The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has announced the anticipated arrival of a replacement lift for the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) next month, which will address the ongoing issues associated with the non-operational patient lift at the facility.
The hospital’s lift, located in the West Wing, has faced extended downtime, prompting public inquiries and discussions on social media regarding its functionality. In an official statement, the ministry revealed that the dysfunctional lift, over 15 years old and originally sourced from OTIS Elevator Company in New Zealand, has been under review. Engineers from the company are currently onsite working to restore its operation. Meanwhile, the ministry is collaborating with the Ministry of Public Works, Transport, and Meteorological Services to tackle the issues surrounding the lift.
The urgency to replace the aging lifts at CWMH became clear in 2023, leading to government-approved funding for this essential upgrade. The procurement process for new lifts is already underway, with a delivery expected in February 2025. These new installations are specifically designed to accommodate patients, staff, and essential medical equipment while adhering to strict infection control standards—a critical aspect of the ongoing healthcare improvement efforts.
The Ministry has voiced its appreciation for the public’s understanding of the disruption caused by the lift’s failure, emphasizing that they are prioritizing improvements to the hospital’s infrastructure to enhance overall patient care and service delivery.
This situation sheds light on the importance of maintaining healthcare facilities to ensure they meet the needs of patients and healthcare providers alike. While delays can be frustrating, the proactive measures taken by the Ministry reflect a commitment to improving healthcare services for the community. As the replacement lifts are set to arrive, there is hope for more reliable patient transport solutions in the near future, which will ultimately contribute to better healthcare outcomes.
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