UCC opens clinical skills laboratory

Cape Coast, Sept 5, GNA - A GH¢234, 554.6 Clinical Skills Laboratory for the School of Medical Science (SMS) at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), was on Thursday handed over to the UCC authorities. The construction of the facility, which consist of suites fitted with hospital wards and communications training skills, was financed by Maersk Ghana Limited, a foreign shipping company, which contributed GH¢127,379.32, with government and other organisations providing the rest.

It is to among others, prepare students of the medical school for their clinical work, by providing them with opportunities to learn and practice skills in history- taking, physical examination and some basic data interpretation and practical procedures. The Dean of the SMS, Professor Harold Amonoo Kwofie, described the laboratory as "historic" because it was the first of its kind, not only in Ghana but the whole of the West-African sub-region, and stressed that it would produce excellent doctors and health personnel to effect a change in health administration. He observed that formerly, clinical skills training was done on ad hoc basis which was inadequate, leaving a vacuum where newly trained personnel were concerned, and it was in view of this that the School was placing emphasis on acquisition of sound knowledge in skills and excellent professional attitudes. The school, which was opened in January this year, has 31 students at level 100 and 14 at level 200. Prof Kwofie, said the establishment of the laboratory would go a long way to enrich the training of health care personnel, providing them with confidence and competence to interact with patients and also provide them with excellent service. He said it was imperative for the students to be taught communication skills, which was an essential component of clinical skills needed by the new breed of medical personnel to facilitate excellent performance. He said the suites would be equipped with a large range of computerized equipment.

The Managing Director of Maersk Ghana Limited, Mr Jeff Gosciniak, who handed over the building, said his company was committed to education and human resource development, and had as a result, sponsored some Ghanaian graduates for further studies abroad and who are now serving in top positions in the country. He said the company's training programme has proven that Ghana does not lack the talent and human resources required to lead her to the realization of her set goals. Mr Gosciniak, in this regard, asked the University authorities to rise to the challenge of producing professionals who would excel in their fields and also endeavour to maintain the building. The Vice-Chancellor of the UCC, Reverend Professor Emmanuel Adow Obeng, was confident that the school would become a centre of excellence and urged the students to avail themselves of the opportunities being offered and pass out with distinction. 05 Sept 08