KBTH Children's Emergency Ward Closed

The Children's Emergency Ward of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital has been closed indefinitely.

This follows the outbreak of a bacterial infection, known as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus [MRSA].

A release issued in Accra by the hospital, said five cases have so far been diagnosed among children on admission at the ward and they are undergoing treatment.

The release said the infection has not spread to other parts of the hospital.

Meanwhile, it said the hospital's authorities are screening both patients and staff in the affected ward to ensure that they are free from the infection.

The release explained that the closure is to enable the hospital clean and disinfect the ward to rid it of the bacteria.

It advised parents and guardians whose children require paediatric emergency services to call at other health facilities within the metropolis for help and asked health facilities to stop referring patients to the Children's Emergency ward at Korle-Bu.

Rather, the release asked the health facilities to endeavour to manage such patients at their facilities.

'Our consultants would be available to provide telephonic consultations to colleagues in other hospitals who may need their assistance on 0307060114, 0307060177 and 0307060142,' the release said.

It said the re-opening of the ward will be announced as soon as the problem is solved.