Two devastating deaths have recently occurred at the Guam Memorial Hospital. A 75-year-old man was found outside the facility in February 2025, and a woman was discovered in the hospital’s courtyard just this past weekend. Today, senators demanded answers during an oversight hearing by the Legislative Committee on Health and Veterans Affairs.

While today’s oversight hearing was focused on the Office of Public Accountability's audit of GMH, that didn't deter senators from questioning hospital officials about how two tragic deaths were allowed to happen on their watch.

“Right now, I’m tired of the new hospital dominating the headlines," said Senator Sabrina Salas Matanane, "because what’s not dominating the headlines is the fact that since I’ve taken office in January, we have been faced with devastating allegations of patient neglect.” Senator Therese Terlaje added, "Where was the outrage for when the person was turned away when they needed admission to the hospital and died?”

Further, Senator Jesse Lujan said, “How did this patient get released while in excruciating pain?”

For grieving families, the biggest concern now is whether they will be able to get clear answers. Senators took turns to get those answers, but the hospital’s legal counsel, Jordan Pauluhn, cited the ongoing investigation and federal law in lieu of them. “We understand the concerns, but it is an ongoing police investigation and we’re waiting for the reports on that as well," said Pauluhn.

“Federal law or HIPAA, which is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, prohibits us from disclosing any information related to any specific cases so, unfortunately we cannot answer specific questions about specific cases."

Still, that answer did not sit well with lawmakers, who asked if GMH will at least reach out to the families of the patients.  “They’re calling us, me, and the media and they want answers," Salas Matanane said.

Pauluhun commented, “I’m happy to take their phone number. Sometimes we’re limited to what we can discuss under federal law, but we will give a consideration and speak to the family to the extent that we are legally permitted to do so.”

Sadly, for the families mourning the loss of their loved ones, the wait for answers – let alone accountability – continues.