout each day.
“This project is not just about giving someone a shower,” said Kaho‘ohanohano. “It’s about being able to care for our residents in an environment that is calming and healing, and we are grateful for the hospital foundation and Dr. Robbins and his wife for their generosity and thoughtfulness.”
Robbins and his wife, Lois, donated half of the funding, and the hospital foundation provided the remainder, using funds donated by the community.
“My wife, Lois, and I were looking for a philanthropic project associated with the Hilo Medical Center,” said Robbins. “When we visited the Long Term Care Facility, we were struck by the need for a new shower room, so we proposed a joint venture with the HMC Foundation.
“The HMCF Board agreed to partner with us and the finished project reflects their dedication and support,” added Robbins. “It was gratifying to see the end result of this effort. The facility now has a shower room which is open, well-ventilated and has new flooring, drains and fixtures.”