Sen. Ray Fonseca is urging Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. to declare a Hospital State of Emergency to address the mounting challenges at the Territory’s healthcare facilities.
Fonseca emphasized the urgent need for emergency funding to address current staffing shortages, equipment shortages, and the lack of basic supplies facing the hospitals. He stated that he has spoken with the governor and his colleagues in the 36th Legislature about the healthcare crisis in the territory. Sen. Fonseca urged the governor to immediately declare a State of Emergency for the hospitals to accelerate the final design, procurement, and construction of the Governor Juan F. Luis Medical Center, Roy Lester Schneider Hospital and Regional Medical Center, and the Myra Keating Clinic on St. John.
The senator indicated it would take more than 10 years to complete these projects which is unacceptable.
The modular hospital at the Governor Juan F. Luis site on St. Croix is designed as a temporary solution and currently has only 14 emergency beds — down from 18 at the old hospital, which represents a 22 percent reduction in emergency bed availability. The Juan Luis modular hospital units are nearing the end of their seven-year lifespan, as they are currently in their sixth year. This raises concerns about significant deterioration by 2028, with increased risks of mold, structural instability, and cracked floors.
Given the slow pace of the hospital and construction, Senator Fonseca is questioning whether the new Governor Juan F. Luis hospital can be completed within the next three years. The Senator is frustrated with long emergency room waiting times, stating, “Our residents have to wait too long for adequate care, and we have a shortage of emergency beds.” The community needs these new medical hospitals now. The new Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center, once completed, will have 18 emergency beds and 117 total patient beds, compared to the previous facility.
Fonseca indicated plans to introduce legislation aimed at increasing emergency room staffing, which will include Emergency Room Physicians, Nurses, and Patient Care Technicians. His recommendations will include hiring additional staff for both facilities.
