My name is Koichi Kusuhara. I was appointed as the president of Fukuoka Children's Hospital on April 1, 2023. I am delighted to have the opportunity to work again at the hospital where I started working as a physician in 1983. 

We appreciate your continuous understanding and support for Fukuoka Children's Hospital. Our hospital opened in September 1980 as the sole pediatric medical facility in western Japan, and moved to its current location, Kashii Teriha in Island City, in November 2014. Even after the relocation, we have continued to receive support from local residents, medical institutions, and administrative authorities, and have evolved into a comprehensive pediatric and perinatal medical facility with 27 departments and 9 centers under the leadership of former president, Dr. Toshiro Hara. Based on our basic philosophy, "protecting the lives and health of children - wishing for a bright future for all children and their families -", we provide medical care by having the following hospital practices as three features, highly specialized pediatric medicine, pediatric emergency medicine/community medicine, and perinatal care.

At our hospital, we are taking necessary infection control measures against the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19). The COVID-19 pandemic is also having a major impact on pediatric healthcare. Regarding inpatient care, there are special features in the case of children, such as the need for attendance or frequent visitation by  guardian(s). Limitations of these practices to reduce infection risk places substantial burden on sick children and their families. Considering the balance between the advantages and disadvantages of these restrictions carefully, we will achieve our best to reduce the burden as much as possible while curbing the spread of infection.

The Children and Families Agency was established on April 1, 2023. In Japan, the declining birthrate is accelerating, partly due to the impact of COVID-19. Comprehensive pediatric and perinatal medical facilities play an important role in creating a society where children can be born and raised with peace of mind. I will join forces with all the staff to fulfill our responsibilities as a public hospital, meet the needs of the local community and medical institutions, and, above all, work for the sick children and their families. Thank you very much.

April, 2023 

Fukuoka City Hospital Organization, Fukuoka Children's Hospital

President

Koichi Kusuhara, MD, PhD