Saltpond Hospital to improve service.

Saltpond (C/R), Oct. 13, GNA - Mr Abraham Ato Arhinful, Chairman of the Saltpond Government Hospital Advisory Committee, has called on the management to involve the staff in decision making so that they would be committed to their implementation.

He was addressing a quarterly meeting of the staff as directed by the Ministry of Health, to enable them to express their views and grievances.

Mr Arhinful expressed concern about the poor patronage of the hospital and called on the staff not to discriminate in attending to patients.

He asked them to pay prompt attention to patients, saying, "Time is money therefore a patient should not be made to stay for a longer period when he or she is not on admission".

Mr Arhinful urged nurses to gather courage to tell Doctors when they feel drugs prescribed for patients were not suitable. He said, however, that they should do this politely and with tact to avoid confrontation.

Miss Comfort Abena Berko, Vice Chairman of the Committee, called on the kitchen staff to ensure balanced diet for patients since that formed an important part of health delivery.

"Make sure that the food you prepare is tasty".

Miss Berko assured the staff that the Committee would ensure their welfare.

Dr Frederick Vormawor, Medical Superintendent, expressed concern about indiscipline and advised the staff to do "the right thing at the right time" since the hospital could be sued for negligence. He advised them to be punctual because anyone who reported late for more than five times in a month would be sanctioned. Dr Vormawor said their Additional Duty Hour Allowance (ADHA) had been enhanced and urged them to show appreciation by working harder. Mr J. B. Abaidoo-Abbam, Hospital Administrator, expressed disappointment about the poor patronage of the Eye Clinic. Five people, who were adjudged as the best workers from May to September 2003, were presented with awards.