by Mindy Aguon

Guam - On the heels of receiving a letter confirming their full accreditation with the Joint Commission just last month, the Guam Memorial Hospital is still waiting on word from the accrediting organization on a surprise inspection that occurred back in January. The Joint Commission sent a representative to the hospital to look into concerns about a shortage of pharmaceuticals and medicines and the impact GMH's financial situation was having on patient care.

Interim Hospital Administrator Rey Vega says officials submitted a response to JCO's concerns but are still waiting to hear back. "I think more on financial, medical supplies and the lack thereof and what would be our plan to address those medical supplies and the financial," he explained.

During the last hospital board meeting, Associate Administrator of Medical Services Dr Larry Lizama said he wouldn't be surprised if JCO conducted another surprise inspection, which could happen at anytime. But Vega says JCP isn't expected to make another routine visit until November.