Strengthening A&E at Connaught

On 21 October, the Minister for Health and Sanitation, Dr Abu Bakr Fofanah, visited Connaught Hospital to discuss plans for the refurbishment of the Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department.

A&E is an emerging area of specialist practice in Sierra Leone with potential to transform how health care is delivered in the country. Connaught staff have been working with King’s Sierra Leone Partnership to reform how A&E care is provided. Recently the hospital has successfully implemented a new triage system to prioritise the urgency of patient treatment. 

Sister Cecilia and KSLP A&E Nurse Mentor Hedda

The refurbishment includes the construction of a dedicated minor procedure room so that staff can conduct urgent surgeries within the A&E department.  There will also be new water and sanitation facilities for hand washing, improved waste disposal provision, and drainage to support improved infection prevention & control processes.

The A&E Team: Sister Cecilia, A&E Consultant Surgeon Dr Seisey, KSLP A&E Co-ordinator Dr Ling and Matron

Through the improved capacity of the A&E department, Connaught Hospital will be better able to respond and prevent future health crises such as ebola, as well as manage casualties from other health emergencies.