We ensure patient-care, safety — UCH management

The management of University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan has assured patients and the general public that the hospital is committed to serving them effectively and adequately.

The hospital’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mrs. Funmi Adetuyibi, who gave the assurance in a statement issued on Wednesday in Ibadan, said this was irrespective of the power outage being experienced.

Supreme News reports that the hospital has been experiencing a power outage since Oct. 26 when the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) disconnected it due to accumulated debts.

Adetuyibi said the hospital management has held several meetings with the management of IBEDC on payment modalities.

The PRO noted that the electricity bills from IBEDC, inclusive of accumulated bills since 2019 to date, totalled N3,104,568,114.61.

She added that till date, the hospital had paid ‘N2,916,567, 724.27 and left with an outstanding bill of N392,075,161.05.

Adetuyibi, however, regretted that the power disconnection has resulted in the hospital’s inability to effectively meet its mandate (Clinical Service, Research, and Training) to its esteemed patients.

“In a bid to mitigate the effects of this hardship, the management has taken some steps, which include dissemination of information to patients and alternative power sources.

“We have backup generators to power critical areas, including the emergency department, operating theatres, intensive care unit, and laboratories, among others.

“Solar/inverter panel has been made available in the Emergency Department, Main Theatre, Intensive Care Unit, Paediatrics, East 3 Ward, South East 3, Owena Dialysis Ward, High Dependency Unit, South West 2 and all the clinics.

“Provision of mini-solar bulbs has been made available to illuminate critical areas such as Otunba Tuwase Paediatrics Ward in the first instance.

“We have also developed emergency response plans to ensure seamless continuity of patient care during outages,” she said.

The spokesperson emphasised that the management prioritised patients’ care and safety above all.

“Our dedicated staff are working tirelessly to ensure minimal disruption to services. We can assure that

emergency services remain operational.

“Critical areas are receiving power supply; water is pumped whenever power is available, while patient care and treatment continue uninterrupted in critical areas.

“Efforts are at an advanced stage on the provision of alternative sources of energy.

"Though there may be delay in service delivery, concerted efforts are being made to speedily resolve the problem,” Adetuyibi stated.