Isaac Akwetey
9 November 2009
Very few words can really describe the state of the Suhum Government Hospital, which serves over 188,000 residents within the Suhum Kraboa Coaltar District in the Eastern Region, as the state of its infrastructure is heartbreaking to see of a place where people go to access quality healthcare. P> The hospital, which started as a health centre in 1958, and was upgraded to a district hospital a year later, has still not seen any infrastructural transformation, even though there has been tremendous management and administrative transformation.
It can only boast of four wards, with an average bed capacity of 30, whilst the state of the laboratory and theatre leave much to be desired.
Until recently, patients who access the facility had to sit in the sun and intermittent rain showers, following the provision of a shed, out the instrumentality of the hospital administration.
To this end, the management of the hospital, under the care of Dr. Ashong Tetteh, Hospital Superintendent, has called on the government, particularly the Ministry of Health, and all meaningful Ghanaians to come to the aid of the hospital.
Addressing a press conference at the hospital's premises last Friday, Dr. Ashong expressed grave concern over the fact the hospital, which serves the district and others due to its position, has not been given the needed attention.
The press conference was part of activities to commemorate its Jubilee Celebration, which is under the theme "50 Years of Quality Service - Challenges and the Way Forward," which begins from 19 November, this year, to March 20, 2010.
The Medical Superintendent, who was recently the Director in Charge of the Kyebi Government Hospital, argued that the hospital was critically under enormous pressure, as a result of lack of resources at its disposal, and needs urgent relief.
"The hospital serves as a referral point for 15 and 21 health and CHPs respectively, in about 350 communities, and sees over 200 Out Patient Department (OPD) clients a day, thereby placing staff under enormous pressure, which must be urgently relieved," he explained.
There is only one ambulance to all referrals, the lack a Casualty and Emergency Centre (CEC), together with no fence wall around both the hospital and residencies of staff, thus exposing them to robbery attacks.
He said despite the fact that staff of the hospital had indicated their readiness to execute their constitutionally mandated duties, the lack of logistics, particularly a CEC, as accident victims were either seen in the wards or at the OPD during the night and day, which was a stumbling block to performing effectively and efficiently.
He averred that it was sad to mention that due to lack of a CEC, accident victims were nursed in the open, on trolleys, stretchers, and benches, and even on the floor.
Dr. Ashong declared that after sorting out, resuscitation and administration of 1st aid treatment, about 50-60 percent of these victims were subsequently referred to either the Koforidua or Korle-bu hospitals, due to the lack of a CEC.
He continued that the conditions of most patients deteriorate while waiting for an ambulance, or during the course of the journey, adding that some even expire before they get to their destinations, due to the discomfort of long hours driving and heavy traffic.
Even though his outfit had shown great commitment to saving lives, as well as preventing maimings, their effort would be meaningless and worthless if the requisite logistics were not provided.
To this end, he launched a passionate appeal to co-operate organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and individuals, to assist the hospital, as a matter of urgency, to construct an Accident and Emergency Centre to remedy the situation.
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