Good Samaritan Hospital, located in downtown Los Angeles, has reportedly received a grant from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development. The $417,560 grant is intended to help Good Samaritan Hospital implement a telemedicine program that is designed to connect members of its medical staff with public health and primary care providers and their patients at six public health sites on the island of Guam.

According to the news report, Good Samaritan’s partnership with Guam’s Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) allows them to provide a real-time, video conferencing telemedicine program with primary care user sites in Guam. Consultations and medical advice provided via the program will include cardiology, emergency medicine, gastroenterology, infectious disease, neurosurgery, oncology, orthopedics, otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat), rheumatology, and urology services. Nutritional counseling and community health education by registered dietitians will also be provided through the program.

According to James Gillan, director of the Department of Public Health and Social Services in Guam, both organizations feel that a telemedicine program offers a more efficient and effective way to bring health care to people in Guam. Additionally, it is hoped that the new telemedicine program will be a good tool for continued education and training.

Good Samaritan Hospital has provided care to the people of Guam for nearly 30 years, through the Guam International Patient Services (IPS) office both in Los Angeles and on the island. A team from the Guam IPS is available 24/7 to guide patients through the referral process, assist them with making appointments, requesting records and authorization, coordinating special accommodations, and arranging specialty care.

More information about international patient relations and services can be found on the Good Samaritan Hospital website.