The Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge Hospital) has condemned an incident at its Emergency Department captured in a viral social media video, in which relatives of an accident victim clashed with medical staff.

The incident, which involved alleged delays in treating a critically injured patient, escalated into verbal aggression and the assault of a nurse, prompting management to call in the Ghana Police Service to restore order.

In a statement signed by the Head of Public Relations, Ms. Juliana Haruna, the hospital explained, "The Emergency Department of GARH is one of the busiest in the country, receiving multiple cases daily. At the time of the incident, clinicians were actively attending to other emergencies when relatives and friends of the accident victims invaded the emergency triage."

According to the statement, "Their overwhelming presence disrupted the smooth delivery of care, caused unnecessary tension, and even threatened the safety of our clinicians. In the process, one of our dedicated nurses was assaulted. This unacceptable act resulted in a temporary halt in service delivery."

The hospital confirmed that "management quickly invited the Ghana Police Service to restore calm, after which our clinicians continued providing the needed care to patients."

Reaffirming its commitment, GARH stressed, "At GARH, the safety and well-being of our staff and patients remain our top priority. We kindly remind the public that any form of interference, aggression, or assault towards our staff is unacceptable, as it disrupts the delivery of care and puts lives at risk."

On privacy, the hospital further reminded the public: "Videos or photographs of patients and clinicians without consent are strictly prohibited, as they breach privacy and hospital regulations."

GARH assured the public of its dedication to healthcare delivery. "We urge the cooperation of patients, relatives, and the general public to allow clinicians the needed space and respect to serve effectively."