Ghana, Accra 2nd May, 2013: After a record-breaking six weeks of intensive work, Vodafone Ghana has transformed the cancer ward at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, into one of the leading cancer treatment facilities in West Africa. The new ‘Herbert Osei Baidoo Cancer Ward’, was established as a lasting legacy to Herbert Osei Baidoo, a member of the Vodafone board, who passed away last year.

The world-class therapeutic facility will use 21st Century technology to enhance the treatment of cancer, which is one of the leading causes of death in Ghana and the leading cause of death worldwide according to the World Health Organisation.

The 650-square-foot Herbert Osei Baidoo Cancer Ward, is located on the second floor of the Surgical Department Ghana’s largest teaching hospital, was in need of renovation to provide the necessary standard of care for patients with cancer.

The new Herbert Osei Baidoo Ward has: a brand new chemotherapy suite with reclining armchairs and entertainment that allow patients unprecedented levels of comfort whilst receiving their treatment; a new cytotoxic room, where pharmacists can mix and store toxic drugs safely, an increased and equal number of beds for male and female patients, new washrooms with ensuite facilities, air conditioning throughout the ward and a new waiting room for visitors and families.

In a further move to enhance the treatment and recovery of patients, Vodafone and RLG have supplied handsets and airtime, that will be given to doctors, nurses and patients, to help them stay in touch and ensure that care plans are being followed. Vodafone has also implemented a maintenance programme with Korle Bu to ensure the long-term sustainability of the ward.

Kyle Whitehill, CEO of Vodafone Ghana said: ‘We demonstrated our passion for healthcare with the launch of our award winning TV programme Healthline, which is all about empowering Ghanaians to take control of their health.

Transforming this ward into a world-class cancer treatment facility is our way of contributing towards the delivery of improved health care for Ghanaians.’

“We are absolutely delighted and proud to have such world-class facilities in our hospital. The entire team is excited about continuing to provide improved standards of care to cancer patients in Ghana’, said Professor Afua Hesse, CEO of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital .

The new Herbert Osei Baidoo Ward was officially opened today after a short ceremony, which was attended by Vodafone senior management, Professor Afua Hesse, CEO of Korle- Bu Teaching Hospital, Professor Clegg-Lamptey, Head of the Surgery at Korle-Bu Teaching hospital and key Korle-Bu staff.

The Multimedia Group also donated a MultiTV digibox and television with free subscription to the ward.