The Guam Memorial Hospital (GMH) is grappling with a critical nursing shortage that is impacting its Intensive Care Unit (ICU) capacity. During the 38th Guam Legislature's FY2026 Budget Session on August 17, 2025, concerns were raised about the hospital's ability to maintain its 14-bed ICU due to a lack of skilled nurses. Currently, GMH can only accommodate 12 beds, forcing the hospital to use additional rooms for storage instead of patient care.

Senators questioned GMH's strategies to address this staffing crisis, particularly how the FY2026 budget would support hiring and training more ICU nurses. The hospital has implemented specialty pay for ICU nurses and is utilizing travel nurses as part of its recruitment efforts. Despite these measures, the hospital still faces challenges in retaining enough staff to meet patient needs, leading to longer wait times in the emergency room for patients requiring ICU care.

The discussion also highlighted the broader implications of the nursing shortage on patient care. With fewer ICU beds available, patients who need critical care are often left waiting in the emergency room, which is less comfortable and less efficient than ICU facilities. The strain on resources is significant, as the hospital is forced to prioritize care for patients who are not at the ICU level, further complicating the situation.

In addition to the nursing issues, the administration's request for an increase in full-time equivalent (FTE) positions from 50 to 60 was also addressed. However, it was clarified that these positions are not new but rather necessary to support the hospital's operational needs. The budget for the administrative side of GMH is set to increase, reflecting the need for more personnel to manage the hospital effectively.

The skilled nursing unit, certified for 40 beds, is also facing staffing challenges, with its capacity currently capped at 20 beds due to budget cuts and a reduction in full-time equivalents. This situation underscores the urgent need for additional nursing staff to ensure that the hospital can operate at full capacity and provide adequate care to all patients.

As GMH navigates these staffing shortages, the implications for patient care remain a pressing concern, with hospital leaders emphasizing the need for continued recruitment and support to meet the community's healthcare demands.