St. Edward’s Maternity Clinic was established in 1996 at the request of the people and Chief of Dwinyama, through the Late Rev. Fr. Edward Scott Cssp; on behalf of the Bishop of Kumasi, Most Rev. Peter Kwasi Sarpong. It was set up as an outreach clinic of St. Patrick Hospital, Offinso. It was an old church building which was partitioned into a clinic with an additional four-room block to serve as a Maternity Section in 1994.
Since its establishment in 1996 it has been under the management of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ. The clinic was registered by the Private Hospital and Maternity Home Board on July 15, 1997 and by CHAG in July 1998. It was then, under supervision of the St. Patrick Hospital, and Catholic Diocese of Kumasi.
In 2000, Dwinyama Parish became part of Catholic Diocese of Goaso. The clinic now became the property of Goaso Diocese. It is now under the supervision of St John of God Hospital, Duayaw Nkwanta.
LOCATION
Dwinyama is located in the Eastern part of Ahafo Ano South District of the Ashanti Region. It is located 42km along Kumasi – Sunyani high way.
DEMOGRAPH OF DWINYAMA
The population of Dwinyama Community Clinic is 5000 where the clinic is situated. The community is a farming rural community. The facility is the only big health facility in the Sub District of Biemso. It services has 13 communities as it catchment area.
MISSION
To provide holistic health care in Christ like manner to all with good ethical and moral standards.
VISION
To provide high quality, affordable and efficient health services specific to the needs of the communities in our catchment areas (Sub-District of Biemso) within the policy of National Health Sector of Ghana.
SERVICES
The clinic offers the following services:
Curative Services:
• Out Patients Services 24 hours
• Observation of cases for 24 hours to 48 hours
PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES
• Antenatal
• Post natal
• Skilled delivery
• Maternal and Child Health Services
The clinic has the bed capacity of 12.
STAFF STRENGTH
• Principal Nursing Officer 1
• Senior Ward Assistant 1
• Ward Assistant 1
• Health Aids 4
• Accountant 1
• Orderly/Labourer 1
• Security man 1
MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
The Clinic is under the Diocesan Health Service. It is being managed by the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ Congregation. The Clinic started very small and has been managed by State Registered Nurse Midwife, since its establishment. The Clinic has a team of five member Adversary Board.
List of in charges since its establish in 1996.
• Sr. Mary Eustace Ukwuije, IHM started it off in 1996 – 1998
• Sr. Mary Laetitia Ofoma, IHM, 1999 to date
OTHERS
The Clinic has progressed over these years through the selfless dedication of the hard working staff despite the numerous challenges faced. The support of the Dwinyama community, the Catholic Diocese of Goaso, our Donors, District Assembly, CHAG, NCHS District Health Directorate etc.
ACHIEVEMENT
With the support of these Donors, the Old Church buildings has been renovated into wards, a new maternity block with laboratory built, Transportation (Nissan pick up). The facility has been accredited by the NHIA as clinic B all due to the tremendous progress made:-
- CORDAID - HOLLAND
- INTER CARE - ENGLAND
- LOYOLA FOUNDATION INC - USA
- CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF ROTTERENBEY-STUHGART - GERMANY
- GERMANY/GHANA COOPERATION (MLRI) KFW (PCO)
- THE BISHOP AND GOASO DIOCESE
- THE CHIEF AND ELDERS OF DWINYAMA NCS/CHAG
- DISTRICT ASSEMBLY AHAFO ANO SOUTH
The Health Centre has played an important role by contributing towards health target population in the district. It has also contributed to the reduction in the maternal and infant mortality rate through the services provided.
CHALLENGES/CONSTRAINTS
- Lack of qualified staff
- Lack of accommodation to attract qualified staff
- Most of our IGF is spent on staff salary
- Staff work s overloaded
- Delay in NHIA rebussment