Three new elevators at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital were commissioned yesterday, providing relief to staff and patients while work continues on a fourth lift.
The Government has spent more than $800,000 on the installation of the lifts, which took nearly a year to complete because the infrastructure had to be prepared before the lifts could be installed.
Medical Superintendent Dr Luke Nasedra said three of the lifts were now operational following work by OTIS Elevator engineers.
Two of these lifts are in Lancaster Ward and one in the Children’s Ward.
“We are thankful to the Government for the procurement of these four lifts,” Dr Nasedra said.
“The fourth lift, left to be completed, is the food ration lift. A lot of work needs to be done on the infrastructure before the engineers can move in to install the new lift.”
He said the new lifts had provided a big relief to CWM Hospital staff and the public, making movement within the hospital much easier.
Minister for Health Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu said the replacement was necessary because the previous lifts were over 20 years old and costly to maintain.
“The lifts were quite old. We’ll ensure that these new lifts are properly maintained.”
He highlighted that repeated lift failures at CWMH were largely due to improper use rather than overuse.
He explained that the East Wing lifts were highly sensitive, and even minor bumps from moving patients or equipment could disrupt their mechanisms.
“It’s not the overuse; it’s how you use the lift.”
He called on both staff and visitors to exercise care when entering and exiting.
Dr Lalabalavu emphasised that awareness and careful handling are key to keeping the lifts functional.
