About 100 healthcare industry professionals and community members are expected at a public meeting in Kona Tuesday to discuss what some say is a crisis in patient access to medical care, particularly in West Hawai'i.

The public forum at 5:30 p.m. at the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort is sponsored by Hawai'i Medical Association and the West Hawai'i Medical Society.

Panelists will include Dr. Alistair Bairos, a general surgeon in Kealakekua; Dr. Barry Blum, medical director of Kona Community Hospital; and Dr. Lyn Lam, a Waimea gynecologist.

For more information, call (808) 536-7702 or go to www.hmaonline.net.