Lawmakers were far from satisfied with the proposed budget of the LBJ Hospital for Fiscal Year 2024, and voted—today—to approve just the first quarter budget for the LBJ.
There were still lots of questions about salaries, the conversion of contract positions to career service at much higher salaries, a major increase in the travel budget, the dual role of Dr. Akapusi Ledua as CEO and physician, the contract of Dr. Jean Anderson, and errors in the budget plan.
Appearing before the Joint Budget and Appropriations Committee this morning were LBJ CEO Dr. Ledua, Executive Director to the Board Dr. Jean Anderson, and the Chief Financial officer Sefanaia Kaumauitotoya.
The 3rd version of the LBJ budget, that was submitted to the Fono, totals $97 million.
- Personnel -$37.2 million
- Materials and Supplies -$22.5 million,
- Equipment – $22.5 million
- Travel – $4.2 million
- Contractual Services – $7.5 million
- All Others- $3.1 million
Dr. Ledua explained that there are 37 new positions in the FY2024 budget, mainly nurses and physicians.
This is how he explained the significant increase in the travel budget…
Play Audio
Several lawmakers were of the opinion that the hospital should put funding support to attract back nurses who’ve left because of dissatisfaction with their salaries, and to develop local staffing.
Dr. Ledua said the hiring of off-island nurses was an emergency response to the dire shortage but the intention is to staff the hospital with local nurses.
Senator Tuiasina Laumoli was not happy with Dr. Ledua serving as CEO and also seeing patients.
Play Audiotuiasina-dual-role
Rep. Luaitaua Gene Pan said hospital management was only concerned about the salaries of the higher echelon, but not the nurses and employees handling hazardous waste, laundry, and other such tasks.
Play Audioluaitaua-nurses
As for the salaries of hospital management, he said: Play Audio
Rep. Larry Sanitoa questioned the employment status of the CFO, Kaumaitotoya, as there was conflicting information on whether he was a contract or career service employee.
The proposed budget shows the CFO’s salary in the new fiscal year is $150,000.
Play Audiolarry-cfo
The Committee Co-Chairman, Rep. Vailoata Amituanai, pointed to several numerical errors in the budget.
ASG Budget Director Cathy Saelua suggested that the Fono approve the first quarter budget for FY2024 for the hospital and have LBJ make corrections to their request, and to resubmit it.
However, lawmakers voted to approve funding for just the first quarter, based on the FY2023 budget for the hospital.
