U.S. Naval Hospital Guam officially opened the doors of their new, state-of-the-art facility in Agana Heights for the first time April 21, replacing the old hospital that was built in 1954.

Hospital officials said the transition to the new hospital was seamless, and with the exception of going to a new facility, patients shouldn't see any changes in how they receive treatment from medical personnel. In the true spirit of jointness, the first baby born in the new hospital was to an Airmen family from Andersen Air Force Base.

"After 45 days of training and outfitting the hospital, we have safely transferred all functions and achieved full occupational capacity," said Navy Capt. Jeff Plummer, the hospital's commanding officer, during remarks at the opening ceremony.

The new hospital provides 42 beds, four operating rooms, two C-Section rooms, and improved diagnostic and ancillary capabilities to include MRI and CT scanning suites. The facility upgrade includes four more bed spaces, an additional C-Section room and the addition of a podiatry clinic.

The 281,000 square-foot building was specifically designed to improve personnel traffic flow, organizing the most utilized clinics nearest to the main entrance and circulation spines, with in-patient activities and other clinics located on the upper floors. It also has improved survivability from earthquake and typhoon damage.

The new hospital will also have a closed galley, meaning only in-patients, hospital personnel, service members who are temporarily assigned to the hospital and escorted family members of active-duty patients will be able to eat there.

Plans are for the old facility to be demolished and turned into a parking lot, which should provide approximately 900 parking spots.

This article was originally published at: http://www.andersen.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123409773

- PACOM: (posted May 8, 2014) -