The Police have launched an investigation into an alleged attack on the staff of Suhum Government Hospital by the family members of a deceased patient.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, June 26, in the hospital’s emergency ward, where several health professionals were reportedly assaulted, and sliding windows were damaged.
Sources indicate that the deceased, a 29-year-old miner, was involved in an accident near the Top Oil fuel station in Suhum while returning from Accra to Anyinam.
He was rushed to Suhum Hospital for treatment but unfortunately passed away while under care. The family of the deceased accused the hospital staff of negligence, alleging that they failed to refer him to the Eastern Regional Hospital for further treatment.
The family notified some friends of the deceased, who subsequently stormed the facility and physically assaulted the nurses on duty.
Police personnel from the district command intervened to prevent the situation from escalating and to restore order.
A family member provided details to the media, recounting that the deceased had been communicative and responsive after the accident. They were in the process of conducting an X-ray when the nurse informed them of the severity of the injuries and recommended a specialist in Kumasi.
The situation deteriorated rapidly, resulting in the need for an ambulance and the patient being placed on oxygen.
While the deceased’s father and brother were at the police station, they received the tragic news that he had passed away.
The incident has reportedly left hospital staff traumatized. A security personnel at the hospital described how friends and family of the deceased indiscriminately attacked staff members and damaged property.
The timely intervention of a police reinforcement team was crucial in addressing the situation and preventing further violence.
