Department of Family Medicine

Department Overview

The Family Medicine Department of the University of Sierra Leone Teaching Hospitals Complex (USLTHC) was established to strengthen primary care services and provide structured training for undergraduate medical students and postgraduate resident doctors in family medicine. Its creation marked an important step toward improving comprehensive, patient-centered care and advancing family medicine as a recognized specialty within Sierra Leone.

Early Development and Preparatory Phase (2017–2018)

The initial groundwork for the department began in 2017, alongside efforts to support postgraduate family medicine training at accredited institutions, including Blue Shield Medical Centre. During this period, postgraduate trainees successfully progressed through various stages of the West African College of Physicians examination process, contributing to the development of family medicine capacity in the country.

Efforts were initially made to locate the department at Jui Chinese Hospital. However, after several assessments and consultations, this plan did not materialize. Consequently, Connaught Teaching Hospital, the main teaching and referral hospital under USLTHC, was selected as the permanent base for the Family Medicine Department.

Establishment at Connaught Teaching Hospital (2018)

Significant restructuring and infrastructural improvements were undertaken at Connaught Teaching Hospital to accommodate the new department and meet accreditation standards. The General Outpatient Department was reorganized and upgraded, including:

• Creation of a patient waiting area at the entrance
• Construction of an ambulance parking space
• Establishment of a triage unit
• Expansion and construction of additional consulting rooms

These developments enhanced patient flow, improved service delivery, and created a suitable environment for clinical training.

In November 2018, the department received accreditation from the West African College of Physicians for an initial period of two years. The accreditation authorized the department to train senior registrars and junior residents in family medicine. Clinical operations at Connaught Teaching Hospital officially commenced on 12 November 2018.

Growth, Training, and Academic Activities (2018–2019)

Following its establishment, the department expanded its academic and clinical activities. It provided structured training programs for resident doctors while delivering outpatient and emergency care services. The department also benefited from international academic collaboration. Fellows associated with the Royal College of General Practitioners and partnerships linked to King’s Global Health contributed to teaching and clinical support. Training programs introduced during this period included:

• Point-of-care ultrasound training
• Clinical presentations and seminars
• Journal review sessions
• Multidisciplinary academic activities involving radiology and pathology

In June 2019, the department participated in the Africa regional conference of the World Organization of National Colleges and Academics of Family Physicians (WONCA), strengthening its international engagement and professional network.

Department Structure and Staffing

At inception, the department comprised consultants, senior registrars, junior residents, and medical officers, supported by administrative personnel. The department has continued to serve as a training center for family medicine residents while providing clinical services to the public and hospital staff.

Institutional Development and Infrastructure Improvements (2021–2023)

Following continued assessment of outpatient services, proposals were developed to improve the efficiency and organization of the outpatient department. This led to a major renovation project, which began in October 2022. The renovation was aimed at improving patient care delivery, enhancing the training environment, and strengthening the hospital’s role as a national referral center.

Core Functions and Services

Academic and Professional Engagement

These affiliations support training standards, academic development, and collaboration. Regular academic activities include:

Key Achievements

Challenges