US Naval Hospital Guam replacement open for business
AGANA HEIGHTS, Guam—Although only a coincidence in scheduling, the U.S. Naval Hospital Guam officially opened its doors for business in their new state-of the art facility the day after Easter Sunday, April 21, symbolic of the building being brought to life through the welcoming of its staff and patients.
“After 45 days of training and outfitting the hospital, we have safely transferred of all functions and achieved full occupational capacity,” said Capt. Jeff Plummer, the hospital’s commanding officer.
The hospital staff spent the last week transitioning from the 1954 facility, which saw much history and cared for many sick and injured both military and non-military, from war casualties to storms, to political refugees. Although the building has served faithfully for these past 60 years it is no longer conducive to efficient medical care. The replacement hospital was built and designed to incorporate advances in healthcare delivery, which includes improved patient life safety and increased efficiencies in hospital operations. It was also designed to withstand the elements and weather storms.
As the staff and community say goodbye to a historical and sentimental past reflected by the 1954 facility, Navy Medicine’s presence and legacy continues on through the replacement hospital whose mission is to “deliver readiness, quality care and health where America’s day begins.”
The replacement hospital provides 42 beds, four operating rooms, two C-Section rooms, and improved diagnostic and ancillary capabilities to include MRI and CT scanning suites. (USN)