After receiving significant criticism regarding non-operational lifts at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWM), the Ministry of Health (MOH) has announced that replacement lifts from their contracted supplier are anticipated to arrive in Fiji next month.
In a statement released on Friday, the MOH addressed the concerns regarding the malfunctioning patient lift, emphasizing their commitment to resolving the issue. They are collaborating with contracted service providers and relevant government agencies, including the Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Meteorological Services, to address the lift situation in the hospital.
The MOH highlighted that the lift in question, situated in the west wing of CWMH, has been in operation for over 15 years. This lift was originally acquired from OTIS Elevator Company in New Zealand, and engineers from the company are currently on-site at the hospital to repair the malfunctioning lift. OTIS is also responsible for servicing the lifts installed at the facility.
Recognizing the critical need to replace aging lifts at CWM Hospital, the MOH initiated plans for this in 2023, which included securing funding from the government. They are now actively engaged in the procurement and contractual processes to replace all outdated lifts at the hospital.
Moreover, the ministry emphasized the specialized nature of hospital lifts, which are engineered to accommodate patients, staff, and essential medical equipment like patient beds and wheelchairs while adhering to infection prevention and control standards. These lifts are manufactured only after a payment is processed.
The disruption caused by the current non-functional lift has posed challenges for patient care in the affected ward, understandably frustrating patients, their families, and healthcare staff alike. The ministry has urged patients, families, and caregivers to be patient as they work diligently to address the infrastructure needs necessary to enhance healthcare services across the country.
In summary, the MOH is taking proactive steps to improve the situation at CWM Hospital by replacing outdated lifts and engaging with experienced contractors, which holds the promise of better service and patient care in the near future. This positive development reflects the ministry’s commitment to enhancing the quality of healthcare services in Fiji.
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