After significant criticism concerning the non-operational lifts at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWM), the Ministry of Health (MOH) has announced that replacement lifts from an external supplier are scheduled to arrive in Fiji next month.
In a statement issued on Friday, the MOH recognized the concerns related to the non-functioning patient lift. The ministry is collaborating with its contracted service providers and relevant government bodies, including the Ministry of Public Works, Transport, and Meteorological Services, to address these issues.
The problematic lift, situated in the west wing of CWM Hospital, has been in service for over 15 years. It was initially installed by the OTIS Elevator Company from New Zealand, whose engineers are currently on-site at the hospital to work on restoring the lift’s functionality. OTIS is also responsible for the regular servicing of the lifts at the facility.
The ministry had previously recognized the urgent need to replace the outdated lifts at CWM in 2023. Following a government-funded procurement process, they are now engaged in plans to replace all existing and aged lifts at the hospital.
Hospital lifts are crucial as they are specifically engineered to accommodate patients, staff, and essential medical equipment, including patient beds, trolleys, and monitoring equipment. Furthermore, these lifts must adhere to infection prevention and compliance standards; therefore, payments are required before any manufacturing begins.
The ministry acknowledged that the failure of the lift has disrupted patient care in the affected ward, causing frustration among patients, their families, and healthcare staff. The MOH is appealing for patience as they work diligently to enhance healthcare facilities across the country.
This initiative signifies a positive commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and ensuring that patient care remains a top priority. The replacement of outdated equipment is a step in the right direction, reflecting the government’s focus on enhancing the quality of healthcare for all citizens.
In summary, the Ministry of Health is actively addressing the issues with the non-functional lifts at CWM Hospital, with replacement parts on the way, demonstrating a proactive approach to improving healthcare services and patient experiences.
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