The Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) has announced the establishment of its new Centre for Advanced Neonatal Studies, a groundbreaking initiative by the Department of Paediatrics. The centre, which aims to become a leading hub for neonatal training and care in Nigeria and the Sub-Saharan region, is set to solidify LASUTH’s reputation as a key institution in qualitative healthcare manpower development.
This announcement was made during a ceremony on Monday, October 7th, 2024, during which Messers Drager, a global leader in medical and safety equipment technology, pledged significant support by donating critical neonatal care equipment. The company also committed to providing training and development support for LASUTH’s new training programs.
Speaking at the launch, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Adetokunbo O. Fabamwo, commended the Department of Paediatrics for its qualitative and excellent approach to neonatal care. “The Centre for Advanced Neonatal Studies reveals yet another milestone in LASUTH’s journey towards achieving quaternary-level medical care. The launch of the Centre for Advanced Neonatal Studies is another proof of the Lagos State Government’s efforts to improve healthcare services. Prof. Fabamwo also acknowledged Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu’s continuous support, to the rapid development of LASUTH into a veritable centre of healthcare excellence” Prof. Fabamwo stated.
Speaking with Dr. Ayodeji Akinola, a Consultant Neonatologist at LASUTH, he expatiated that the Centre for Advanced Neonatal Studies will include three specialized training institutions, the Neonatal Ventilation Academy which is focused on advanced respiratory care for neonates; Lagos Neonatal POCUS School which would offer training on Point of Care Ultrasonography in Neonatology (Functional Echocardiography and hemodynamics, Cranial, Lung, Gut, Lines ultrasonography, etc.) and Neonatal Invasive Procedure Training (NIPROT) which would be focused on specializing in invasive neonatal procedures such as central lines, peripherally inserted central Catheter placement, Ventricular taps, etc.)
“LASUTH, we must reiterate, is the premier health institution in Nigeria to obtain full accreditation for sub-specialty training in Neonatology from the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria”, Dr, Akinola revealed.
He also said Drager’s contribution includes the donation of state-of-the-art equipment to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Institute of Maternal and Child Health, Ayinke House as he disclosed that the donated equipment includes two mechanical ventilators, two CPAP machines, a transcutaneous bilirubinometer, a pulse oximeter, and an advanced incubator. “This donation will support the Centre’s mission to provide high-level neonatal care and training.”
During the equipment handover, Dr. Abdulahi Buhari, Sales and Applications Manager of West Africa, Medical Division, Drager Ghana Ltd, expressed the company’s commitment to improving neonatal care in Nigeria. “Drager is proud to partner with LASUTH as it embarks on this important journey. Our goal is to enhance patient outcomes through cutting-edge technology and specialized training, and we are confident this collaboration will have a lasting impact on neonatal care at LASUTH and across the region,” Buhari said.
Dr. Peter Ubuane, Consultant Pediatrician at LASUTH, highlighted the importance of Drager’s support, noting that the equipment and training would significantly enhance the hospital’s neonatal services. “This donation comes at a critical time as we prepare to launch the Centre for Advanced Neonatal Studies. The tools and expertise provided by Drager will help us raise the standard of neonatal care and expand our capacity for training healthcare professionals,” Dr. Ubuane said.
This new Centre brings to six, the number of training institutions established in LASUTH in the last two years. The current training institutions are School of Anaesthetic Technology, School of Orthopaedic Cast Technology, School of Echocardiography, Caregiver Academy and Advanced Professional Diploma in Hospital Administration and Management.
