Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The LBJ Tropical Medical Center is defending not closing the hospital’s cafeteria, which was found to be “unsafe and unsanitary” last month by the Department of Health and deemed “closed”.

In an announcement released by LBJ Chief Executive Officer, Moefaauo William Bill Emmsley, dated August 12, 2022, he said as American Samoa battles the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, flu season, and prepares for a possible monkeypox outbreak, the LBJ Tropical Medical Center continues to face challenges with a deteriorating structure that was not constructed to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) standards and life safety codes.

 “The buildings are over fifty (50) years old and are abysmal in terms of facility-plant age when compared to other hospitals serving populations the same size.

 “A recent news article disseminated by the media about the closure of the hospital cafeteria is inaccurate and unreliable. The media reported without consulting the hospital management.”

Moefa’auo did not name the media outlet.

The cafeteria is still open and in operation, however, as reported by Samoa News. This is despite a letter to Moefaauo, from the Director of Health, Motusa Tuileama Nua citing the LBJ Cafeteria as “deemed unsafe and unsanitary.”

The letter obtained by Samoa News to the hospital CEO “serves as a notice for violation of the mentioned discrepancies in the report that you can download from the Samoa News website or Facebook page and that pursuant to American Samoa Code Annotate title 25 chapter 01Section 02 LBJ Tropical Medical Center is found to be in non-compliance with public health requirements for prevention and control of public nuisance.

“As agents of public health and frontliners in the area of promoting sanitary and hygienic conditions, I fully support recommendations provision by our Environmental Health Services Division as evidenced by an inspection report dated July 25, 2022 for case # NF2022-0124,” Motusa’s letter to Moefaauo says.

 “Due to major violation listed in the report the facility is deemed closed and corrective actions are a must to prevent any food borne illness,” said Motusa. 

The public notice endorsed by the hospital CEO, indicated that despite encounters of an outdated hospital, and severe staffing shortage of healthcare professionals, safety and quality patient care are the utmost concern for management.

Moefa’auo blames the previous management, noting the current condition of the hospital has been from an accumulation of years of “misguided priorities, insufficient preventative maintenance programs, and delayed expansion and renovations projects.

 “With the new leadership team, a more comprehensive and systemic plan with acute strategic approach are in place for immediate mitigation efforts in multiple areas, but not limited to radiology, ER, cafeteria, electronic health and the EMS building.

“We have put in place targeted daily inspections, and action plans with deadlines to address these challenges.

“These remedies will require time and enormous financial resources.”

The CEO notes, “Furthermore, the hospital embraces accountability for the services provided to the community and appreciates the continuous support of the patrons served at the only hospital in the Territory of American Samoa.”

Highlights of the Dept. of Health report on the inspection of the hospital cafeteria include:

1. Hot water temperature at 137°F (Required temperature for bactericidal treatment is 180°F).

2. Rat proofing / pest proofing – there are too many openings into the kitchen and cafeteria which are entrances of rodents from the floor drainages to the pipes above the ceilings and holes in ceilings outside of the kitchen. Door gaps above and under the doors into the kitchen.

3. Mosquito / fly proofing – holes in screen wires, evidence of dead flies inside the dining area and dead roaches in storage.

4. Dust & dirt proofing – holes from screen wires and rat wires surrounding the food preparation area. AC condenser units right outside of screen/ rat wires. Vehicles parked right outside by the kitchen would stir up dirt and blow them inside the kitchen through screen wires and rat wires.

5. Water closets – unsanitary.

6. Equipment – rusty metal shelves utilized for pots and pans, and other food items, old dough mixer, rust and rust build-up under stainless steel counters.

7. Refrigeration – ice build-up on and around / near fans & in chest freezer.

8. Littering – cigarette butts disposed directly onto sand and grass area.

9. Prohibited accumulation of solid waste & scrap metals – large inoperable equipment by the kitchen, accumulation of solid waste and scrap metal from the hospital near the kitchen.

10. Incinerator near the kitchen area.

11. Sanitary conditions of floor drainages and the surrounding areas. Opening between pipe and the floor drainage. Question where the grease trap is located.

12. Vent for the kitchen and old ac units in dining area – becoming breeding sites for vectors especially when they are inoperable.

13. Storing of unused equipment, dishware and kitchenware all within the same area.

With the numerous discrepancies, the cafeteria has been deemed CLOSED until corrective actions have been completed.

A long list of recommendations needed for the cafeteria to meet the requirements of the set Regulations and the American Samoa Code Annotated are included.

The report was prepared and signed by Aileen E. Solaita, Division Head II, Environmental Health Services Division.

Click on attachment to download full 32 page report