WACS Assessment Highlights Critical Gaps at Connaught Laboratories
A recent assessment by the West African College of Surgeons (WACS) has highlighted critical gaps in emergency laboratory services and essential facilities at Connaught Hospital, key factors affecting its readiness to host postgraduate specialist training in Sierra Leone.
During the evaluation on Thursday, November 12, the WACS assessment team focused on Connaught Hospital's capacity to offer fellowship programs in General Surgery, Urology, Plastic Surgery, and Paediatric Surgery, paying close attention to laboratory testing capabilities and clinical infrastructure.
Led by Professor Venyir Ramyil, the visiting delegation conducted thorough inspections of the facility, inspecting emergency labs, surgical suites, diagnostic setup, and staffing levels required for high-standard specialist medical education.
While noting recent physical and infrastructural improvements across several units, the team singled out emergency laboratory operations as a primary area of concern. Critical deficiencies were identified in emergency lab diagnostic turnarounds, specialized lab equipment, surgical tooling, facility space, and reliable access to urgent medical supplies.
In response to the findings, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mustapha Kabba stated that the Ministry of Health will prioritize upgrading Connaught Hospital's laboratory infrastructure and addressing the critical gaps flagged by the WACS delegation.
Dr. Kabba emphasized that strengthening laboratory diagnostics and surgical infrastructure is vital for the 180 to 200 doctors currently in residency. Enhancing these core facility services remains central to building a sustainable medical training environment in Sierra Leone.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating closely with hospital management to resolve laboratory shortfalls and implement WACS recommendations swiftly to achieve full accreditation for postgraduate surgical training.
Comments