Seeing Is Believing Mental Health Facility Is Almost Ready

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Chief Justice Michael Kruse didn’t want to take ASG officials’ word for it and had to see for himself that the mental facility is ready to house the increasing number of individuals with mental illnesses.

A status hearing of cases which were pushed back to await completion of the mental health facility was held this morning.

After  hearing LBJ Hospital CEO Taufete’e John Faumuina’s testimony on the status of construction of the facility, Kruse took a recess and asked that the parties reconvene at the facility.

In court for the hearing were Commissioner of Public Safety, Save Liuato Tuitele,  TCF Warden Fo’ifua and the hospital CEO.

Also present was the the hospital’s psychiatrist, Dr. Shisram and Health and Human and Social Services Psychiatrist, Dr. Jueta McCutcheon.

The first government witness to take the stand, Taufetee was questioned on the status of the facility, how it’s funded and staffing.

He testified that the facility is almost 100% ready pending the arrival of electronic devices needed for monitoring patients and securing the facility.

He also said Governor Lolo has signed an MOU establishing a council given responsibility for operation of the facility.

Taufetee gave two possible dates for the official opening of the facility:  May 27th and June 7th.

Also taking the unscheduled tour of the mental health facility located at the LBJ Hospital grounds were associate judges Faamausili Pomele and Muasasu Tofili, Director of Human and Social Services Taeaoafua Dr. Meki Solomona and staff of the High Court.

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