Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Members of the House and Senate health committees visited LBJ Medical Center last week followed by a briefing with hospital officials, during a question and answer session.

The LBJ site visit was initiated by the House Health Committee, chaired by Rep. Andra Samoa — and the Senate Health/LBJ Hospital Committee members were later included based on House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale’s suggestion.

Sites covered during the visit by lawmakers included the negative pressure room to hold COVID-19 patients, the COVID-19 laboratory, Operation Room, and second story addition to the Intensive Care Unit.

Asked for his opinion of the site visit, Rep. Larry S. Sanitoa responded, “I personally thought it was a good visit insofar as it gives committee members a better understanding of LBJ's preparations and plans in case there is a COVID case that would require hospitalization.”

He said the health committee members received project updates from hospital chief executive officer, Faumuina John Faumuina and his team.

“For example the new Operating Room (OR), which is currently being built. Furthermore, we were told that the plan for the new 2nd story floor to the existing building is moving forward quickly,” he explained.

“This plan of course begs the question of what is the government's intention with the current hospital if they move forward with building a new hospital in Tafuna,” he pointed out.

ASG had publicly announced — via Fono committee hearings and two cabinet meetings — plans to relocate the Territorial Correctional Facility from its current site to make room for the new hospital.