The Talensi District Hospital in Tongo is facing challenges in its efforts to deliver efficient health care due to lack of adequate structures to accommodate patients.

The hospital which serves as a referral point to many health facilities in the district currently accommodates children and adults in the same ward which is contrary to best practices.

The only incubator for the hospital broke down a year ago and has not been repaired while other facilities for maternal and new born care delivery are inadequate.

Dr Saman Freeman, Medical Superintendent in charge of the Talensi District Hospital, said this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Tongo after the hospital received a donation of medical items from Mr Thomas Duanab Wuni, the New Patriotic Party 2016 parliamentary candidate for the Talensi Constituency.

The items included wheelchairs, autoclave machines, theatre beds, monitors and delivery beds.

Dr Freeman said the lack of facilities to accommodate patients on some occasions has led the health personnel to refer clients to the Upper East Regional Hospital in Bolgatanga.

“There are times we are forced to send out patients and when the beds are full, some of them use mattresses on the floor but when that is all occupied then it is actually difficult to manage patients on chairs and benches. So usually we give first aid and refer them to the regional hospital,” he said.

The medical superintendent said the situation was not good as it could spread infections.

Mr Duanab, presenting the items to the medical superintendent, said the donation was in fulfilment of a campaign promise during the 2016 electioneering period.

“When we went round campaigning we got to places where people said help us with beds,” he said.

Mr Christopher Boabil, the District Chief Executive of the Talensi District, thanked Mr Duanab on behalf of the people and urged management and staff of the hospital to take good care of the items.