2 weeks Ago By News Ghana
News Ghana, Latest Updates and Breaking News of Ghana, News Ghana, https://newsghana.com.gh/tamale-teaching-hospital-denies-negligence-in-patient-death-amid-icu-bed-shortage/The Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) has refuted claims of medical negligence linked to the death of a patient referred to the facility for specialized care, citing critical resource constraints and operational challenges.
In a statement released April 20, 2024, hospital management clarified that the patient was transferred for a procedure unavailable at the referring facility but emphasized that all four intensive care unit (ICU) beds servicing Northern Ghana were occupied at the time of arrival.The hospital acknowledged the patient’s death as “tragic” but urged the public to refrain from premature conclusions, noting that an internal committee has been established to investigate the circumstances. The statement stressed that TTH adheres to “established protocols” and prioritizes patient care despite systemic limitations, including the region’s acute shortage of critical care infrastructure.
Northern Ghana’s healthcare system has long faced scrutiny over inadequate ICU capacity, with the Tamale facility serving as the primary referral center for millions across the Upper West, Upper East, North East, Savannah, and Northern regions. Health advocates argue that the incident underscores broader challenges in equitable resource distribution, particularly in underserved areas where delays in critical care often compound risks for patients.While the hospital’s response aims to address public concerns, it has reignited debates about accountability and transparency in Ghana’s regional healthcare networks.
The committee’s findings, expected within weeks, will likely influence calls for increased investment in medical infrastructure and staffing to prevent similar crises. For now, the case highlights the delicate balance hospitals must strike between patient demand and resource availability, a recurring tension in regions grappling with gaps in healthcare access. News Ghana, Latest Updates and Breaking News of Ghana, News Ghana, https://newsghana.
com.gh/tamale-teaching-hospital-denies-negligence-in-patient-death-amid-icu-bed-shortage/.
