Public Health nurses pitch in during uptick in pediatric ICU admissions

Department of Public Health and Social Services nurses will be detailed to the Guam Memorial Hospital to help out at the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and the Emergency Room.

Hospital officials confirm there was an overflow of children suffering from respiratory distress over the past two weeks. GMH Internist and Pedriatic specialist Dr. Akua Agyeman told us that many had to be confined much longer than usual, some for nearly two weeks. She attributes the rise and intensity of the cases to the flu season, and several other "aggressive viruses." 

Meanwhile, DPHSS says nine of its nurses volunteered to supplement the hospital's staff after learning about the situation from acting chief medical officer Dr. Bob Leon Guerrero, who's also a pediatrician.  Acting Chief Public Health Officer Zennia Pecina explained how it unfolded.  

"He was talking about how difficult it's been for the nurses at GMH and the challenges they've been having because of their surge in pediatric cases," she said. "When I brought it up to them the first thing they said was oh gosh can we go and help with the children and our colleagues at GMH, and I said wow that is a great opportunity for us to share some of the burden here in the community, especially with our nursing shortage."

Pecina says they were able to consolidate COVID-related vaccination and testing into one site, giving their nurses more flexibility in their schedules. Some of them reported today for orientation and should begin working at the hospital by Thursday.

Meanwhile, GMH says the number of cases is decreasing but encourages parents of young children to "stay vigilant and watch out for any difficulties in breathing and to take precautions against colds and flu. They also encourage those who are eligible, to get their flu shots and to continue to practice COVID-19 protocols.