Management of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has temporarily suspended new admissions at its Accident and Emergency (A&E) Centre following severe overcrowding that has stretched the facility beyond its operational capacity.
According to the hospital, the emergency unit, which was originally designed to accommodate 37 patients, is currently overwhelmed by a significant surge in emergency cases, placing immense pressure on available space, medical resources and healthcare personnel.
In a statement issued by management, the hospital explained that the congestion has made it difficult to safely admit and manage additional critically ill patients over the next 24 hours.
As a result, members of the public have been advised to seek emergency medical care at other hospitals within the Ashanti Region while efforts are being made to decongest the facility and restore normal operations.
Hospital authorities noted that the temporary suspension is a necessary measure to ensure the safety of patients currently receiving treatment and to prevent any decline in the quality of emergency healthcare services.
KATH further disclosed that it is working closely with the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate and other healthcare facilities across the region to manage the increasing number of emergency cases and ensure patients continue to receive the care they need.
Despite the challenges, emergency physician specialists and other medical staff remain on duty around the clock to stabilize patients and improve conditions at the centre.
Management expressed optimism that the situation will improve within the next one or two days, paving the way for the resumption of regular emergency admissions.
“The current situation is being periodically reviewed as our emergency physician specialists and other medical staff are doing their best to manage the surge in cases at the centre, and new admissions will be allowed as soon as things get under control,” the statement said.
The hospital assured the public that updates would be provided as the situation evolves and appealed for understanding and cooperation during the temporary suspension.
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah