HAGATNA, Guam — Bogged down by construction delays, Guam’s first private hospital is unable to open next month as previously planned.
HAGATNA, Guam — Bogged down by construction delays, Guam’s first private hospital is unable to open next month as previously planned.
The Guam Regional Medical City issued a statement saying it “anticipates a delay in the opening of its new state-of-the-art hospital until early next year.”
The hospital’s management attributed a statement to construction contractor dck Pacific project director Don Hergenreder that “additional time is necessary to complete construction while ensuring quality and safety.”
“The GRMC/dck team remains committed to the completion of the hospital using the highest standards,” said Margaret Bengzon, the hospital’s chief executive officer. “We will deliver a first-class facility and world-class care to the people of Guam upon our opening.
More training
Hospital chief operating officer Gloria Long said hospital management will take advantage of the next few months to train staff and refine hospital policies and procedures.
“This will ensure that we will be ready to provide the highest quality care for our patients, once we are fully operational,” Long said.
While waiting for the new hospital to open, GMRC opened a clinic for its specialists to start seeing outpatient customers.
The clinic opened in September with physician specialists in heart conditions, cancer care, orthopedic surgery, urology, brain-related illnesses, illnesses affecting newborns and wound care.
The clinic is in the former Social Security office on Harmon Loop Road.
The new hospital also has been waiting for word on its tax breaks application. The hospital project’s investors, primarily Philippine-based The Medical City, was expecting tax breaks to encourage its investment on Guam.