In response to significant public concern regarding the malfunctioning lifts at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWM), the Ministry of Health (MOH) has announced that replacement lifts are set to arrive in Fiji next month. This revelation comes after a lengthy period of frustration for patients, their families, and hospital staff due to the operational challenges posed by the aging infrastructure.
The MOH acknowledged the complaints regarding a specific patient lift that has been in service for over 15 years. The affected lift, located in the west wing of CWM, was originally sourced from the OTIS Elevator Company in New Zealand. Engineers from OTIS are currently on-site to repair the malfunctioning lift while also overseeing the ongoing maintenance of other lifts within the hospital.
In 2023, the MOH recognized the urgent need for modern and reliable lifts at CWM Hospital and has since embarked on a comprehensive procurement process to replace all outdated lifts. With financial backing from the government, the ministry is committed to enhancing the hospital’s infrastructure to improve patient care and overall service delivery.
These lifts are crucial for transporting not only patients but also essential medical equipment, ensuring that healthcare services are timely and efficient. The MOH has assured the public that compliance with infection control standards is a priority in the manufacturing and installation of these specialized lifts, which are designed to meet the specific needs of hospital environments.
The ministry urged patience from patients and their families during this transitional period as they work diligently to upgrade healthcare facilities across the nation. This proactive approach to resolving the lift issues is a promising sign for enhancements in health services, which will ultimately lead to better patient outcomes.
In summary, while the current situation at CWM Hospital may be challenging, the imminent arrival of new lifts and the commitment from the Ministry of Health are steps in the right direction towards restoring efficient healthcare services.
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