Korle Bu Teaching Hospital is introducing a new bed classification system aimed at easing chronic overcrowding, but Board Chairman Titus Beyuo says the reforms will take time to fully implement.
The proposal comes amid renewed public concern over congestion at the hospital, sparked by viral images of patients being treated on floors and benches, as well as concerns raised by the Korle-Bu Doctors’ Association.
Prof. Beyuo explained that the hospital is moving toward a more flexible system that allows stabilised patients to be admitted to any ward with available beds, regardless of their designated unit.
Under this approach, a patient assigned to one ward—such as Medical Four—could instead be placed in another, like Medical Three, if space is available. Doctors would then follow their patients across wards, rather than remaining within fixed units.
He described the shift as a necessary departure from traditional practice, noting that it offers a practical way to reduce delays and better manage increasing emergency cases.
However, Prof. Beyuo acknowledged that the transition will require significant adjustment, particularly for medical staff accustomed to working within specific wards. He stressed the need for extensive training and orientation to support the change.
The board chair also noted that the success of the system depends on broader reforms within Ghana’s emergency care infrastructure. These include establishing a national command centre, integrating the ambulance service into a centralised system, and deploying physicians to coordinate patient distribution in real time.
With over 200 ambulances nationwide and more than 7,000 staff at Korle Bu alone, he said implementing the reforms will be a major undertaking. Similar adjustments would also be required at other key facilities such as Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and Cape Coast Teaching Hospital.
While emphasising the urgency of addressing overcrowding, Prof. Beyuo maintained that the changes cannot happen overnight. He expressed confidence, however, that the reforms will provide lasting relief once fully implemented, urging stakeholders to remain patient during the transition.
