Ridge assault probe clears claims of nurse’s shoulder dislocation

The committee established by the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, to investigate the alleged assault on a nurse at Ridge Hospital has reported that there is no medical evidence of a shoulder dislocation or fracture as initially claimed.

Presenting its findings on Wednesday, August 27, the Committee’s Chairman, Dr. Lawrence Ofori-Boadu, revealed that the nurse, Rejoice Tsotso Bortei, who is a rotation staff at the hospital, reported her injuries a day after the incident on August 18.

Medical records, however, indicated that she had neither a fracture in her left wrist nor a dislocation of her right shoulder joint.

“Rejoice Tsotso Bortei, who is a rotation nurse, reported her injury to the hospital a day after the incident on the 18th of August and was further treated. There was no evidence of fracture on her left wrist or dislocation of her right shoulder joint as documented by the medical records. She has, however, been treated and given pain relief, recommended for bed rest, and received psychological support care,” the report stated.

The findings contradict the nurse’s earlier claims that the assault left her with a dislocation. The clarification comes after a viral video captured relatives of a patient clashing with medical staff at the emergency unit, sparking outrage over the safety of health professionals.

In response to the public uproar, Minister Akandoh directed the formation of the investigative committee, a move that was welcomed by health worker unions and civil society.

Meanwhile, Bortei has filed a civil suit against social media personality Ralph Saint Williams, popularly known as Ralph De Fellow Ghanaian. She is demanding GHS 7 million in damages for alleged physical assault and defamation connected to the incident.

Read also…