$10M Allocated to V.I. Hospitals as SRMC Plans Cuts and Territory-Wide Construction Advances
The Schneider Regional Medical Center and Juan F. Luis Hospital each received $10 million in government funding to address critical operational expenses, hospital officials announced during Wednesday evening’s Territorial Hospital Board meeting. The financial support comes as SRMC prepares to submit a new austerity plan within 30 days.
2025-04-25 13:23:11 - VI News Staff
“Our plans include staffing realignment, limiting hiring to only critical clinical positions, renegotiating contracts and continuing to reduce overtime expenses for cost savings,” said Tina Comissiong, chief executive officer of SRMC. She emphasized that the hospital’s top priorities remain meeting payroll and maintaining a supply of essential resources.
Comissiong reported that upgrades to the hospital’s outdated Meditech operating system are underway, with the administration awaiting a timeline from the vendor. Efforts to expand access to online patient records are also in progress. She noted that staffing shortages in anesthesiology, pediatrics, the emergency room, and interventional cardiology remain a concern for consistent patient care and safety.
Two new hires have joined the accounting department, and staffing in the laboratory has increased. Following a recent survey by The Joint Commission, SRMC’s lab received no critical or life-threatening findings. A corrective plan is being developed, and a full hospital survey is expected by the end of September.
The hospital has resumed its search for a contractor to complete its X-ray room. Although a Request for Proposal was submitted last month, no bids were received. Comissiong said they are now pursuing direct solicitations.