THE Director of the National Cardiothoracic Centre, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, has been appointed acting Chief Executive of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. His appointment took effect from June 3, this year. He takes over from Dr Henry Holdbrook-Smith, who resigned early this year.

Prof Frimpong-Boateng, who confirmed his appointment in an interview, pledged to restore Korle-Bu to its leading status as a centre of excellence in health care delivery in the sub-region.

He said with God on his side and the willingness of the staff to work hard, his administration will change Korle-Bu for the better.

He said if he is confirmed as the substantive chief executive, he will resign his post as head of the Department of Surgery, although he will continue to teach and perform surgery at both the Cardio Centre and the Department of Surgery.

Prof Frimpong-Boateng said after his first meeting with the directors of the hospital, they all pledged to support initiatives to transform the hospital. He indicated his readiness to institute measures that will instil discipline into the workforce, visitors and patients alike so that all stakeholders get quality service.

He said he also expects the government to keep to its word by supporting the hospital with the requisite funds to keep it running, stressing that ?one thing I will ensure it never happens is to let any of the wards or departments run down the way the Medical Block did.?

Prof Frimpong-Boateng said he will rely on the staff of the hospital, especially carpenters, cleaners and other allied staff, to do the jobs there and generate more income.

Prof Frimpong-Boateng established the National Cardiothoracic Centre in 1989. It was commissioned on April 2, 1992 and he has since administered it to its present status as a centre of excellence.

Patients with minor ailments even prefer to go there instead of the mainstream hospital where the cost is relatively cheaper.

Prof Frimpong-Boateng was full of praise for the Graphic Communications Group Limited for supporting the Cardio Centre in its fundraising activities and its operations.