Guam Memorial Hospital Authority

Aturidat Espetat  Guahan

850 GOV CARLOS CAMACHO ROAD
om, TAMUNENG, GUAM 969i3
TEL: (672 6472444 or 647?2330

FAX: (571) 649-0145

INFORMATIONAL CIRCULAR N0. 2020-083

   

TO: All Employees and Medical Staff Members
FROM: Hospital Administrator/CEO
DATE: March 19, 2020

SUBJECT: - UPDATE

 

Hafa Adai!

As your H05pital Administrator, it is my duty and responsibility to ensure a safe working
environment for everyone and to enforce the Infection Control Prevention Standards as much as
possible. Equally important is my role and obligation to inform you of a recent incident that may
have exposed some of you to the virus, especially those who were in direct and close
contact with a COVlD?19?positive patient.

The incident occurred on the third floor, Medical-Surgical Inpatient Adult Unit wherein the
patient was placed in a private room with a closed door. As medical professionals, our actions
are primarily dependent and premised on information patients report. It was only when a
radiological procedure was completed a few days later that the physician determined the
individual may have the virus infection. As soon as we received the information, all
appropriate isolation measures were instituted. Although we would have preferred to have the
patient immediately placed in isolation, which is the standard protocol for patients suspected of
COVID-19 infection, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines state
that if an isolation room is not available, a known patient can be placed in a private
room with a closed door.

While we realize this incident has caused tremendous anxiety and concerns, especially among
those of you who were in direct contact with the patient, i ask everyone to please remain calm.
As a Registered Nurse (RN) with over 30 years of experience, i understand your apprehensions
and distress.

if you haven?t already done so, please contact the Employee Health Nurse and the Infection
Control Nurse so that you can be processed accordingly.

 

We have and will continue to take the necessary actions as guided by the Department of Public
Health and Social Services the CDC and all stakeholders. in the meantime, please be
aware of your health. No matter your status, stay home if you feel unwell, contact your family
physician or our Employee Health Physician if you are exhibiting flu?like keep your
hands clean, and stay informed of new developments.

i want to also take this opportunity to thank all of you for your bravery, unquestionable
commitment, your commendable courage, especially in this epic biological battle. My heart
swells with tears of immense gratitude and respect for all of you. am truly proud to be a part of
an amazing and dedicated team who go above and beyond to support each other and the
community. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all you do, for your patience and your

?w?apwg?

LILLIAN Q. MN, RN

cc: Board of Trustees
President, Medical Staff
Joint Information Center