Overview
The Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care is a core clinical and academic department within the University of Sierra Leone Teaching Hospitals Complex (USLTHC). It is responsible for the provision of safe, high-quality anaesthesia, peri-operative care, pain management, and critical care services at Connaught Hospital and Princess Christian Maternity Hospital (PCMH). Despite operating in a resource-limited setting, the Department has shown consistent growth, resilience, and commitment to national capacity building.
Head of Department
Dr Eva Susan Hanciles
MB ChB BAO, FFARCSI, FWACS, FCPS (SL)
Dr Eva Susan Hanciles obtained her medical degree from the Royal College of Surgeons in
Ireland and specialised in anaesthesia, earning the Fellowship of the Faculty of Anaesthesia
of the
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. She completed a fellowship in cardiac anaesthesia in
Canada and
practised as a consultant anaesthetist in the United Kingdom before returning to Sierra
Leone in 2007. She
is also the National Anaesthesia Coordinator for the Ministry of Health.
Vision
To ensure that all people of Sierra Leone have access to safe, high-quality anaesthesia and critical care services delivered by qualified professionals
Mission
To deliver excellence in anaesthesia, peri-operative medicine, pain management, and critical care through service, training, education, and collaboration.
Core Services
- General, spinal and procedural anaesthesia
- Regional anaesthesia and nerve blocks
- Peri-operative and pre-operative patient care
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU) management and coordination
- ICU outreach and emergency resuscitation services
- Acute and chronic pain management
- Undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and training
History and Development
The Department evolved from a single-physician service in 2007 to a structured academic department accredited by the West African College of Surgeons. It achieved full accreditation for the Diploma in Anaesthesia and partial accreditation for Membership and Fellowship training. The Department continues to expand its workforce, services, and training capacity while supporting regional anaesthesia development.
Challenges
- Shortage of physician anaesthetists and residents
- Limited anaesthesia workforce
- Intermittent shortages of essential drugs and supplies
- Maintenance challenges of anaesthesia equipment
- Insufficient ICU-trained nursing staff
Achievements
- Full WACS accreditation for the Diploma in Anaesthesia
- Partial accreditation for Membership and Fellowship programmes
- Training of multiple Diploma and Membership graduates
- Contribution to training the first Gambian WACS Member in Anaesthesia
- Provision of 24/7 ICU medical coverage
Academic Activities
The Department holds weekly Friday morning academic meetings focusing on teaching, case discussions, morbidity and mortality reviews, and continuous professional development.
