PAEDIATRICS

Ola During Children’s Hospital

MISSION AND VISION STATEMENT

MISSION

To provide healthcare services that meet the highest international clinical and ethical standards, promote and undertake research into health issues, and serve as an institution for both undergraduate and postgraduate training in medical and allied health professions

VISION

To be a leading healthcare institution in Sierra Leone and the West African region, known for its excellence in patient care, medical education, and research.

CORE VALUE

Healthcare Services: Delivering high-quality healthcare services to the population, ensuring accessibility and affordability.
Research: Conducting innovative research to address prevalent health issues and improve medical practices.
Education and Training: Offering comprehensive training programs for undergraduate and postgraduate students in medicine and allied health fields, fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals.

History of the Pediatrics Department

The Pediatrics Department at Ola During Children’s Hospital (ODCH) has been a cornerstone of child healthcare in West Africa, serving as a regional centre of excellence for tertiary pediatric care. Established with a mission to provide high-quality health services delivered by compassionate, skilled staff in a state-of-the-art environment, the department has grown into a multifaceted unit catering to diverse pediatric healthcare needs.

Over the years, ODCH has made significant strides in delivering specialized pediatric care. The department is led by Dr. Med. Nellie V.T. Bell, whose leadership as Head of the Department has guided its operations and innovations. The department operates under the medical superintendency of Dr. Ayeshatu M. Mustapha, ensuring that the hospital maintains its vision of excellence.

The department offers a wide range of services through its specialized units, including the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), malnutrition unit, infectious disease ward, and oncology and neurology services. Additionally, its outpatient services span multiple specialities, including cardiology, endocrinology, haematology, pulmonology, and more. These units are supported by a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including consultants, registrars, medical officers, nurses, pharmacists, and technicians.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARD HEALTH CARE

We strive to provide high-quality health services through compassionate, skilled staff in a state-of-the-art environment.

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Functions and Services Offered

  1. In-Patient Care:

    • Neonatology (SCBU and NICU)
    • Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
    • High Dependency Unit (HDU)
    • Malnutrition Unit (TFC)
    • Pediatric Oncology and Neurology Wards
    • Emergency Room and Observation

  2. Outpatient Clinics:

    • General Pediatrics
    • Pediatric Neurology
    • Pediatric Cardiology
    • Sickle Cell Clinic
    • Asthma Clinic (Pulmonology)
    • Diabetes Clinic (Endocrinology)

  3. Specialist Services:

    • Infectious Disease Unit
    • Step-Down and Observation Wards

Department Challenges

The Pediatrics Department faces challenges such as:

  • Limited resources for advanced diagnostics and treatment.
  • High patient-to-staff ratios affect service delivery.
  • Limited capacity to accommodate growing patient demands.
  • Insufficient specialized training opportunities for staff.

Department Achievements

  1. Establishment of specialized clinics for pediatric cardiology, oncology, and endocrinology.
  2. Expansion of neonatal and pediatric intensive care services.
  3. Recognition as a leading centre for managing malnutrition and sickle cell disease in the region.
  4. Development of a multidisciplinary approach to comprehensive child healthcare.

Department Monthly Activities

  • Regular training and capacity-building sessions for medical and nursing staff.
  • Weekly multidisciplinary ward rounds in specialized units.
  • Community outreach programs focusing on pediatric health education.
  • Monthly performance reviews and strategy meetings.

Units in the Department and Their Functions

  1. Neonatal Unit (SCBU and NICU): Care for critically ill newborns and premature infants.
  2. Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU): Advanced life support for critically ill children.
  3. Malnutrition Unit (TFC): Treatment and rehabilitation of children with severe malnutrition.
  4. Outpatient Clinics: Management of chronic pediatric conditions.

Key Staff and Their Roles

Consultants and Registrars:

  • Dr. Ronita D.C. Luke: Consultant, Neonatology.
  • Dr. Freddie Coker: Consultant, ICU.
  • Dr. Abu Bakarr Bah: Senior Registrar.
  • Dr. Cheryl Jones: Registrar.

Nursing and Pharmacy Teams:

  • Francess Pearce: Matron.
  • Fatmata Kargbo: Matron 2.
  • John Smith: Pharmacist.
  • Laurie Leke: Pharmacist.

Administrative Staff:

  • Francis B. Jabati: Hospital Secretary.
  • Suliaman Sesay: HR Officer.

Partners Supporting the Department

The department collaborates with national and international organizations to ensure the delivery of high-quality services, including UNICEF, WHO, and local government bodies.