The Western Regional Ambulance Service is currently operating with 21 ambulances, two of which are undergoing repairs due to mechanical faults. According to the Regional Manager, Mr. F.B. Manu, the service faces several challenges, including inadequate office space, insufficient staff, and limited resources.
Key Challenges:
– Office Accommodation: The Takoradi Ambulance Station, Daboase, and Amenfi Central are operating from the Regional Headquarters due to lack of office space.
– Staff Strength: The service has only 130 staff, with some districts having as few as 4-5 personnel, compared to the recommended 12.
– Regional Dispatch Centre: The centre is not spacious enough and lacks necessary facilities, making it difficult to coordinate distress calls efficiently.
– Administrative Operations: The regional administrative operations are confined to a single room, hindering efficient work.
Mr. Manu appealed to the Western Regional Minister, Hon. Joseph Nelson, to assist in addressing these challenges. He emphasized the importance of securing office accommodations, increasing staff strength, and improving the Regional Dispatch Centre and administrative operations.
Hon. Joseph Nelson acknowledged the difficulties faced by the ambulance service and assured them of his support. He emphasized the critical role the service plays in health delivery and urged the staff to prioritize saving lives above all other considerations.
The Western Regional Ambulance Service has responded to 1,842 distress calls in the past year, including 232 maternal-related cases. With the right support and resources, the service can continue to deliver essential emergency medical services to the region
