Ridge Hospital Denounces Assault on Nurse, Urges Public Cooperation

The Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge Hospital) has strongly condemned a recent altercation at its Emergency Department, captured in a widely circulated social media video, involving relatives of an accident victim and hospital staff.

The confrontation, reportedly triggered by perceived delays in attending to a critically injured patient, escalated into verbal abuse and physical assault on a nurse. The hospital’s management subsequently called in the Ghana Police Service to restore calm and ensure the safety of staff and patients.

In a statement signed by the Head of Public Relations, Ms. Juliana Haruna, the hospital explained,”The Emergency Department of GARH is one of the busiest in the country, receiving multiple cases daily. At the time of the incident, clinicians were actively attending to other emergencies when relatives and friends of the accident victims invaded the emergency triage.”

“Their overwhelming presence disrupted the smooth delivery of care, caused unnecessary tension, and even threatened the safety of our clinicians. In the process, one of our dedicated nurses was assaulted. This unacceptable act resulted in a temporary halt in service delivery.” the statement added

Management confirmed that the Ghana Police Service was promptly contacted to de-escalate the situation, after which medical staff resumed care for patients.

Reiterating its core values, the hospital emphasized, “The safety and welfare of our staff and patients are paramount. We appeal to the public to refrain from any form of interference, hostility, or violence toward our personnel, as such actions compromise patient care and endanger lives.”

The hospital also reminded the public about privacy protocols: “Videos or photographs of patients and clinicians without consent are strictly prohibited, as they breach privacy and hospital regulations.”

GARH reaffirmed its commitment to quality healthcare and called for the cooperation of patients, families, and the general public to ensure a respectful and efficient clinical environment.

“We urge the cooperation of patients, relatives, and the general public to allow clinicians the needed space and respect to serve effectively.”