HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — Instead of creating a task force, as suggested by Sen. Frank Blas Jr., the Guam Memorial Hospital Authority recommends a review of the five-year strategic plan already in place.
GMHA made the recommendation days after Blas’ suggestion to the governor to create a task force to conduct a comprehensive review of issues affecting health care and the island’s only public hospital was shot down.
“GMHA is grateful for the senator’s interest and commitment to assisting Guam’s only public hospital in its mission to provide our people with excellent health care,” the hospital authority said in a press release.
But before creating a task force, GMHA asks the senator and the community to review the strategic plan that was developed in 2022.
“The 5-Year Strategic Plan is a living document that GMHA can adjust as needed to accomplish the goals outlined within. It addresses all of the concerns raised in Sen. Blas’ goals for his task force,” GMHA said.
A draft of the 2023-2027 strategic plan is available for review on GMHA’s website.
Blas’ letter recommending the creation of a task force was written after he and several other senators had dinner with the Guam Medical Association. Medical providers used the dinner to share their concerns about health care on the island and brainstorm ideas for addressing those concerns to improve health care.
The governor’s unfavorable response disappointed Blas.
“I was disappointed to read the statement from the governor’s office regarding my proposal for a comprehensive task force to address the issues affecting our health care system, especially the Guam Memorial Hospital. I believe that such a task force is necessary and urgent to find solutions and improve the quality of care for our people. I do not think that this is a waste of time, but rather a responsible and proactive approach to a complex and long-standing problem,” Blas said in a press release issued Wednesday.
Blas said he believes the governor’s desire to build a medical complex is being placed above “the need to address the continuous and damaging problems with our health care service that exist today.”
“Improving the health care system and delivery in our hospital is a worthwhile endeavor that can benefit many stakeholders. The current system has several problems that affect the quality, efficiency and accessibility of care for our patients and staff. Some of these problems include inadequate medicines and supplies, unsafe and unsanitary environment, staffing concerns, outdated equipment and insufficient communication. By addressing these issues, we can enhance the patient experience, reduce costs, increase productivity and foster a culture of excellence. Therefore, we should not view this as a waste of time, but as an investment in our future,” Blas said.
Guam Memorial Hospital is seen Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023, in Tamuning.
