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American Samoa Government - PR001-05062025
Posted: May 6, 2025
LBJ Hospital Unveils Major Kitchen Upgrades to Enhance
Patient Nutrition and Service Efficiency
On Friday, May 2, 2025, the Lyndon B. Johnson Tropical Medical Center officially opened its newly renovated cafeteria, showcasing significant upgrades and a comprehensive transformation, as a part of an ongoing commitment to improving patient care and operational excellence.
The facility now features a modernized design and a state of the art and efficient work environment. While the facility is primarily designed to serve in-house patients, it will soon expand access to the broader community, offering an indoor dining area for caregivers and visitors, as well as a welcoming space for the public to enjoy a meal. Each section of the cafeteria has been meticulously designed to ensure accurate meal distribution to patients, proper food storage and food preparation, while providing a wide selection of nutritious food options tailored to diverse dietary needs of each patient.
During the opening ceremony, special remarks were delivered by the Honorable Lieutenant Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr., alongside Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean and LBJ Board Member Honorable Representative Faimealelei Anthony Allen.
In his address, Lieutenant Governor Pulumataala expressed gratitude to the LBJ staff and leadership for their unwavering dedication to advancing healthcare in American Samoa. He also highlighted the vital role each staff member plays in the success of LBJ Hospital—from doctors, nurses, security personnel, board members, and the many other roles, emphasizing that every contribution helps lighten the collective workload and strengthen the hospital’s mission of delivering quality care.
The recent facility enhancements include the installation of a new walk-in dry storage unit, two walk-in freezers, and a dedicated dietitian station where LBJ dietitians collaborate to develop personalized meal plans for patients.
Additional improvements feature an upgraded dishwashing rack and the implementation of a 20-feet conveyor belt system, significantly increasing the efficiency of meal assembly and ensuring timely delivery of nutritious meals to patients.
During his remarks, LBJ Chief Executive Officer Scott Anesi thanked the American Samoa Government, Board of Directors, the people of American Samoa, and the hard-working staff at LBJ for their support, hard work and dedication, “This momentous occasion was made from endless efforts, continuous hard work, dedication and of course day in and day out support”, said Mr. Anesi. “This has been one of the many projects that the Board of Directors, the administration and staff sought completion to increase and better the health of the people of American Samoa, so they can receive the services they deserve and badly need.” The renovations mark a continued effort by the LBJ Hospital to invest in infrastructure that supports quality healthcare delivery across all departments.
