Korle Bu responds to viral A&E video, announces measures to improve emergency care

Management of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has responded to a viral video circulating on social media, which allegedly shows patients receiving treatment on the floor at its Accident and Emergency (A&E) Centre.

In an official statement, the hospital acknowledged awareness of the footage but indicated that it is unable to confirm its authenticity at this stage.

Management noted that with the rise of advanced digital manipulation technologies, a thorough investigation is necessary before drawing conclusions.

Addressing the situation more broadly, the hospital disclosed that its A&E Centre has experienced an unprecedented surge in emergency cases over the past two weeks, exceeding its operational capacity. As a result, some patients were temporarily seated on chairs while awaiting available beds.

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However, the hospital firmly denied claims that patients were treated on the floor, stressing that such a practice is not permitted under any circumstances.

To tackle the current pressure on facilities, management outlined a series of interventions aimed at improving capacity and service delivery.

These include the procurement and distribution of 200 new hospital beds across departments to replace damaged ones and ease congestion. Plans are also underway to secure additional beds to meet future demand.

The hospital further emphasized efforts to strengthen collaboration with key stakeholders such as the National Ambulance Service, the Ghana Health Service, referral hospitals, and private healthcare providers.

The goal is to improve patient referral systems and ensure efficient allocation of emergency cases across facilities.

Management called on the public, patients, and the media to exercise patience and cooperate as steps are taken to enhance emergency care delivery. It reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high standards of patient safety, dignity, and quality healthcare.

The development highlights ongoing challenges within Ghana’s emergency healthcare system, particularly in managing rising patient volumes, while underscoring the need for sustained investment and coordinated national response.