The Guam Memorial Hospital is finally tackling some of its most persistent problems — from mold and leaks to sweltering patient rooms — with a nearly $5 million roof and air quality overhaul that leaders say will transform the island’s only public hospital.

On Wednesday afternoon, GMH broke ground on a project years in the making—a full roof and building envelope upgrade aimed at fixing the structural issues that have plagued the hospital for decades. Air quality tests and inspections last year found excessive moisture and mold on multiple floors, a result of aging ductwork, failing window seals, and long-neglected water intrusion.

Interim GMH administrator Dr. Joleen Aguon says this project is a turning point, saying, "This roof and envelope restoration is a major step toward cleaner and safer, and a healthier hospital. by sealing and strengthening our roofs and our walls we are finally resolving the longstanding issues that have affected our comfort and safety of or patients, families and our staff."

The $4.9 million contract, awarded to Surface Solutions, will include new typhoon shutters, resealed windows, replaced air and exhaust ducts, and a hybrid polyurethane roof system designed to keep out moisture and keep the building cooler. Dr. Aguon says the work will also allow maintenance crews to finally clean and clear areas that have been too damaged to safely waterblast — including the badly deteriorated side near the emergency room.

"There is a question I always get, it's 'How come we can't just waterblast the ugliest side of the hospital?', which is the side of the ER. And it's because we've been waiting for this to happen," she stated.

The project also calls for exterior crack repairs, waterproofing, and new design features to prevent birds from nesting in the air systems. With work spanning all four floors and upgrades that directly target the hospital’s air quality and cooling, leaders say this is one of the most significant infrastructure improvements GMH has seen in years.

"As a physician and interim administrator, I am deeply proud of what this means not just better infrastructure, but a renewed promise to care, safety and trust in our community," Aguon said. "We are renewing strength in Guam's only public hospital."