New MGH Director of Nursing back where his career began
By Sean Aronson

Dino Fortes has seen a lot change at Molokai General Hospital (MGH), and he’s happy to see the improvements.  Fortes worked at MGH almost twenty years ago, when the building was leaking and the walls were falling apart.  Today, it’s a brand new place with beautiful pictures on the wall and new facilities.

Fortes is the new Director of Nursing for MGH.  His first day on the job was February 2.
He manages a staff of 17, and is hoping to bring a new attitude and increase standards for the hospital.

“Since we’ve changed the physical appearance, let’s raise the level of care to match it,” says Fortes.

Fortes’ medical experience is primarily in respiratory care.  He has worked in large hospitals like Castle on Oahu and others on the mainland.

Most recently, Fortes was a flight nurse for Hawaii Air Ambulance.  The job required him to be constantly mobile, often spending the night on two or three different islands in the course of the week.  But he said the experience was invaluable as he was dealing with patients in critical care situations.

Fortes says the interview process was long and included four interviews with hospital staff.  His wealth of experience was important to his selection as Director of Nursing, says Janice Kalanihuia, President of MGH.

“In over 25 hours of interview Mr. Fortes came out the clear leader,” says Kalanihuia, “We are proud to have him as part of our team.”

Fortes brings a clear, ambitious vision to his job.  He is motivated to change the culture at MGH.  He would like to see his staff provide greater care to the Molokai people.

“We can’t do as much as Queens [Hospital on Oahu], but at least it means we can step up our game,” says Fortes.

With the broad plan, Fortes recognizes he’s got to take gradual steps toward change. As a newcomer, he knows he must tread lightly at first, building up as he is more accepted among the community.  

He acknowledges that with a diverse staff, there can be competing interests.
“You have to be fair, but you also have to be consistent,” he says.

The best part of the job, he says, is that he finally gets to stay in one place.  

“I’m finally home.”