Medical staffing at the LBJ Hospital was one of the issues covered at a hearing of the House Health Committee, yesterday.
LBJ CEO, Moefaauo William Emmsley and Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Akapusi Ledua said that 12 new doctors are expected to be on board in the next 2-4 weeks, which will take the number of doctors up to 92.
The number of doctors the hospital management is aspiring for is 100 and they are working aggressively to fill the quota.
There were no questions asked about where the doctors are from.
Two additional doctors are already working in the ER, which puts the number of doctors assigned to ER at 18.
It was announced that, next Monday, a non-urgent care clinic will be open from 4pm to 8pm, which should take the load off the ER.
During the hearing, Rep. Lua’itaua Gene Pan said that he was expressing the concerns and opinions of his constituents, concerning CEO Moefaauo.
He told the CEO that hospital employees have said that he doesn’t take advice, he doesn’t listen to the workers and that he thinks he is the smartest person.
Lua’itaua quoted a Samoan saying “E fesili muli mai ia mua mai,” (Those who come later, should ask those who were there first). He said, he followed this ancient adage when he first entered the Fono, and suggested Moefaauo to do the same.
He reminded Moefaauo of his past.
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Committee Chairman Rep. Manumaua Wayne Wilson intervened and told him to stick to the subjects of the hearing.
Lua’itaua then asked the Chairman of the Hospital Authority Board, Dr. Malouamaua Tuiolosega, about the criteria used for the selection of the CEO.
A copy of the prerequisites for the Jon was given to Committee members.
The Sua lawmaker said that in his ten years as part of the hospital management, the hospital board served as an advisory panel but from what he’s observed with the current board, it seems to be micromanaging the hospital.
