Post a comment 
The Directorate of Hospital and Ambulance Services (DHAS) has stepped up preparations to strengthen paediatric surgical care at the Julius Maada Bio Paediatric Centre of Excellence (JMBPCE), including plans to activate an additional 40 beds.
The move is part of broader efforts to ensure continuity of specialised surgical services as preparations advance for the planned renovation of the surgical theatre at Connaught Hospital.
A coordination meeting held on September 16, 2026, brought together DHAS officials, hospital administrators and clinical teams to assess readiness in key areas, including surgical equipment, medicines, consumables, staffing, anaesthesia and diagnostic services.
The assessment focused on ensuring that paediatric surgical operations can continue safely and without interruption during the renovation period.
One of the key concerns raised was the suitability of available surgical instruments. Clinical teams noted that some of the equipment currently in use is primarily designed for adult procedures.
Participants agreed to review existing equipment, verify incoming supplies under ongoing procurement processes, and identify critical gaps requiring urgent attention. Clinical teams will also participate in evaluating the equipment to ensure that instruments meet the required standards for paediatric surgery.
Human resource capacity was another major issue discussed, with emphasis on the need for additional specialists, medical officers, theatre nurses and anaesthesia personnel.
The meeting also explored opportunities to identify health workers interested in paediatric surgery for mentorship and targeted training as part of efforts to strengthen long-term service delivery.
Patient safety was highlighted as a central priority, particularly in relation to anaesthesia services, equipment calibration, laboratory support and diagnostic imaging, including ultrasound capacity.
DHAS said it will continue working with hospital management and clinical teams to address the identified gaps and conduct further assessments ahead of the planned theatre renovation.
The initiative forms part of the Ministry of Health’s broader efforts to expand specialised healthcare services, strengthen the health workforce and improve the quality and accessibility of surgical care for children.
