Following significant concerns regarding malfunctioning elevators at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWM), the Ministry of Health (MOH) has announced that replacement lifts from the designated supplier are anticipated to arrive in Fiji next month. The ministry’s statement, issued on Friday, acknowledged the criticisms regarding the non-operational patient lift.
The MOH is collaborating with contracted service providers and relevant government bodies, including the Ministry of Public Works, Transport, and Meteorological Services, to address the elevator situation at the hospital. The affected lift, situated in the west wing of CWMH, is over 15 years old and was originally purchased from OTIS Elevator Company in New Zealand. Engineers from OTIS are currently onsite at the hospital to repair this lift and ensure its functionality. Additionally, OTIS is contracted for ongoing maintenance of the elevators installed at the hospital.
In 2023, the ministry recognized the urgent need to replace the outdated lifts at CWM Hospital. With secured funding from the government, the MOH has been actively engaged in the procurement process to replace all old lifts.
Hospital lifts are critical systems specifically engineered for use within healthcare settings, designed to carry patients, healthcare staff, and essential medical equipment such as beds and trolleys. These lifts must also adhere to infection prevention protocols and are manufactured only after payment is received.
The ministry acknowledged that the inoperative lift has hindered patient care in the affected ward, leading to frustration among patients, their families, and healthcare staff. They urge everyone to remain patient as efforts continue to enhance the infrastructure of health facilities across the nation, aiming to improve healthcare services.
This commitment to upgrading hospital facilities is a crucial step towards better healthcare delivery, showcasing the government’s dedication to addressing infrastructure challenges in the health sector.
In summary, the MOH’s actions signal a proactive response to community concerns, with plans to improve patient care and hospital service efficiency in the near future.
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