The Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) has announced a temporary suspension of fresh body admissions and Brought-in-Dead (BID) cases due to a six-week refurbishment of its cold room facilities.
The move, according to hospital management, is necessary to improve the quality and efficiency of mortuary services at Ghana’s largest tertiary healthcare facility.
While the hospital will not accept new external cases during this period, it clarified that deaths occurring within Korle Bu itself will still be accommodated.
Bereaved Families Urged to Make Urgent Arrangements
In light of the temporary closure, the hospital is urging families with deceased relatives currently stored in its mortuary—especially those held for three to six weeks or more—to arrange for burial or transfer to alternative facilities.
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“We understand that this may be an inconvenience, but we assure the public that this refurbishment is critical to ensuring better service delivery,” the statement read.
Public Reaction and Next Steps
The announcement has left many bereaved families scrambling to find alternative mortuary services in Accra, where existing facilities may experience increased demand.
Some families have expressed concerns about the short notice, while others acknowledge the need for improved infrastructure at the hospital.
Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has assured the public that the refurbishment will be completed within six weeks and has apologized for any inconvenience caused.
As one of Ghana’s busiest healthcare institutions, Korle Bu’s mortuary plays a crucial role in post-mortem services, making this temporary closure a significant development for the country’s healthcare system.