JOHOR BARU: Some 80% of beds at Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA), one of the busiest hospitals in the country, have been replaced, says state executive councillor Ling Tian Soon.
The state health and environment committee chairman said the move was among the measures taken to improve the current condition of the hospital.
“Through coordination by my office and with strong support from social enterprises, welfare organisations and the public, we managed to surpass our initial target of supplying 969 beds.
“To date, more than 1,000 beds have been collected, and 830 of them have already been delivered.
“This means that more than 80% of the beds have been replaced with new ones,” he said in a Facebook post Friday (Sept 26) after a recent visit to HSA.
Ling said that during his visit, HSA’s healthcare workers have expressed their appreciation for the initiative, noting that this is the first time the hospital has received a large-scale replacement of beds.
“Patients have also noticed the difference, expressing gratitude that they can now rest in a cleaner and more comfortable environment.
“In the children’s ward, all the beds have been fully replaced, and parents caring for their children also conveyed their gratitude and appreciation,” he said.
Ling added that a ward on the fifth floor of the hospital’s main building has also been fully upgraded.
“The new ward is brighter, more spacious and more comfortable. On top of that, it is also equipped with a new electrical wiring system and oxygen supply.
“The contractor is scheduled to hand over the project to the hospital on Sept 28.
“After that, the hospital will transfer patients from other wards to the fifth floor ward in preparation for the next phase of upgrading works,” he said.
Ling said the hospital has 1,206 beds, but four wards involving 117 beds have to be temporarily closed to make way for the upgrading works.
“This situation has led to a shortage of beds, but the hospital has taken immediate measures such as adding beds in existing wards and using other spaces to place additional beds.
“Therefore, I hope the public will remain patient and understanding of this situation.
“Once the upgrading works are completed, the hospital will have a new look to provide better quality services to its patients,” he said.
