By Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope Reporter
FREETOWN, Saturday, September 20, 2026 — The Government has intensified efforts to ensure children’s surgical services continue uninterrupted as Connaught Hospital prepares for a major renovation of its surgical theatre.
The Directorate of Hospital and Ambulance Services (DHAS) says it is strengthening paediatric surgical care at the Julius Maada Bio Paediatric Centre of Excellence (JMBPCE), including plans to activate an additional 40 beds to absorb patients during the renovation period.
The move was discussed at a high-level coordination meeting held on September 16, 2026, which brought together DHAS officials, hospital administrators and clinical teams to assess readiness in critical areas such as surgical equipment, medicines, consumables, staffing, anaesthesia and diagnostic services.
A major concern raised at the meeting was the suitability of available surgical instruments, with clinical teams noting that some equipment currently in use is designed for adult procedures and may not be appropriate for children.
Participants agreed to review existing equipment, verify supplies under ongoing procurement, and urgently identify critical gaps. Clinical teams will also be involved in evaluating instruments to ensure they meet standards for paediatric surgery.
The meeting also examined human resource needs, highlighting the urgent requirement for additional specialists, medical officers, theatre nurses and anaesthesia personnel.
Officials further explored plans to identify health workers interested in paediatric surgery for mentorship and targeted training, as part of a long-term strategy to strengthen specialised child health services.
Patient safety was emphasised as a central priority, particularly in relation to anaesthesia, equipment calibration, laboratory support and diagnostic imaging, including ultrasound services.
DHAS assured that it will continue to work closely with hospital management and clinical teams to address the identified gaps and conduct further assessments ahead of the renovation.
The initiative is part of the Ministry of Health’s broader drive to expand specialised healthcare, strengthen the health workforce, and improve access to quality surgical care for children across the country.
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