Department Overview
The Department of Paediatrics at Ola During Children’s Hospital (ODCH) is
the leading centre for child health in Sierra Leone and a recognized referral facility in
West Africa. Guided by a commitment to
excellence, the department provides comprehensive care for infants, children, and
adolescents through a wide range of specialist and general paediatric services.
We combine clinical expertise, research, and
training to improve child health outcomes and strengthen paediatric medicine in
the region.
Departmental History
The Department of Pathology has existed since the establishment of the hospital. Due to challenges including limited personnel, inadequate equipment, and administrative constraints, services were interrupted for a period. The department was successfully revitalized five years ago following the recruitment of expatriate pathologists by the USLTHC Board. Since then, it has functioned effectively and continuously.
Leadership
Head of Department
Dr. Med. Nellie V. T. Bell
MD, DTMPH, FWACP
Dr. Bell is a highly respected paediatrician with extensive experience in child health and public health. She leads the department with a focus on innovation, training, and improving access to quality paediatric services.
Medical Superintendent
Dr. Ayeshatu M.Mustapha
MB CHB, IPPC
Dr. Mustapha oversees hospital operations, ensuring the delivery of safe, efficient, and patient-centred care. She also provides clinical leadership in TB management and general paediatric services.
Vision
To be the centre of excellence for tertiary paediatric care in West Africa.
Mission
To provide high-quality health services delivered by compassionate, skilled staff in a state-of-the-art environment.
Core Functions and Services
The Department provides a wide spectrum of inpatient and outpatient services, including:
Inpatient Care
Outpatient Care
Clinical and Support Staff
The department is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of highly trained professionals, including:
- Consultants & Specialists: Paediatricians, Intensivists, Neonatologists
- Medical Officers & Registrars: providing round-the-clock inpatient and outpatient care
- Nursing Leadership: Senior Matrons, Principal Nursing Officers, and a dedicated nursing team
- Pharmacists & Pharmacy Technicians: supporting safe medication use
- Laboratory & Radiology Technicians: ensuring accurate diagnostics
- Administrative & Support Staff: ensuring smooth hospital operations
Units within the Department
- Neonatology (SCBU & NICU)
- Paediatric Intensive Care (PICU & HDU)
- Therapeutic Feeding Centre (TFC)
- Oncology & Haemato-Oncology Unit
- Emergency & Observation Unit
- Specialist Outpatient Clinics
Each unit is staffed with consultants, registrars, and specialist nurses, supported by pharmacists, lab scientists, and technicians.
Key Achievements
Challenges
Like many tertiary facilities in low-resource settings, ODCH faces:
Weekly Departmental Activities
The department runs a structured weekly schedule of clinical rounds, specialist clinics, academic sessions, and call duty coverage. Emergency services are available 24/7 through the Accident & Emergency Unit.
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