AFTER widespread criticism of non-functional lifts at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWM), the Ministry of Health (MOH) says replacement lifts from the contracted supplier are expected to arrive in Fiji next month.
A statement issued on Friday acknowledged the issues raised on the non-functional patient lift.
The MOH said it was working closely with its contracted service providers and relevant government agencies such as the Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Meteorological Services in addressing the lifts at the hospital.
“The affected lift is located at the west wing of CWMH and is more than 15 years old,” the ministry said.
“The lift was purchased from the OTIS Elevator Company of New Zealand, and engineers from the company are currently at CWM Hospital attending to the affected lift to restore its function. The OTIS elevator company is also contracted for servicing of the lifts installed by the company at the hospital.
“The ministry had also identified the need to replace the aging lifts at CWM Hospital in 2023, and with approved funding allocation from Government, the ministry has since been engaged in the procurement process and contractual engagement to replace all existing and aged lifts at CWMH.”
The ministry said hospital lifts were specialised machines specifically designed for use at hospitals, and they were durable to carry patients, staff, and specialised medical equipment such as patient beds, patient trolleys, wheelchairs, patient monitoring equipment, as well as large biomedical equipment. In addition, the ministry said these lifts should also comply with infection prevention and control requirements, and were only manufactured once payment for any purchase is made.
“The non-functional lift has disrupted patient care at the affected ward at CWMH and the delay in care in frustrating the patients, their relatives, and the staff who look after them. The ministry is urging patients and families and carers to bear with them as it is doing its best in attending to the infrastructure needs for all our health facilities towards improving the provision of healthcare services in the country.”
The affected lift is located at the West Wing of the CWM Hospital. Picture: KATA KOLI
