The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has confirmed that a new lift for the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) is set to arrive next month, putting an end to the ongoing challenges related to the hospital’s non-operational patient lift.
Public concerns had recently risen on social media regarding the prolonged malfunction of the lift, which is crucial for patient care. In a statement, the ministry acknowledged that the lift, situated in the West Wing of CWMH and over 15 years old, has been out of service for some time, leading to significant disruptions.
The lift was originally supplied by OTIS Elevator Company from New Zealand. Engineers from this company are currently on-site working to restore its functionality, while the Ministry collaborates with various agencies, including the Ministry of Public Works, Transport, and Meteorological Services, to tackle the issue.
Recognizing the urgent need for modernization, the Ministry stated that 2023 marked the beginning of efforts to replace the aging lifts in CWMH. With government funding secured, a procurement process is underway to replace all outdated lifts at the hospital. New specialized lifts are expected to arrive by February 2025. These lifts are essential for transporting patients, medical personnel, and equipment such as beds, trolleys, and large biomedical devices, while also adhering to stringent infection control standards that necessitate careful planning for the installation process.
The Ministry expressed understanding of the frustration stemming from the lift’s failure, which has interfered with patient care. They urged patients, their families, and hospital staff to remain patient as these improvements are implemented, reiterating their commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery throughout the country.
This announcement brings hope for enhanced infrastructure and better patient care at CWMH, as the arrival of the new lifts will significantly improve accessibility and efficiency within the hospital environment.
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