Cape Coast Teaching Hospital suspends elective surgeries, tightens coronavirus control measures

The Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH), the biggest referral facility in the Central Region has suspended all scheduled or elective surgeries amidst tightened measures to control and prevent the spread of the novel Coronavirus, COVID-19.

However, some specific scheduled surgeries may be performed based on the direction of the Surgeon.

Elective surgeries are ones that are scheduled in advance because it does not involve a medical emergency situation including cosmetic surgeries, tonsillectomies, scoliosis among others.

A release signed by Dr Eric Ngyedu, the Chief Executive Officer of the CCTH said "other specialists, Out Patient Department (OPD) services would be on appointment basis only”.

According to the Dr Ngyedu, the well thought-out measures were to ensure maximum protection of health personnel, visitors and welfare of patients to efficiently control and prevent the pandemic.

The statement said triage nurses will regulate queuing of patients at OPD to ensure social distancing directive by the Government.

In addition to that, some other specialised clinics have been rescheduled to the afternoons to prevent congestion at the OPD.

On some internal security measures, the CEO of Facility, which doubles as the Regional holding centre for COVID-19 announced that the number of entry points at the facility had been restricted to ensure that all patients and visitors go through pre-triaging.

Also, the door between the Accident and Emergency, Pharmacy, Laboratory and the doors leading to the Physiotherapy Unit and main Pharmacy, mortuary have been closed to patients and visitors.

Consequently, with immediate effect, all are requested to use the facility's main gate in front of the OPD and all patients, visitors and the public are to continue to strictly observe safety measures and self-protection activities.