Bigger Than A Building: The Maternal Center of Excellence in Sierra Leone

Summary

This video highlights the transformative efforts to improve maternal healthcare in Kono District, Sierra Leone, where high mortality rates during childbirth have been a persistent challenge. Drawing from the experience of an experienced midwife, the narrative focuses on the significant strides made in training medical staff, upgrading facilities, and enhancing the quality of care. The establishment of a Maternal Center of Excellence promises to provide women with world-class healthcare, instilling hope and empowerment. The video emphasizes the importance of community collaboration and dedicated healthcare to improve the lives of mothers and children in the region.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker has 18 years of experience as a midwife in the UK, which shaped their perspective on maternal care before coming to Kono, Sierra Leone.
• 😀 In Kono, the maternal mortality rate is high, and the speaker is driven to reduce unnecessary deaths of women during pregnancy and childbirth.
• 😀 Losing patients is heartbreaking and challenging, leading to deep self-reflection on whether more could have been done to prevent deaths.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the importance of improving maternal care through collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other health partners.
• 😀 Significant improvements in Kono's maternity ward include better-trained staff, enhanced clinical confidence, and stronger support systems.
• 😀 The supply chain for medical resources has improved, leading to fewer stockouts of essential drugs and better overall care.
• 😀 The maternity hospital, once in ruins, has been rebuilt, and now serves as a welcoming place for mothers.
• 😀 Many women, like Kumamosei, express gratitude for the safer and more effective medical practices at the hospital, especially in comparison to previous conditions.
• 😀 The volume of patients has increased rapidly, which highlights the growing trust in the hospital and the quality of care provided.
• 😀 The establishment of a Maternal Center of Excellence will further enhance training, patient care, and skills development for healthcare workers in the region.
• 😀 The Maternal Center of Excellence will provide high-quality, patient-centered care and training, fostering an environment where women feel respected, valued, and safe.

Q & A

What background does the speaker come from, and how does it contrast with their experience in Kono?

The speaker has over 18 years of experience as a midwife in the UK, where saving women's lives was not a struggle. However, upon coming to Kono, they were faced with a high maternal mortality rate, which was a stark contrast to their previous experience.

What is the primary reason for the speaker's decision to come to Kono?

The speaker was drawn to Kono because of the high mortality rates during pregnancy and childbirth, and they were determined to address and reduce these deaths.

What is the emotional impact of losing a patient, according to the speaker?

Losing a patient is heartbreaking and distressing. The speaker expresses feelings of sadness and asks themselves if there was something they could have done differently, as the loss is difficult to process.

What steps have been taken to improve maternal healthcare in Kono?

Efforts to improve maternal healthcare in Kono include the training of more midwives, improving the caliber of nurses and support staff, increasing staff confidence, strengthening the supply chain to reduce drug shortages, and rebuilding the hospital.

How has the hospital's infrastructure and patient care improved?

The hospital, once in ruins, has been rebuilt, and now people are willing to come to the facility. There have been improvements in the delivery methods, medication administration, and patient care, ensuring a safer environment for childbirth.

What impact has the improved healthcare had on the local population?

The improved healthcare has led to an increase in the volume of patients coming to the hospital, as more people trust the facility for safe deliveries and quality care.

What is the next major project planned for maternal healthcare in Kono?

The next project is the construction of a Maternal Center of Excellence, which will provide first-class care for women, train healthcare professionals, and serve as a place for learning and sharing experiences in maternal health.

What is the goal of the Maternal Center of Excellence?

The Maternal Center of Excellence aims to provide quality care to women, with clinicians who are well-trained, confident, and competent. It will also serve as a hub for training healthcare professionals and improving skills in maternal care.

How does the speaker feel about the potential of the Maternal Center of Excellence?

The speaker is passionate and excited about the potential of the Maternal Center of Excellence, as they believe it will make a significant difference in improving maternal health outcomes and will be highly appreciated by the community.

How does the speaker view the challenges faced by Kono in terms of healthcare?

Although Kono is often seen as a poor district, the speaker is optimistic that the improvements in maternal healthcare will prove that change is possible with the right mindset and effort. They believe that everything is doable and that Kono can set an example for others.