The Guam Memorial Hospital Authority adjusted services on Friday and announced plans for sheltering expectant mothers as Tropical Storm Champi continues is course toward the Marianas.
Condition of Readiness 2 declared by Governor Lou Leon Guerrero as of 1 p.m., GMHA moved to complete its storm response efforts including staffing coordination, patient care preparations emergency resources, and facility readiness.
According to the island's only public hospital the Emergency Department will remain open through the storm along with inpatient care and other critical hospital operations.
"Hospital leadership continues to monitor official forecasts and coordinate with Guam Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense and the National Weather Service Guam to support the safety of patients, visitors, employees, and the island community," the hospital added.
Expectant Mothers intake for sheltering will open on Saturday morning.
"The exact intake time will be announced once arrangements are finalized," GMHA said in a release on Friday.
Once intake arrangements are announced expectant mothers who are 36 weeks pregnant or greater and high-risk pregnant mothers who are 24 weeks pregnant of more will be accepted for sheltering through the storm.
"Expectant mothers uncertain whether they meet the high-risk criteria should consult their healthcare provider. Once intake begins, eligible expectant mothers should report to the Patient Registration Office on the first floor," GMHA said.
Expectant mothers will be accommodated in a designated area where they will remain through the storm.
If sheltering at the hospital bring a government issued ID and insurance card, necessary medications, bedding, personal toiletries and clothing. GMHA also said to bring water, and nonperishable snacks and electronic devices to keep occupied during the storm.
Escorts, support persons, visitors, children and pets are not allowed according to the hospital.
In light of the storm, all outpatient appointments, elective surgeries and non-emergency clinical services were canceled effective Friday at 5 p.m.
"Affected patients are being notified directly and will be contacted to reschedule once normal operations resume," GMHA said.
Routine visitation with exception of "approved patient watchers" are suspended. Family viewings are also suspended.
On Friday, GMHA prepared for the storm by fueling emergency generators, replenishing oxygen supplies to full operations capacity, verified "adequate" medication inventories, medical supplies, blood products and other essential patient care resources.
Efforts have been made to secure the hospital's facilities, grounds, medical equipment and critical infrastructure to include closing storm shutters, testing communications and backup information technology systems, confirming emergency power, water and critical utility systems.
This storm watch update is brought to you by Senatorial candidates Clynt Ridgell, "Let's Grow Guam Together"; Sabrina Salas Matanane,"Bri the Difference" and Chief Energy Partners, "Your Power. Your Terms. Your Lifestyle." Special thanks to sponsors: Donna Quinata, "Driven to Serve"; Burger King and MacTech Guam.