The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has revealed that a new lift for the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) is set to arrive next month, addressing the persistent issues related to the broken patient lift at the facility. This announcement comes in response to public outcry on social media regarding the prolonged downtime of the hospital’s lift, which has been a critical element for patient care.
In a recent statement, the ministry explained that the lift in question, situated in the West Wing of CWMH and over 15 years old, was initially purchased from the OTIS Elevator Company in New Zealand. Engineers from OTIS are currently on-site working to repair the lift while the Ministry collaborates with various agencies, including the Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Meteorological Services, to resolve the ongoing issues.
Recognizing the urgent need for updated infrastructure, the Ministry highlighted that it has been engaged in a procurement process to replace all outdated lifts at CWMH since securing government funding. The new lifts are planned to be delivered in February 2025 and are designed to support patient care by accommodating patients, staff, and essential medical equipment such as beds and wheelchairs. They will adhere to strict infection control standards, necessitating a meticulous procurement and installation process.
The Ministry expressed understanding and empathy towards the frustration caused by the lift’s malfunction, which has affected operations within the hospital. They urged patients, their families, and staff to remain patient as they work toward improving healthcare facilities.
This effort to upgrade hospital infrastructure reflects a commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery, demonstrating that with the right planning and resources, the system can provide better service to its patients. The community can look forward to improved conditions in the near future.
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