The Ministry of Health & Medical Services has announced that replacement lifts for the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) will be delivered from the contracted supplier next month. Acknowledging concerns regarding the malfunctioning patient lift at the facility, the Ministry is collaborating with its service providers and relevant government agencies, including the Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Meteorological Services, to address the lift issues.
The lift in question, located in the West Wing of CWMH, has been in operation for over fifteen years. The Ministry confirmed that it was originally purchased from the OTIS Elevator Company in New Zealand. Currently, engineers from OTIS are on-site at the hospital to restore functionality to the affected lift.
As part of the ongoing improvements, the Ministry highlighted the necessity of replacing outdated lifts at CWM Hospital in 2023. With approved funding from the government, they are actively engaged in the procurement process to replace all aging lifts at the facility.
Hospital lifts play a crucial role in transporting patients, staff, and necessary medical equipment. Therefore, they must meet specific infection prevention and control standards. Notably, these lifts are manufactured only after payment takes place.
The downtime of the non-functional lift has caused disruptions in patient care for the affected ward at CWMH, leading to frustration among patients, their families, and healthcare staff. In light of these challenges, the Ministry is encouraging patients and their families to have patience as efforts are made to enhance the infrastructure of health facilities and improve the overall provision of healthcare services in the country.
In summary, the Ministry’s proactive steps to enhance hospital infrastructure reflect their commitment to improving healthcare services and addressing patient concerns. This approach not only addresses current issues but also paves the way for a more efficient healthcare system in the future.
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