Kumasi, Feb. 15, GNA - The management of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has successfully negotiated with the Military for the release of a four-acre stretch of land at the Uaddara barracks to build a maternity and children's block.

Dr. Anthony Nsiah-Asare, the Chief Executive, who made this known, said with this development, they were now closer to realising the cherished dream of decongesting the hospital.

He was hopeful that work on the project could start before the end of next month to help bring to an early end the present situation where patients and children for lack of space are forced to lie on the floor. Dr Nsiah-Asare was addressing the opening of a two-day end-of-year review meeting of KATH in Kumasi on Tuesday.

It is designed to provide a forum for a critical look to be taken at targets the hospital set for itself last year, see where if fell short and discuss what could be done to enhance performance.

The Chief Executive noted that during the period a lot was achieved, mentioning the introduction of new specialised radiologist services using computer demography scanner, the start of a radiotherapy unit, strengthening of the surgical unit with three neurosurgeons and internal and outside training courses for some of the medical staff.

In addition, they introduced a number of incentive packages, including the acquisition of 600 plots of land which employees of the hospital could purchase on concessionary terms to put up their own houses, a bus service under which nurses are transported to and from their homes to the hospital free of charge so that in the event of fuel price adjustment they would not be affected and discussion with Standard Chartered Bank for personal loan to personnel of the hospital.

Plans, he said, are also far advanced to set up a provident fund, adding that, pending approval by the KATH board it could take off next month.

Dr Nsiah-Asare said all these were being done to motivate the staff to stay and contribute to the goal of makingKATH a centre of excellence.

Mr Isaac Offeh-Gyimah, the Director of Administration, said their performance should be assessed on the basis of improvement in patient waiting time, outreach, percentage of drug availability and average length of stay.

He spoke of plans to set up a research and development office and a planning office for effective monitoring and evaluation of the hospital's performance.