(Press Release)…The LBJ Tropical Medical Center Authority has had a long and arduous history with “staffing” shortages — particularly with US licensed nurses, physicians, clinical technologists, and other healthcare providers.
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and with its subsequent resurgence, these conditions have exacerbated “staff insufficiency” from critical to dire; when the “state of emergency” was declared by Governor Lemanu P. Mauga on February 22nd, 2022, which signaled the arrival of the first case of COVID-19 on our shores.
From that point forward, LBJ Tropical Medical Center—in working closely with the American Samoa Government (ASG) Task Force, the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) and its Federal partners—earnestly sought immediate and alternative workforce remedies to mollify the staff “pressure” that had arrayed upon by these “crucible” elements; especially, when the loaded demands from those tested positives are heightened, concentrated, and unpredictable.
In response, the LBJ Tropical Medical Center’s Acting CEO, Moefa’auo William “Bill” T. Emmsley, via the American Samoa Medical Center Authority Board, has signed an agreement with NuWest to augment a Healthcare-Relief Worker Initiative (HRWI); recruiting and securing the services of highly skilled, certified, and specialized industry-based staffing from the US.
As such, thirty-six (36) nurses, physicians, clinical technicians, and healthcare workers will compliment and provide immediate respite to; and will integrate with our local staff in support of LBJ’s COVID-19 mission; as well as other assortment of undertakings, throughout this challenging period.
Thus, on April 2nd, 2022, LBJ is delighted to announce and welcome, with the help of our federal partners and EOC, the first healthcare team (14 members) to arrive in the Territory. Then, on April 7th, 2022, the second group (of 14) will arrive on Hawaiian Airlines.
The NuWest Healthcare groups will be mobilized in and among LBJ’s rank and file, and will remain at their various stations for approximately 13-weeks. Such “initiative” will undoubtedly bring about immediate relief to LBJ’s enduring staffing “dilemma”, which will also lessen the “stress factor” that had been associated with our hardworking and dedicated medical staff, nurses, technicians, and healthcare workers.
