Introduction

The University of Sierra Leone Teaching Hospitals Complex (USLTHC) is the premier teaching hospital in Sierra Leone and the nation’s foremost center for advanced medical care, training, and research. Established to strengthen the healthcare delivery system, USLTHC functions not only as a provider of high-quality clinical services but also as a key academic institution where the future generation of healthcare professionals is nurtured.

As the only teaching hospital complex in Sierra Leone, USLTHC serves as the principal referral point for specialized medical care while maintaining its core mandate of training undergraduate and postgraduate students in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and other allied health disciplines. By combining patient care with education and research, the institution continues to shape the country’s medical landscape and contribute to the overall improvement of health outcomes in Sierra Leone and beyond.

Historical Background

USLTHC was formally established on 21st March 2016 under the Teaching Hospitals Complex Administration Act No. 8 of 2016. This historic Act unified several hospitals under a single administrative and operational framework to improve coordination, efficiency, and healthcare delivery.

Since its inception, USLTHC has made significant strides in bridging healthcare gaps, fostering innovation, and ensuring the highest standards of patient care. It has grown into a beacon of hope for patients across Sierra Leone, a knowledge hub for healthcare practitioners, and a trusted partner in international collaborations. Today, it remains a cornerstone in Sierra Leone’s healthcare infrastructure, ensuring that quality medical care, education, and research thrive under one roof.

Core Mandates

USLTHC is guided by three interconnected mandates that form the foundation of its operations:

1. Healthcare Services

   • Providing specialized, affordable, and accessible healthcare for all Sierra Leoneans.

   • Offering tertiary-level referral services that address complex and life-threatening conditions.

   • Ensuring ethical and patient-centered care through highly trained medical professionals and modern clinical practices.

2. Research

   • Conducting innovative and context-specific research that addresses local and global health challenges.

   • Translating research findings into actionable healthcare policies and improved clinical practices.

   • Building research partnerships with universities, government agencies, and international institutions to strengthen Sierra Leone’s role in global health discussions.

3. Education and Training

   • Serving as a primary teaching institution for undergraduate medical students, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals.

   • Providing advanced postgraduate residency and specialist training programs to build local expertise.

   • Partnering with universities and professional bodies to ensure curricula meet international standards, producing healthcare leaders who are equipped for both local and global challenges.

Facilities and Services

USLTHC operates through a network of specialized hospitals and teaching units strategically located to serve the nation’s diverse health needs. Each facility is equipped with modern medical technology and staffed by highly trained professionals dedicated to patient care and medical education.

• Connaught Hospital – The nation’s principal tertiary referral hospital, offering a wide spectrum of diagnostic, surgical, and treatment services.

• Princess Christian Maternity Hospital (PCMH) – A leading maternal and child health hospital, focused on obstetrics, gynecology, and neonatal care.

• Ola During Children’s Hospital – Specializing in pediatric care, ensuring comprehensive health services for children.

• Kissy Psychiatric Hospital – Providing specialized mental health services and support for patients with psychiatric conditions.

• Lakka Infectious Diseases Hospital – A facility dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and management of infectious diseases, playing a vital role in public health crises.

• Jui Teaching Hospital – A multidisciplinary hospital offering a wide range of medical services while serving as a training ground for healthcare professionals.

Affiliated Hospitals and Partners:

• Government Hospital Makeni

• Government Hospital Bo

• Government Hospital Kenema

• Choithram Memorial Hospitals

• Emergency Surgical Centre

These affiliations broaden USLTHC’s reach and allow for greater collaboration in service delivery, training, and research.

Leadership

USLTHC is governed by a dedicated leadership team that ensures the institution remains focused on its mission of excellence in healthcare, education, and research.

• Board of Administration Chairperson: Dr. Sonia Spencer

• Chief Medical Director: Prof. Kehinde Oluwadiya

Together with a team of senior medical specialists, administrators, and academic leaders, they guide the complex toward sustainable growth and world-class standards.

Impact and Future Outlook

Since its establishment, USLTHC has transformed healthcare delivery in Sierra Leone by:

• Reducing the need for patients to travel abroad for specialized medical treatment.

• Strengthening the local healthcare workforce through continuous training and education.

• Contributing to policy and public health strategies through research and expert recommendations.

• Building international collaborations that bring in expertise, funding, and technology to enhance healthcare delivery.

Looking ahead, USLTHC is committed to expanding its facilities, strengthening its research capacity, and deepening regional and global partnerships. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, the institution is poised to become a model teaching hospital in West Africa.