Hospital undergoes repair

 THE Nonga General Hospital in East New Britain is undergoing the K2.5 million fourth phase of its repair and upgrading.

Chief executive Dr Ako Yap said renovations began last year with phase one, two and three completed, costing about K3.5 million.

“Infrastructure rehabilitation was one of the Health Department’s priority areas for 2013,” he said.

“Other priority areas include the provincial health authority, free and subsidised health care services, pharmaceutical and medical equipment procurement and distribution.”

Yap said sections to be renovated under the fourth phase include the main operating theatre, accident and emergency department, adult and children’s outpatient department, the X-ray department, re-roofing of the new wing, labour ward and maternity wing, surgical ward, ablution block, family planning and immunisation unit and the Maravut Resource Centre.

“Three local contractors have been awarded contracts and have moved in and taken possession of the contract sites since Feb 17 and work has commenced.

“All renovations should be completed by the end of May and handed over to the hospital for use,” Yap said.

He added all the services provided at the sections undergoing maintenance had been re-located to sections within the hospital and would be providing emergency services and care only during this period.

“We have distributed public notices to all public notice boards in Rabaul, Kokopo, Kerevat and Warangoi. 

“Notices have been distributed to all health facilities within the province through the local radio as well.”

Yap made an appeal to patients requiring medical attention or treatment to seek services at their nearest health facility until the end of May.