Good Samaritan Hospital receives $417,560 grant to implement telemedicine program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development awards Good Samaritan Hospital, a prominent downtown Los Angeles hospital, a $417,560 grant to implement a telemedicine program that will connect members of the medical staff at Good Samaritan Hospital with public health and primary care providers and their patients at six Public Health sites on the island of Guam.

In partnership with Guam's Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS), the telemedicine program will provide real-time, video conferencing program with primary care user sites in Guam. Consultations and medical advice will include cardiology, emergency medicine, gastroenterology, infectious disease, neurosurgery, oncology, orthopedics, otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat), rheumatology, and urology services as well as nutritional counseling and community health education by registered dieticians.

"It is an honor for us to partner with the dedicated team of health care providers in Guam through the telemedicine program," says Andrew B. Leeka, president and CEO of Good Samaritan Hospital. "Through this partnership, local practitioners can consult with specialists in Los Angeles. At the same time, patients will have the benefit of a world-class health care provider close to their home. Good Samaritan Hospital can provide much needed health services to areas that lack access to specialized care, especially for those that live in remote areas. This is our next step in our historical commitment to Guam, which has in the recent past, included the opening of an on-island patient services office, the appointment of a medical director, and arranging on-island visits by our medical and surgical specialists."

According to James Gillan, director of the Department of Public Health and Social Services in Guam, "The Department of Public Health and Social Services is excited about including this valuable tool to our capabilities. Real time, quality video conferencing and consultations offer a more efficient and effective way to bring care to our people. Additionally, this will be a great tool for education and training. We look forward to implementing this program soon."

For close to 30 years, Good Samaritan Hospital has been providing specialty care to the people of Guam. The state-of-the-art medical facility provides the convenience of having the Guam International Patient Services (IPS) office both in Los Angeles and on the island. A team from the Guam IPS understands the unique needs of every patient and will guide them through the referral process, assisting with every step from making appointments, requesting records and authorization, coordinating special accommodations and arranging specialty care. The Guam IPS is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week. For more information on the Guam IPS please call (671) 479-5633.