Dr. Ledua says termination of LBJ’s radiologist in best interest of the hospital

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The termination of LBJ Hospital’s Radiology Manager, Vaanatiu Tofala Iafeta, was done in the best interest and the mission of the hospital “and his [Iafeta’s] visa”, according to the hospital’s Executive Director, Dr Akapusi Ledua.

The LBJ CEO said it was a difficult decision to make —but it was made in order to provide comprehensive, high quality, safe and also cost effective care for patients.

The former LBJ radiologist was given a letter of termination without cause.

Dr Ledua told Samoa News, LBJ has no obligation to mention a cause. "His termination is without cause according to his contact.  LBJ has no obligation to have a cause and is not willing to explain the cause of his termination.

"His contract can be terminated without cause, meaning LBJ is not willing to reveal the cause or to say the cause. What I can say, it is in the best interest of LBJ, and his visa."  (Dr. Ledua did not explain what he meant by ‘visa’.)

Dr Ledua did remember that he arrived at LBJ hospital the same year as the radiologist.  "He's been working for 20 years, we came together at the same time."

Other information concerning personal details of the employee, Ledua said couldn't be divulged, but he revealed that they have someone who is acting in the position for now.  

The employee in the acting position is a son of American Samoa and also a 20-year employee. Dr Ledua said, “This employee is not a doctor, but he's been working for 20 years. Young, very qualified, enthusiastic, local — he can do the job."

Asked if he is a radiologist, Dr Ledua said, "No, Mr. Mapu is not a radiologist but he is a qualified radiographer.

(Radiographers, also called radiologic technologists, are health care professionals who operate special scanning machines that make images for medical purposes. They use equipment like X-ray machines, CT scanners, and advanced technologies such as digital fluoroscopy. Radiographers often pass their findings on to radiologists, who interpret the images to help make a diagnosis.)

He’s working on his Masters in Radiography and he will be qualified as both a clinician and in management, Dr. Ledua said.

Samoa News understands the medical center, with Iafeta’s departure, currently has two doctoral level radiologists, as well a third doctoral level radiogist, who is part of the LDS Missionary program — so the Radiology clinic is not short staffed.

Samoa News wasn't able to contact the terminated radiologist, Mr. Iafeta. However he told KHJ's Talanei, he’s in the dark about why his employment was terminated.

Saying he was called to a meeting (last week Tuesday) “with LBJ CEO, Dr Akapusi Ledua and Human Resources Director, Rowena Reid and was handed a letter of termination. He was then escorted off the hospital premises by security guards.”

According to the Talanei report, “Tofala said he intends to seek legal advice over his firing.

“I know my rights and I intend to speak to my lawyer,” he said, adding that he’s entitled to an explanation on why he has been removed.

“Tofala said he was supposed to meet last week with Dr Jean Anderson, the Executive Director to the Board, but she never showed up.

“He suspects his being vocal over issues affecting employees, is the reason why he has been fired,” he is reported telling Talanei. “I’m the only one who speaks out, for the protection of employees.”