The Ministry of Health has clarified that the committee set up to investigate the alleged assault of a nurse at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge) found no evidence of physical assault, though it confirmed incidents of verbal abuse and threats.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, the Ministry’s spokesperson, Tony Goodman, said the committee was tasked with examining what caused delays in service delivery on the day of the incident, the adequacy of security arrangements, and whether the full complement of health workers was present.
He noted that the committee relied on CCTV footage, viral videos, medical reports, and testimonies from doctors and nurses present at the time.
“None of the staff interviewed said they witnessed a physical assault on the nurse, identified as Rejoice Tsotso Bortei. The medical report showed that she did not suffer any fracture. She was given painkillers, advised to rest, and offered psychological support. These were administered on Monday, August 18, and she was subsequently treated and discharged,” Goodman stated.
The alleged incident, which involved a confrontation with a patient relative, Mr. Ralph St. Williams, sparked public outrage earlier this month.
The Greater Accra chapter of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) condemned the alleged attack, insisting medical findings had recorded multiple bruises and swelling.
But the Ministry rejected suggestions that the committee overlooked crucial testimonies, insisting the probe was comprehensive and inclusive.
“We spoke to everybody, including the doctor who assessed her. This committee’s work cannot be rubbished,” Goodman said.
The Ministry has pledged to implement the committee’s recommendations, which include strengthening security and addressing systemic challenges at Ridge Hospital to prevent future confrontations between staff and patients’ relatives.
Source: Gertrude Otchere
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