ANAMBRA HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR PRIORITIZES PATIENT SAFETY, ACCOUNTABILITY TOO. (PHOTO). #PRESS RELEASE.

 Anambra Hospital Administrator Prioritizes Patient Safety, Accountability Too

Ebele Egoh

The Anambra State Hospital Administrator, Dr. Frank Ifeanaeme, has issued a directive to all healthcare facilities in the state to procure oxygen from the State Medical Oxygen Plant, located in Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Awka. This move is aimed at enhancing patient care in state hospitals. 

During a meeting with heads of state hospitals and clinics, Dr. Ifeanaeme emphasized the importance of prioritizing patient safety by using medical-grade oxygen, which is specifically designed for medical use, warning that industrial oxygen, although cheaper, poses potential safety risks and is not suitable for medical purposes. 

The Hospital Administrator also commended doctors who consistently make themselves available to patients and directed hospitals to create call rosters to ensure doctors and nurses are always accessible to patients, especially during festive periods and at night. 

"No hospital should be under lock and key," Dr. Ifeanaeme stressed, adding that the government has provided qualified health workers, and it is essential for doctors to make themselves available to patients. 

To enhance accountability, Dr. Ifeanaeme mandated that hospitals maintain an office inventory, including staff details, equipment records, and monthly sign-offs by department heads. He also encouraged staff to wear proper uniforms and name tags while on duty, as independent monitoring teams may conduct unannounced visits. 

Regarding financial management, he reminded hospitals that the monthly imprest is intended for hospital upkeep,  and maintaining a clean environment. He cautioned against misusing these funds and emphasized the need for transparency, as auditors will be reviewing hospital accounts. 

By implementing these measures, the state government aims to improve patient care, staff accountability, and overall hospital management in state healthcare facilities.

*Ebele is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State*