The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has announced that a replacement lift for the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) is scheduled to arrive next month, aiming to resolve the ongoing issues with the malfunctioning patient lift at the facility.
Concerns from the public regarding the lift’s extended downtime have been prevalent on social media platforms. The ministry has acknowledged that this specific lift, situated in the West Wing of CWMH, has been out of service, leading to interruptions in patient care.
This lift, which has served for over 15 years, was originally manufactured by the OTIS Elevator Company in New Zealand. Engineers from OTIS are currently working on-site to restore its operation, while the Ministry collaborates with various agencies, including the Ministry of Public Works, Transport, and Meteorological Services, to manage the situation.
Recognizing the aging infrastructure, the Ministry affirmed its commitment in 2023 to replace the old lifts at CWMH. With government funding secured, the Ministry has been involved in a procurement process aimed at replacing all outdated lifts within the hospital. The new lifts are unique in design and critical for patient care as they accommodate patients, staff, and necessary medical equipment such as beds, trolleys, wheelchairs, and large biomedical devices.
It’s worth noting that these lifts must adhere to strict infection control standards, necessitating meticulous planning during the procurement and installation process.
The Ministry has expressed understanding regarding the frustrations caused by the lift’s malfunction, particularly its impact on patient care and has called for patience from patients, families, and staff as efforts continue to enhance hospital infrastructure. The Ministry is dedicated to resolving these issues to improve healthcare delivery across the country.
This announcement brings a glimmer of hope for those depend on the hospital’s services, demonstrating the government’s commitment to upgrading essential healthcare facilities for the benefit of the community.
In summary, the timely arrival of a new lift and the acknowledgment of the existing issues signify a positive shift towards improved healthcare infrastructure in the region.
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