In light of recent outrage over an abandoned patient found in a bush near Gomoa Ojobi, the Medical Director of Winneba Trauma and Specialist Hospital, Dr. Prah George Kwame, has clarified that the patient was declared well and discharged to her preferred destination.
The hospital’s response comes amidst public condemnation and a Ghana Health Service (GHS) investigation into the matter.
The incident, which gained significant media attention, involved allegations that hospital officials abandoned the patient in a remote area due to an inability to locate her relatives. This sparked widespread outrage, prompting the GHS to form a five-member committee to investigate.
In a statement, the hospital explained that the patient had been treated and deemed fit for discharge. According to Dr. Kwame, the patient requested to be taken to a specific location, and the hospital complied.
“After the necessary examinations, Plaster of Paris (POP) was applied to both lower limbs due to tibia fractures. The hospital took full responsibility for her feeding, medication, and housekeeping. After six days of admission, she was discharged on June 3, 2024, with medical records evidencing her well-being,” the statement read.
Dr. Kwame noted that social welfare officers had established through interactions with the patient that she was a resident of Gomoa Ojobi. This information was confirmed by the National Ambulance Service, which had initially picked her up from that location.
Consequently, the social welfare officers decided to return her to her community. The arrangement involved the national ambulance, a social welfare officer, and a hospital staff member transporting the patient to her chosen destination.
“After being declared well and expressing a strong desire to leave the hospital, the social welfare officers agreed to send her back to Gomoa Ojobi,” Dr. Kwame explained.
He further emphasized that the hospital ambulance, accompanied by the social welfare officer and a hospital staff member, ensured the patient was properly clothed and provided with a wheelchair for the journey.
The hospital’s detailed account aims to address public concerns and clarify the circumstances surrounding the patient’s discharge and transportation.