The Health Facilities Regulatory Agency (HeFRA) is awaiting an official report from the management of Greater Accra Regional Hospital, popularly known as Ridge Hospital, following the death of a 31-year-old woman after undergoing a caesarean section at the facility.
HeFRA Chief Executive Officer, Dr Winfred Quaye Ba, disclosed that investigations into the incident have commenced and that the agency will determine the appropriate action after receiving and reviewing the hospital’s formal report.
The case has attracted public attention following allegations of possible medical negligence and breach of duty of care involving staff at the hospital.
Ridge Hospital Asked to Submit Report on Patient’s Death
The deceased, identified as Theresa Boakye Dapaah, reportedly died after giving birth to her first child at Ridge Hospital.
Her husband, Daniel Ofori-Sarpong, had publicly raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding her death and accused the hospital and some medical staff of negligence in a Facebook post as the family prepared for her funeral.
Speaking on Starr FM’s Morning Show, Morning Star, Dr Ba said the Chief Executive Officer of Ridge Hospital is expected to submit a comprehensive report to HeFRA.
He explained that the regulatory agency has already begun investigating the case and will take appropriate action based on the findings.
HeFRA Warns Staff Could Face Sanctions
Dr Ba said healthcare professionals found to have breached their duty of care could face disciplinary action.
He added that if the investigation identifies systemic problems at Ridge Hospital, HeFRA could also take regulatory measures against the health facility.
The HeFRA CEO stressed that the agency would not only examine the conduct of individual healthcare professionals but also investigate whether institutional or systemic weaknesses contributed to the incident.
Doctors and Nurses Could Face Disciplinary Action
According to Dr Ba, any doctor found culpable of breaching professional standards would be referred to the Medical and Dental Council for further disciplinary proceedings.
The Medical and Dental Council has the authority to take measures against medical practitioners, including suspension, fines or other sanctions where professional misconduct or breaches are established.
Nurses found to have violated their professional responsibilities would similarly be referred to the Nursing and Midwifery Council for appropriate disciplinary action.
HeFRA May Order Corrective Measures at Ridge Hospital
Dr Ba further explained that where investigations uncover systemic lapses in healthcare delivery, HeFRA could direct Ridge Hospital to implement corrective measures.
Such interventions could include ensuring that senior medical doctors handle complex cases, improving the quality and availability of medical supplies, and introducing other measures aimed at improving patient safety.
The facility would also be required to provide evidence demonstrating that the recommended corrective actions have been implemented.
Investigation Into Theresa Boakye Dapaah’s Death Continues
HeFRA has emphasised that the investigation is intended to establish the facts surrounding the death and determine whether any healthcare professional or institutional process failed to meet the required standard of care.
Dr Ba said every reported case provides an opportunity to identify weaknesses and strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system.
The investigation remains ongoing, and any disciplinary or regulatory action will depend on the findings contained in the Ridge Hospital report and HeFRA’s subsequent review.
The development has renewed discussions about patient safety, maternal healthcare, medical accountability, healthcare regulation and professional duty of care in Ghana.
Source: newsthemegh.com