Ministry of Health Addresses Non-Functional Lift at CWM Hospital

The Ministry of Health & Medical Services - Fiji is tackling the issue of a non-functional patient lift at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH).

The affected lift, located in the West Wing and over fifteen years old, is being serviced by engineers from the OTIS Elevator Company of New Zealand.

The Ministry has recognized the need to replace aging lifts and has been engaged in the procurement process, with new lifts expected to arrive by February 2025.

Hospital lifts are specialized machines designed to carry patients, staff, and medical equipment, and must comply with infection prevention and control requirements.

The non-functional lift has disrupted patient care in the affected ward, causing frustration among patients, their families, and hospital staff.

The Ministry is urging patients and families to remain patient as they work to improve the hospital's infrastructure and ensure the provision of quality healthcare services.

The Ministry is committed to addressing the infrastructure needs of all health facilities to enhance healthcare services across the country.