Health briefs
By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser Staff Writer
Nurses eligible for benefits
The Hawai'i Unemployment Insurance Division
has ruled that about 1,000 registered nurses at Kuakini Medical Center and The Queen's Medical Center who went on strike this year are eligible for unemployment benefits, their union said.
Hawai'i Nurses' Association officials said the status of unemployment claims for the nurses from St. Francis-Liliha who went on strike Dec. 2 through Jan. 19 are still unresolved.
Public urged to deter virus
State health officials are asking for the public's help in guarding against West Nile virus.
There have been no cases in the state, so officials are focusing on prevention, urging residents to eliminate standing water where mosquitoes can breed and to keep an eye on the wild bird population.
Residents are asked to put any dead birds in a plastic bag and deliver to the nearest local humane society.
The disease is usually passed between mosquitoes and birds, but can infect humans and other animals. Officials are especially concerned that it could endanger native birds already on the brink of extinction.
West Nile virus has been reported in people, birds, horses and other animal in most Mainland states, Canada and Mexico.
Awards honor health workers
The state Health Department this month honored employees who excelled at leadership, teamwork and public service in the last year.
Jerry Guieb of Moloka'i was named employee of the year. The Food Services Supervisor for the Kalaupapa Institution Facilities Section is a longtime employee who often works seven days a week, providing services without additional compensation, said Health Director Dr. Chiyome Fukino.
The manager of the year is Dr. Paul Effler, head of the Disease Outbreak Control Division, honored for his leadership in bioterrorism preparedness, guiding the state's efforts against SARS and "building the strongest disease surveillance system that the state has ever had," Fukino said.
The Adult Mental Health Division's ACCESS Line office was honored as team of the year for their dedication and hard work. This year, the office expanded the hotline to include mental health crisis services, and added to a comprehensive statewide system without increasing resources.
Workers, peers and supervisors submitted nominations.
