by Nick Delgado

Guam - Two people who have been searching for answers from the Guam Memorial Hospital following the death of their family members are meeting with Healthcare Committee chair Senator Dennis Rodriguez, Jr. this week to provide him with a copy of legislation they have drafted that would create an independent ombudsman office. Laura Kittle's mother, Karen, died at GMH in September and to date she is still searching for answers.

The legislation is being introduced in Karen's honor, as well as for Joaquin Crisostomo, whose family is also searching for answers from GMH. Crisostomo died at GMH in October.

Laura Kittel told KUAM News, "It will be an independent agency that will help facilitate communication between patients and the healthcare provider GMH it will basically be a place where patients can go to get support and have really their rights to healthcare and complaints to understand what's happening to them be clarified and gain some real enforcement."

The Joint Commission is still investigating the complaints. In the meantime, Kittel will be meeting with Rodriguez on Wednesday to introduce the bill.