The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has announced that new replacement lifts for the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) are expected to arrive next month. This comes in response to concerns regarding the non-functional patient lift at the hospital, which is located in the West Wing and has been operational for over fifteen years.
In a statement, the Ministry acknowledged the issues presented by the outdated lift and emphasized that they are actively collaborating with their contracted service providers and relevant government agencies, including the Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Meteorological Services, to address these challenges. Engineers from the OTIS Elevator Company of New Zealand, the original supplier of the lift, are currently present at CWMH to facilitate repairs on the malfunctioning lift.
Recognizing the pressing need to modernize the hospital’s facilities, the Ministry began working on replacing all of the aging lifts earlier this year, following government approval for funding. Hospital lifts play a vital role in transporting patients, staff, and essential medical equipment, and they are designed to meet specific safety and hygiene standards.
The breakdown of the lift has caused disruptions in patient care within the affected ward, leading to understandable frustration among patients, their families, and the healthcare staff. The Ministry is urging everyone affected to remain patient as they strive to improve the infrastructure and overall quality of healthcare services across the nation.
As the Ministry continues its efforts, there is hope that the arrival of the new lifts will significantly enhance the patient experience and ensure more efficient operations within the hospital. This modernization initiative reflects a commitment to delivering better healthcare and improving the conditions for both patients and medical personnel.
In summary, while the current situation has been challenging, the proactive steps being taken by the Ministry signal a positive direction toward improving healthcare delivery at CWMH.
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