ABSA August borns refurbish Ga West NICU

August Borns of ABSA Bank Ghana have refurbished the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Ga West Municipal Hospital. 

The group, also known as “Absa August Tribe”, aimed to ensure the overall space of the facility are more conducive to the care of premature and critically ill newborns.

The newly refurbished wards have been designed to provide a more soothing and supportive environment for premature and critically ill newborns.

The move builds on the group’s past contributions, such as donating GH¢7,101 to support the bills of nine babies at the facility, and the donation of packs of tissues, baby dresses, cot sheets, sanitiser and other medical disposables.

It also formed part of the group’s ongoing commitment to support healthcare infrastructure in the country, particularly in maternal and child health services.

Rationale 

At the handover ceremony, the Head of Customer Value of Absa Bank and the Leader of the ABSA August-born group, Annabel Nketsiah, said they aimed to provide a more comfortable environment for both the healthcare staff and the vulnerable babies who needed specialised care.

The move, she said, would not only improve the aesthetics of the NICU and the children’s ward but also make the space more functional for the staff who worked tirelessly to care for the babies.

“We have transformed the atmosphere of the ward, providing a calm and welcoming space that will aid in the emotional well-being of both mothers and their infants,” she added.

She said the team was committed to continue supporting the hospital with regular donations and would collaborate with other benevolent organisations and individuals to address other pressing needs in the hospital.

Mrs Nketsiah acknowledged the efforts of all members of August-borns from the bank for contributing to raising funds to support the facility. 

Appreciation

The Head of the Paediatric Department, Ga West Municipal Hospital, Dr Matilda Tierenye Dano, thanked the group for the timely renovation.

“The condition of our NICU was a major challenge, and this renovation has given us a lifeline. We can now provide better care and a safer and more comfortable working environment for our babies and staff,” she said.

Dr Dano said the renovation would also enhance the morale of the medical staff, who were often faced with overwhelming cases due to the lack of resources. 

Dr Dano appealed for an open and well-resourced NICU and children’s ward for the optimal care of babies at the hospital.  

“Currently, we are sharing the ward with female adults, and having our own space would make a huge difference in the care we provide,” she said.

Dr Dano said the NICU received 70 to 80 neonatal cases every month and 4,500 to 5,000 preterm babies every year.

She said the NICU currently did not have all the necessary facilities needed to cater for the large number of preterm babies delivered at the hospital.