The Guam Memorial Hospital Authority's Facilities Maintenance team has received a new articulating boom lift that officials said will improve access to elevated areas, increase flexibility for preventive maintenance and support facility repairs.
A Sept. 10 release said the Snorkel 600AJ boom lift was acquired using $136,000 from the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs Maintenance Assistance Program, which covered the purchase and shipping costs.
“Our team identified a need, developed the application, and secured the funding to address it,” GMHA Interim Administrator and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Joleen M. Aguon said. “We know our hospital needs additional resources, and we are taking an active role in obtaining them. Pursuing grants and investing in our employees helps us strengthen the hospital our patients depend on today.”
The boom lift can rise 60 feet above the ground and features a jointed arm that can reach over obstacles, allowing crews to conduct exterior inspections, painting, building repairs and maintenance on elevated lighting and fixtures. Before operating the boom lift, facilities and maintenance staff must complete operator training, equipment checks, and work-area safety procedures.
“The equipment and the training go together,” said Jesse Quenga, Acting Associate Hospital Administrator for Operations. “We are giving our employees the tools and skills to perform more work in-house, inspect areas that are difficult to reach, and address problems earlier. That helps us maintain the improvements we are making and get more value from our resources.”
The acquisition is part of the hospital's fiscal 2025 maintenance initiative aimed at extending the life of the hospital infrastructure, improve worker safety and strengthen resilience.
"In Guam’s tropical environment, regular inspections and timely repairs are essential to addressing deterioration from humidity, salt exposure, and severe weather. This investment supports that work and the upkeep of ongoing facility improvements as GMHA prepares for a future hospital while caring for the community today," GMHA said.
According to the hospital, the acquisition will reduce reliance on rented equipment or outside contractors for tasks trained hospital personnel can perform.
