Rodriguez: GMH subpoena response "insufficient"

by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Healthcare Committee chair Senator Dennis Rodriguez, Jr. believes the Guam Memorial Hospital's response to a legislative subpoena is "insufficient". The Democrat believes the GMH Board of Trustees and the Calvo Administration are blatantly seeking to keep backdoor conduct a secret from the public. 

The committee sought specific information relative to a settlement between the hospital and a physician whose hospital privileges were taken away several years ago.  Dr. George Macris has since settled his disputes with GMH and is seeking reinstatement. Rodriguez says the documents that were provided are severely lacking, saying, "There was one where we were asking for the minutes of the board meetings where this settlement had been approved. I think to be able to get to the bottom of what needs to be fixed, I think we need to find out what motivated the board to enter into this settlement."

The hospital was given until the close of business today to submit the requested information.  Meanwhile an oversight hearing will continue on Tuesday evening when lawmakers will seek more information on the hospital's finances as well as the status of corrective action at the Skilled Nursing Unit in Barrigada Heights. The oversight begins at 6pm Tuesday.