United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) has expanded its pediatric unit to cater for children in need of medical attention from the country’s southern region.
In a letter to staff members among others, UBH acting Chief Executive Officer Dr Harrison Rambanapasi said the institution increased its capacity for pediatric patients from 15 to 60.
“You will remember that in September 2021, UBH started admitting pediatric patients in our Eaton Ward, but the capacity was limited to 15 patients.
“All along pediatric services, the branch of medicine that involves the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents could only be accessed from Mpilo Central Hospital for the five provinces in the region.
“Following completion of renovations of our Richard Morris Paediatric Unit and fine-tuning of our pediatric operations, we are now with the immediate effect increasing our capacity to 60 patients,” said Dr Rambanapasi.
He said the development marks exciting times for UBH as they are ready to ease the pressure on Mpilo.
Bulawayo provincial medical director Dr Maphios Siamuchembu said previously UBH only offered surgical services to children which strained Mpilo.
“Over the years there was just a pediatric ward where we only did surgeries and we would refer to Mpilo for the rest of medical needs.
“We are happy to announce that we have expanded the unit by an additional 45 beds which means the Bulawayo community will now have access especially for those who stay close to UBH,” said Dr Siamuchembu.
He said the emergence of Covid-19 was also affecting children hence the need for increased services.
