The West African College of Surgeons (WACS) has conducted an accreditation assessment of the University of Sierra Leone Teaching Hospitals Complex (USLTHC), particularly Connaught Hospital, to determine its readiness to offer postgraduate fellowship training in four surgical specialities. The assessment team was led by Professor Venyir Ramyil and comprised three other specialists from across the West African sub-region. They were received by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Mohamed Mustapha Kabba, at the Ministry of Health Headquarters in Freetown.
The assessment focused on evaluating the hospital's capacity to provide fellowship training in General Surgery, Urology, Plastic Surgery, and Paediatric Surgery. During the assessment, the team toured hospital facilities, management, and relevant clinical teams to evaluate infrastructure, medical equipment, staffing, and the overall institutional capacity required to support specialist surgical training. The team was accompanied by key hospital officials, including the Chairman of the USLTHC, Professor Fadlu Deen, and the Chief Medical Director, Professor Oluwaly.
The WACS team acknowledged significant improvements at Connaught Hospital, particularly in infrastructure, medical equipment, the construction of new units, and the expansion of clinical services. However, the team identified several areas requiring further improvement, including emergency laboratory services, staffing, specialised surgical equipment, hospital space, and access to essential emergency supplies. Addressing these gaps is critical to ensuring that the hospital meets the required standards for postgraduate specialist surgical training.
Responding to the findings, Dr. Kabba appreciated the assessment team for its engagement and reaffirmed the Ministry of Health's commitment to addressing the recommendations. He highlighted the Government's continued investment in postgraduate medical education, with approximately 180 to 200 doctors currently enrolled in residency programmes across various specialties. The Government's ambition goes beyond increasing the number of specialists to establishing a sustainable system that facilitates the transfer of knowledge, skills, and expertise to the next generation of Sierra Leonean healthcare professionals.
Dr. Kabba emphasised the importance of strong regional partnerships in achieving the goal of expanding local postgraduate surgical training opportunities. He assured the assessment team that the Ministry would work closely with Connaught Hospital management to address the identified gaps, implement the recommendations, and sustain progress in specialist medical training. The Ministry also expressed appreciation to WACS for its continued partnership and support.
The assessment marks an important step towards strengthening Sierra Leone's specialist medical workforce and improving access to quality surgical services across the country. The evaluation also highlights the need for sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure, equipment, and personnel to support the delivery of specialist training. By addressing the identified gaps, Connaught Hospital can become a hub for postgraduate surgical training, ultimately enhancing the quality of healthcare services in Sierra Leone.
The collaboration between WACS, the Ministry of Health, and Connaught Hospital management demonstrates a commitment to improving specialist medical training in Sierra Leone. The outcome of the assessment will inform the development of strategies to address the identified gaps and ensure that the hospital meets the required standards for postgraduate specialist surgical training. This effort is crucial in ensuring that Sierra Leonean healthcare professionals have access to quality training and can provide specialised care to patients across the country.
Key points
- The West African College of Surgeons (WACS) has conducted an accreditation assessment of Connaught Hospital to determine its readiness to offer postgraduate fellowship training in four surgical specialities.
- The assessment identified areas requiring further improvement, including emergency laboratory services, staffing, specialised surgical equipment, hospital space, and access to essential emergency supplies.
- The Ministry of Health has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the recommendations and working closely with Connaught Hospital management to sustain progress in specialist medical training.
