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Connaught Hospital, Sierra Leone’s largest government-owned tertiary medical facility and main national referral centre, has reported significant improvements in infrastructure, technology and service delivery during 2025, according to its newly released Annual Management Report.
The report outlines a year marked by major renovations, modernization of key clinical units, expanded specialized services and continued efforts toward digitization, alongside improvements in cleanliness and infection prevention. It also identifies areas requiring further support as part of the hospital’s strategic priorities for 2026.
As the principal teaching hospital of the University of Sierra Leone’s College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, Connaught underwent some of its most extensive rehabilitation works in recent decades. Among the major developments was the complete renovation and re-equipping of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), aimed at strengthening the hospital’s capacity to manage critically ill patients.
The hospital also commissioned a new Burns and Reconstructive Unit, expanding access to specialized surgical and rehabilitative care for patients with complex injuries. In addition, the Radiology Complex was comprehensively modernized and equipped with a 128-slice CT scanner, a 4D ultrasound machine with cardiac imaging capability and a digital X-ray system, significantly enhancing diagnostic services.
A major energy milestone was the installation of a 1.2 megawatt solar power system by the Ministry of Health, which now serves as the hospital’s primary power source. The shift to renewable energy has improved electricity reliability, reduced dependence on generators and contributed to lower operational costs, while supporting uninterrupted service delivery.
Service utilization at Connaught Hospital increased markedly in 2025. Outpatient attendance exceeded 57,000 patients, while inpatient admissions rose to about 21,000, up from 19,000 in 2024. Surgical activity also expanded, with approximately 1,600 operations performed during the year compared to 958 in the previous year.
Despite the higher patient volumes, the hospital recorded a reduction in mortality rates, which the report attributes to improvements in clinical capacity, organization and quality of care. Emergency services continued to face heavy demand, but management noted progress in coordination, patient flow and response times.
The report indicates that the hospital’s performance reflects broader efforts by Government and partners to strengthen Sierra Leone’s health system through investments in infrastructure, equipment and human resources. At the same time, it highlights persistent challenges, including increasing patient loads, staffing pressures and the need for sustained financing to consolidate recent gains.
Connaught Hospital management stated that the 2025 achievements provide a foundation for further improvements in service delivery, with a focus on consolidating infrastructure upgrades, expanding specialized care and strengthening operational systems in the coming year.
