About the Department

The Department of Paediatrics at Ola During Children’s Hospital (ODCH) is the leading centre for child health in Sierra Leone and a recognized referral facility in West Africa. Guided by a commitment to excellence, the department provides comprehensive care for infants, children, and adolescents through a wide range of specialist and general paediatric services.

We combine clinical expertise, research, and training to improve child health outcomes and strengthen paediatric medicine in the region.

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

Dr. Bell is a highly respected paediatrician with extensive experience in child health and public health. She leads the department with a focus on innovation, training, and improving access to quality paediatric services.

Medical Superintendent

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

Dr. Mustapha oversees hospital operations, ensuring the delivery of safe, efficient, and patient-centred care. She also provides clinical leadership in TB management and general paediatric services.

Services Offered

The Department provides a wide spectrum of inpatient and outpatient services, including:

Inpatient Care

• Neonatology (SCBU and 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 Care

• General Outpatient Unit

• Specialist Paediatric Clinics:

  • Paediatric Neurology

  • Paediatric Cardiology

  • Neonatology Follow-Up

  • Sickle Cell Clinic

  • Paediatric Haemato-Oncology

  • Paediatric Pulmonology (Asthma Clinic)

  • Paediatric Endocrinology (Diabetes Clinic)

Clinical and Support Staff

The department is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of highly trained professionals, including:

• Consultants & Specialists: Paediatricians, Intensivists, Neonatologists

• Medical Officers & Registrars providing round-the-clock inpatient and outpatient care

• Nursing Leadership: Senior Matrons, Principal Nursing Officers, and a dedicated nursing team

• Pharmacists & Pharmacy Technicians supporting safe medication use

• Laboratory & Radiology Technicians ensuring accurate diagnostics

• Administrative & Support Staff ensuring smooth hospital operations

Units within the Department

• Neonatology (SCBU & NICU)

• Paediatric Intensive Care (PICU & HDU)

• Therapeutic Feeding Centre (TFC)

• Oncology & Haemato-Oncology Unit

• Emergency & Observation Unit

• Specialist Outpatient Clinics

Each unit is staffed with consultants, registrars, and specialist nurses, supported by pharmacists, lab scientists, and technicians.

Achievements

• Establishment of Sierra Leone’s first dedicated Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).

• Expansion of specialist clinics for chronic and complex paediatric conditions.

• Training and mentorship programmes for paediatricians, nurses, and allied health professionals.

• Strong partnerships with local and international organisations to strengthen paediatric health systems.

Challenges

Like many tertiary facilities in low-resource settings, ODCH faces:

• Limited resources and equipment for advanced paediatric care.

• Growing demand for services exceeds capacity.

• Ongoing need for staff training and development.

Weekly Departmental Activities

The department runs a structured weekly schedule of clinical rounds, specialist clinics, academic sessions, and call duty coverage. Emergency services are available 24/7 through the Accident & Emergency Unit.