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Rebuilt Site
This site was originally published in early 2017 when we thought there was a need to bring some of the weaknesses of the LBJ Tropical Medical Center administration and healthcare provision. Since then, there have been many changes. Note that we said changes and not improvements.
Currently, we are rebuilding this site and decided to leave out some of our older criticisms. We will be pleased to present your current views on the situation at LBJ. Just use our handy contact form to give us your input.
Advocates for Change at LBJ Tropical Medical Center
A diverse group of medical professionals and citizens with extensive experience and personal ties in American Samoa are gravely concerned about the appalling state of healthcare delivery at the LBJ Tropical Medical Center. Within this group, dedicated to improving the...
Current State of Healthcare in American Samoa for U.S. Veterans?
This annual Holiday reminds me of the great debt of gratitude that we all owe to our veterans, and everyone knows that American Samoa has way more that its "fair share" of them... Has there been any progress made towards getting a permanent, full-service VA Medical...
Congress Looking Into LBJ
Our Congresswoman Aumua Amata is taking a strong stand on matters relating to LBJ Hospital. She wants to know why we are not spending all the money the Federal Government is making available through the Medicaid program. She also wants Congress to evaluate...
Doctor shortage fears in American Samoa
This is Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) at the LBJ Tropical Medical Center. This article from Radio New Zealand point out a very serious problem but, unfortunately, the problem is much more severe than just the lack of a few medical staff. Read full...
Medical supplies shortage at American Samoa hospital
This article from Radio New Zealand. Read full story on RNZ Nurses at American Samoa's LBJ Hospital say the hospital's shortage of medical supplies is affecting the quality of patient care, with nurses forced to use bed sheets as dressings. Nurses say dressing...
Loss of Many Qualified Staff
Well, hoping to spark some conversation and at the same time get some answers posted... As we know, in the past several years we have lost many valuable staff, some leaving by choice ( had enough, disgusted) and others via un-renewed contracts. ;The decision to not...
CMS and our USMLE physicians
I know a few years back we were cited for lack of US licensed physicians, and there was even a movement to no longer hire physicians non USLicensed, and to assist current physicians to get their US license. Now, we have lost most of our USLicensed physicians and I...
I want to contribute to this effort!
Hello, everyone. My name is Dr. Jim Marrone, and I am a U.S. Board-certified pediatrician originally from California who lived and worked in American Samoa and at LBJ for over 14 years, from 2001-2015. From 2008 until late last year (when the Hospital Management and...
Old Pictures
The pictures in this slideshow were taken in about 2012. We assume there has been considerable improvement since then. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to furnish updated pictures.
Come on in Pediatric Clinic
Come on in Pediatric Clinic
Make yourself comfortable you might be here a while
Make yourself comfortable you might be here a while
Basic services provided
Basic services provided
iFacilities are aging, high prevalence of non-communicable diseases
iFacilities are aging, high prevalence of non-communicable diseases
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waiting area
waiting area
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Unchanged for many years
Unchanged for many years
Dental waiting area
Dental waiting area
Old equipment and small room
Old equipment and small room
Heavy daily workload
Heavy daily workload
ICU door
All ages treated here.
ICU bed
One of seven beds in ICU
ICU facilities
Limited resources in ICU
OR door
Door to OR often closed after hours
ICU special
This ICU used for select cases only
Nursery
Planned to enlarge Nursery soon
Newborn room
Routine and special newborn care
Labor delivery
Labor planned to be remodeled soon
Labor and postpartum recovery here
Labor and postpartum recovery here
High usage area
High usage area
Easier monitoring and privacy
Easier monitoring and privacy
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Mostly shared rooms, high occupancy area
Mostly shared rooms, high occupancy area
Surgical Ward Remodeled over 10 years ago
Remodeled over 10 years ago
Also mostly shared rooms
Also mostly shared rooms
Infants up to age 16 here
Infants up to age 16 here
Mostly 2 and 3 patient rooms
Mostly 2 and 3 patient rooms
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Ambulance emergency entrance
Ambulance emergency entrance
One of 4 main provider rooms
One of 4 main provider rooms
Close to triage area
Close to triage area
Suturing and wound care provided here
Suturing and wound care provided here
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Critical care and codes provided, limited space for mass casualties
Critical care and codes provided, limited space for mass casualties
Comfortable waiting for studies and fluids
Comfortable waiting for studies and fluids
Expanded waiting area inside
Emergency Room Entrance
Newer Pictures
These pictures were taken in 2017. They show a great deal of new construction. We are not sure of what all this is. Your input to help identify these pictures or to supply newer pictures will be appreciated.
