Ridge Hospital Urged to Raise Standards in Emergency Care
The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, has challenged the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Ridge, to lead efforts to improve emergency care and patient-centred service delivery across the country.
He said the hospital, as a major referral facility, must set high standards in healthcare delivery, strengthen the skills of health professionals and share its expertise with other facilities.
Dr Akoriyea made the call during an emergency and Basic Life Support training programme organised at Ridge Hospital with a medical delegation from Sanford Health.
He noted that many patients reached emergency departments only after their conditions had deteriorated, stressing the need for prompt intervention, compassion and professionalism in handling emergency cases.
“The entire country is looking at us. If something should come out of the Ghana Health Service, it has to come through here,” he said, urging the hospital to lead by example in improving healthcare standards.
Dr Akoriyea also called for stronger capacity-building efforts to equip health workers across the country with the skills needed to improve patient outcomes.
He recounted that his relationship with Sanford Health began 15 years ago and had grown into a longstanding partnership supporting healthcare delivery in Ghana. He expressed appreciation for the organisation’s continued support, including the recent donation of medical shoes for health workers nationwide.
As part of the programme, he presented certificates to participants in recognition of their involvement in the training.
The practical sessions, led by Travis Spier, Enterprise Director at Sanford Health’s Centre for Pre-Hospital Care and Simulation, focused on cardiac arrest management and life-saving procedures for adults and newborns.
Participants received hands-on instruction in pulse checks, chest compressions, ventilation, airway management and the appropriate administration of intravenous fluids. Mr Spier also stressed the importance of clear communication and coordinated teamwork during resuscitation to minimise interruptions and improve survival chances.
Meanwhile, Karoliina Slack, Vice President of Sanford World Clinic, presented specialised medical bags to nurses at the hospital. The Chief Nursing Officer and Head of Nursing and Midwifery, Mrs Rita K. Akoto, received the items on behalf of the facility.
The programme ended with a renewed commitment by hospital management and staff to sustain professional training and improve the quality of emergency care.
Grace Acheampong, ISD
