By: Emmanuel Amoah
Patients awaiting elective surgeries at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital can breathe a sigh of relief as the hospital has announced the resumption of suspended surgeries starting Tuesday, September 3. This follows the successful repair of one of the faulty elevators in the surgical unit.
In a recent interview with 3news, hospital management confirmed plans to replace all outdated elevators with new ones as part of a comprehensive upgrade, addressing ongoing issues with the facility’s lifts.
Elective surgeries at Korle Bu’s Surgical Department had been suspended, with the hospital focusing solely on emergency cases due to the elevator breakdown. On average, the hospital conducts nearly 10 elective surgeries daily, meaning that approximately 100 patients have been waiting to be recalled for their scheduled procedures.
The persistent issues with faulty elevators at the hospital have sparked public concern. However, the hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Mustapha Salifu, reassured the public that by the first quarter of next year, all outdated lifts at the facility would be replaced. He acknowledged the challenges this situation has posed for both surgical services and emergency care.
“We have informed all the specialists that the lift is fixed. Patients scheduled for surgery will also be contacted, and we anticipate resuming elective surgeries at the unit by tomorrow. The lifts are now functional, and we appreciate the patients’ patience and understanding. We are committed to providing maximum healthcare services,” Salifu stated.
Regarding the replacement of all faulty elevators, Salifu added, “Procurement is already underway, and the new lifts should be installed within six months. By the first quarter of next year, most of them should be replaced. We are aware of the impact this has on surgical services and emergency care.”
Earlier, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the ranking member of Parliament’s Health Committee, made an unannounced visit to inspect the elevator but was denied access by staff who questioned his identity. In response, hospital authorities emphasized the importance of proper notification from high-profile visitors to maintain protocol and ensure smooth operations.
Meanwhile, checks at the department confirm that the elevator is currently operational.
