Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — 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.”

According to Dr Anderson, media queries in regards to actions taken on any LBJ employee placed on leave as well as a contracted employees with a formal contract with LBJ cannot be commented upon. 

“Unfortunately, LBJ Board of Directors is not at liberty to respond to any questions regarding employees and contracts as this is confidential information.  

“The Board would like to however assure the people of American Samoa that efforts will continue to ensure quality healthcare in a medical facility with integrity and honesty,” said Dr Anderson.

The CFO was hired in June last year after she served as CEO for the American Samoa TeleCommunications Authority.

Last month Dr Anderson rubbished claims the board was looking at terminating services of the CFO then.

Dr Anderson told Samoa News in an email that the Board selected the current CFO who is committed and dedicated to the LBJ mission and vision.

“The CFO has demonstrated genuine efforts to rebuild LBJ and address financial concerns from the past. 

“The CFO has the necessary experience and expertise to ensure successful contribution in a collaborative effort to provide quality care for our people and a hospital that our people deserve.”

A month later the board has served her with a termination letter and Dr Anderson issued a press statement regarding the termination of the CFO.

Last month the Moefaauo Bill Emmsley resigned from his post as CEO and the board named the Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ledua Akapusi as Acting CEO.