Replacement lift for CWM Hospital expected next month

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has announced that a replacement lift for the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) is expected to arrive next month, addressing ongoing issues with the non-functional patient lift at the facility.

Members of the public took to social media to demand answers as to why the Hospital’s lift has been not working for sometime now.

The ministry in a statement yesterday said the affected lift, located in the West Wing of CWMH, has been out of service for some time, causing disruptions in patient care.

“The lift, which is over 15 years old, was originally purchased from the OTIS Elevator Company of New Zealand. Engineers from the company are currently on-site, working to restore its functionality while the Ministry collaborates with relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Meteorological Services, to address the problem,” the ministry’s statement said.

“In 2023, the Ministry recognized the need to replace the aging lifts at CWMH.”

The ministry said with funding approved by the Government, the Ministry has since been engaged in a procurement process to replace all the outdated lifts at the hospital.

The new lifts are scheduled to arrive in February 2025.

“These lifts are specialized and essential for patient care, as they are designed to carry patients, staff, and medical equipment like beds, trolleys, wheelchairs, and large biomedical devices.

“They must also meet stringent infection control standards, which is why the procurement and installation process requires careful planning.”

The Ministry acknowledged the frustration caused by the lift’s failure, which has impacted patient care in the affected ward, and urged patients, their families, and staff to remain patient as efforts continue to improve the hospital’s infrastructure.

“We understand the inconvenience and disruption this has caused, and we are doing everything we can to resolve the issue and enhance healthcare delivery across the country.”

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