Health Ministry, Mercy Ships Move to Improve Surgical Services
The Ministry of Health and Mercy Ships Sierra Leone have discussed measures to improve surgical training, patient referrals and access to surgical services under Sierra Leone’s National Surgical, Obstetric and Anaesthesia Plan (NSOAP) 2026–2030.
The discussions took place during a three-day strategy development workshop organised by the Ministry’s Directorate of Hospital and Ambulance Services at New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown, bringing together representatives from hospitals, training institutions, primary healthcare services, emergency medical services and community health programmes.
Participants identified the need to strengthen nursing education through supervised clinical placements, mentorship and practical skills development, particularly in perioperative care. They also discussed improving patient identification, referral procedures and coordination between healthcare facilities and Mercy Ships.
Key barriers to accessing surgical treatment included transportation costs, stigma, fear, limited diagnostic services and uncertainty about accommodation and return journeys. Participants recommended engaging community, traditional and religious leaders to raise awareness, improving patient follow-up and providing clearer discharge information.
Recommendations included reviewing clinical training arrangements, improving referral systems and identifying patient pathways for targeted improvements. Further planning will determine responsibilities, resource requirements and monitoring measures before implementation.
The workshop forms part of efforts to strengthen cooperation between the Ministry of Health, Mercy Ships and other healthcare stakeholders to improve surgical care in Sierra Leone.
Comments