GRNMA Regional Chairman rejects key points in Ridge Hospital assault report

Jefferson Asare, Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), has disputed some portions in the ministerial committee’s report on the Ridge Hospital assault.

The regional chairman also emphasized that the victim, Rejoice Tsotso Bortei, was medically diagnosed with polycontusion.

The committee, set up by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, released its findings on Wednesday, August 27. It stated that there was no medical evidence indicating that the nurse suffered a shoulder dislocation during the August 18 incident. According to the report, medical records did not show fractures or dislocations, and the nurse had been given pain relief medication, advised to rest, and provided with psychological support.

While presenting the report, committee chair Dr. Lawrence Ofori-Boadu highlighted that the nurse experienced pain but there was no fracture or shoulder dislocation. Responding on Accra-based Channel One TV, Mr. Asare argued that the official diagnosis of polycontusion should not be ignored. He explained that the condition involves multiple bruises, visible swelling, redness, and pain at the injury site.

“The lady’s diagnosis at the time was polycontusion. What does that mean? It means there is swelling, there is pain, and there is redness at the point of impact. That was the doctor’s assessment,” he said.

Mr. Asare also raised concerns that the committee’s report might undermine the credibility of the doctor who initially treated the nurse. “Are they trying to suggest that the doctor who diagnosed her did not know what he or she was doing? Is that the implication of their report?” he asked.

He insisted that the report should not downplay the severity of the assault or question the professionalism of healthcare workers involved. According to him, acknowledging the official diagnosis is important to ensure the victim’s injuries are properly recognized and to maintain trust in medical practitioners.

By highlighting the actual medical findings, Mr. Asare stressed the need for transparency and accuracy, saying this would reflect the reality of the assault and the work of those entrusted with patient care.