Management of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital prevented the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Health Committee, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, from inspecting the facility’s faulty elevator that is presently hindering the smooth process of work.
At Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), elective surgeries have been suspended and emergency cases temporarily relocated due to persistent issues with the lifts at the hospital’s surgical block.
On Monday, Mr Akandoh visited the facility but was stopped by an official who questioned the authority in which Mr Akandoh was relying on to inspect the faulty elevator.
“Have we met? Who are you,” the Korle Bu official asked the MP.
The challenges at KBTH have severely affected the hospital’s operations. According to a statement from Professor J. E. Mensah of the Surgical Department, the issues with the lifts have hindered the movement of patients between floors in the surgical tower, directly impacting the ability to perform surgeries.
“Given the current situation, we have decided to suspend all elective surgeries until further notice. During this period, we will focus solely on emergency cases to ensure that critical care is not compromised,” the statement noted.
The statement also outlined temporary measures, including carrying out emergency surgeries at alternative locations within the hospital, such as the Ground Floor Surgical (Neuro), Accident Centre, Pediatric, and Gynaecology theatres. Patients requiring surgery will be admitted to Ward G, Ward N, Ward A, and Ward B.
KBTH assured the public that efforts are underway to replace one lift and refurbish the other, with the procurement process currently in progress.
The hospital says it is working to complete the necessary repairs as quickly as possible to minimize disruption and resume normal operations.