IWA (Fiji) successfully completes renovations at CWM Hospital’s Emergency Dept

The International Women’s Association (Fiji) has just successfully completed renovations at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department

IWA President Judy Compain says they were prompted by an urgent request from the emergency doctors.

Compain says the renovation focused on critical areas, including the Doctors' and Nurses' On-Call Rooms, Conference Room, and Staff Room.

She says this project was carried out concurrently with another initiative at the CWM Maternity Hospital Ante-Natal Clinic, where Stage One has been completed.

The IWA President says conditions in the Emergency Department's staff areas were well below acceptable standards.

She says Doctors had no beds, often forced to sleep at their desks or on the floor.

Compain says nurses, too, had insufficient resting spaces, and the staff lacked basic kitchen facilities, making it challenging to prepare or store meals.

She says these deficiencies created a difficult environment for the medical professionals who work tirelessly to care for patients.

The IWA President says they have upgraded the Doctors' On-Call Room which was previously unfurnished and lacking basic amenities with a bed, desk, and chair for proper rest and work. She says there was a full refurbishment of the bathroom, including replacing damaged fixtures, fixing the lighting, fresh paint, new curtains, mosquito screens on the windows, and security grills for added safety.

Compain says the nurses’ resting room, previously equipped with only uncomfortable armchairs, received significant improvements including a new bed to provide proper rest, bathroom repairs, new paint, curtains, mosquito screens, and the installation of security grills for safety.

She says the staff room - previously without a sink, running water or basic appliances, was upgraded with the installation of a kitchen cabinet with a sink and tap, connected to the water line from an adjacent bathroom, a new fridge, microwave, and hot water urn.

The IWA President says this included electrical improvements and the installation of a ceiling fan to enhance comfort.

She says the Conference Room which had outdated benches were replaced with folding chairs, transforming the space into a more flexible area suitable for meetings and training sessions.

Compain says the renovations have had a profound effect on the doctors and nurses in the CWM Emergency Department.

She says the improved facilities now provide a comfortable, functional space for medical staff to rest during their on-call hours.

The IWA President says the staff room is now fully equipped for meal preparation and clean-up, while the updated conference room serves as a modern meeting area for training and discussions.

Compain says the IWA extends their sincere thanks to all their supporters.

She says their contributions have made it possible for them to make these significant improvements to the working conditions for medical professionals at our Hospital.

The IWA President says they remain committed to supporting the healthcare environment in Fiji, ensuring that those who care for others are cared for in return.