Guam Regional Medical City has become the island’s first civilian hospital to provide Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy, a specialized form of dialysis previously limited to military patients at U.S. Naval Hospital Guam. The breakthrough treatment was first administered at GRMC on Sept. 16, expanding life-saving care for critically ill patients facing kidney failure, severe fluid overload or critical illness.
Unlike conventional dialysis, which is performed intermittently, CRRT offers continuous blood filtration. The therapy is especially suited for unstable patients in intensive care units who cannot tolerate the stress of traditional treatment. GRMC’s adoption of CRRT follows a landmark partnership with the U.S. Naval Hospital’s intensive care teams, marking a new chapter in collaborative healthcare for Guam.
“This is a great milestone for our island,” said Jennifer Cruz, GRMC Chief Nursing & Ancillary Officer. “We are deeply grateful for the collaboration with the USNH Guam and proud that GRMC can now provide this life-saving treatment to our patients.” Nephrologist Dr. Azita Mesbah added that the new therapy ensures Guam’s most vulnerable patients receive “the highest standard of treatment without limitation.”
GRMC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Alexander “Beau” Wielaard said the advancement strengthens Guam’s critical care system in cardiac, stroke and trauma cases. “By expanding these critical care capabilities, we are supporting a shared mission to offer the world-class healthcare our community deserves,” he said. As Guam’s only private hospital, GRMC continues to invest in specialized care while pursuing collaborations to bolster the island’s overall healthcare system.