Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Newly sworn in Senator, Tuiasina Salamo Laumoli is calling for a hearing regarding the new management hires at the LBJ and also the issues faced by the hospital at the moment.

He also wants to hear their plans in going forward for the hospital’s operation.

 “We should give the new management a chance to carry out their duties for the betterment of the hospital,” said the Senator during the Senate session yesterday.

The Fono resumed its work yesterday. The LBJ new appointments are Human Resources Director, Ms. Rowena Reid and the new Chief Medical Office, Dr Joseph Shumway.

According to the Senator there is no need to dwell in the past, but moving forward is vital at the moment.

The retired physician said the hearing is set for next week Friday and witnesses called to testify are Chairman of the Board Dr Malouamaua Tuiolosega, Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr Ledua Akapusi, Head of Nursing, Chief Medical Officer Dr Shaumway, Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Health, Motusa Tuileama Nua.

To date four hospital officials have either resigned or had their services terminated.

As reported earlier, the hospital’s Chief Financial Officer Falaovaoto Sualevai-Lesa and Dr Akenese Nokalo, who works in HR, have been served with termination letters.

They are both given 10 days to respond to the allegations laid out by the board, which led to their termination.

This is according to an LBJ board member who wished not to be named.

The senior board member told Samoa News there is “damning and solid evidence for the board to proceed with the termination.”

Samoa News made repeated efforts to get comments from Dr Nikolao and the CFO but were unsuccessful as of press time. As reported last month, three senior staff of LBJ were put on Administrative leave while an investigation by the LBJ Board was being carried out over finance matters and unfair hiring practices.

Vice Chair of the hospital Board, Dr Jean Anderson issued a press statement citing that efforts by the board to complete LBJ's mission are continuing.

“On behalf of the LBJ Board of Directors and the LBJ Executive Office, we would like to advise the people of American Samoa that efforts are continuing to complete LBJ's mission which is to provide patient focused, comprehensive, high quality, cost effective health care and related services that address the health needs of the people we serve.

“We continue to promote our vision which is to develop and maintain excellence and integrity in the health care services we provide.”