About Us

The Department of Paediatrics at Ola During Children’s Hospital (ODCH) is the national referral centre for child health in Sierra Leone and a growing centre of excellence in West Africa. We deliver comprehensive care for infants, children, and adolescents through inpatient and outpatient services, supported by skilled medical, nursing, and allied health teams.

Vision

To be the centre of excellence for tertiary paediatric care in West Africa.

Mission

To provide high-quality health services delivered by compassionate, skilled staff in a state-of-the-art environment.

Leadership

Head of Department
Dr. med. Nellie V. T. Bell
MD, DTMPH, FWACP
📧 nell.bell11@yahoo.com

Medical Superintendent
Dr. Ayeshatu M. Mustapha
MB CHB, IPPC
📧 ayeshatumustapha@yahoo.co.uk

Our Services

Inpatient Care

• Neonatology (SCBU & NICU)

• Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)

• High Dependency Unit (HDU)

• Malnutrition Unit (Therapeutic Feeding Centre)

• Paediatric Oncology

• Paediatric Neurology

• Infectious Disease Unit

• Emergency Room, General Wards, Step-Down & Observation Units

Outpatient Clinics

• General Paediatric Clinic

• Paediatric Neurology

• Paediatric Cardiology

• Neonatal Follow-Up

• Sickle Cell Clinic

• Paediatric Haemato-Oncology

• Paediatric Pulmonology (Asthma)

• Paediatric Endocrinology (Diabetes)

Units within the Department

• Neonatology (SCBU & NICU)

• Paediatric Intensive Care (PICU & HDU)

• Therapeutic Feeding Centre (TFC)

• Oncology & Haemato-Oncology

• Emergency & Observation Unit

• Specialist Outpatient Clinics

Our Team

The department is staffed by:

• Consultants & Specialists in paediatrics, neonatology, and intensive care

• Medical Officers & Registrars providing 24/7 care

• Nursing Leaders and Teams including senior matrons and principal nursing officers

• Pharmacists & Technicians ensuring safe medication use

• Laboratory & Radiology Staff supporting accurate diagnostics

• Administrative & Support Staff keeping operations efficient

📂 A complete staff directory with names, roles, and contact details is available here:
👉 Download ODCH Staff Directory (PDF)

Achievements

• Established Sierra Leone’s first Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)

• Expanded specialist clinics for chronic and complex childhood conditions

• Built strong partnerships with local and international organisations

• Continuous training and mentorship of paediatric health professionals

Challenges

• Limited resources and specialised equipment

• Rising demand for services beyond current capacity

• Ongoing need for staff training and infrastructure investment