Ridge Hospital assault: Probe Committee reveals nurse sustained no fracture or shoulder dislocation

The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, established a committee to investigate the assault at Ridge Hospital, which found no medical evidence to substantiate claims that Rejoice Tsotso Bortei, a rotation nurse at the facility, suffered a shoulder dislocation during the incident.

Presenting its report to the Health Minister on Wednesday, August 27, Dr. Lawrence Ofori-Boadu, the Chairman of the Committee, noted that the alleged victim reported her injuries a day after the assault on August 18.

However, medical records showed no signs of a fracture in her left wrist or a dislocation in her right shoulder joint.

According to the report, the nurse was treated, given pain relief medication, and advised to go on bed rest. She was also placed under psychological support care following the ordeal.

Rejoice Tsotso Bortei, a rotation nurse, reported her injury to the hospital a day after the incident on August 18 and received further treatment. Medical records show no evidence of a fracture on her left wrist or dislocation of her right shoulder joint.

The committee stated that she has been treated, given pain relief, recommended for bed rest, and received psychological support care. The findings contradict claims by the nurse that the assault left her with a dislocation.

A viral video of the incident showed relatives of a patient clashing with staff at Ridge Hospital’s emergency department, sparking widespread concern about the safety of health workers.

In response to the uproar, Mintah Akandoh directed the formation of a committee to investigate the matter, which has drawn sharp condemnation from professional bodies and the public.

Rejoice Tsotso Bortei has filed a civil lawsuit against Ralph Saint Williams, seeking GHS 7 million in damages for alleged physical assault and defamation linked to the incident.