FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE — 30 September 2026: The Directorate of Hospital and Ambulance Services (DHAS), in collaboration with the Connaught Hospital Management Team and Mercy Ships, held a coordination meeting at the Ministry of Health Conference Hall to review progress on the ongoing Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD) project and plans for the comprehensive renovation of the Operating Theatre Complex at Connaught Hospital. The meeting focused on aligning both projects, clarifying their scopes and ensuring that implementation is coordinated to minimize disruption to surgical services.
The Mercy Ships team reported that the CSSD project has advanced through its architectural and schematic design stages into detailed construction documentation. The proposed CSSD is designed as a prefabricated external structure, following assessments that identified water ingress, roof and drainage challenges within the existing theatre complex. Detailed documentation covers spatial arrangements, infrastructure, mechanical, electrical and plumbing requirements and other technical specifications. However, the tendering process remains on hold pending clarification of how the CSSD project will interface with the planned theatre renovation.
Discussions also emphasized the need to finalize the scope and design of the Operating Theatre Complex renovation, with strong clinical input from surgeons, nurses, anaesthesia providers, hospital management and other relevant technical teams. Participants agreed that the existing BHI assessment should inform the renovation, including the resolution of structural and infrastructure challenges. A physical walkthrough of the theatre complex was identified as an important next step to ensure that surgical workflow, infection prevention, patient movement, equipment placement and other clinical requirements are properly reflected in the final design.
Speaking virtually from India, DHAS Director Mr. Ibrahim Foday-Musa reaffirmed the Ministry’s intention to undertake a comprehensive renovation of the entire operating theatre complex while fully integrating the CSSD project. He stressed the need for all stakeholders to work from a common agenda, common goal and shared understanding of the project scope. The Director indicated that renovation works are targeted to commence in November 2026, subject to completion of the necessary preparations, with the theatre expected to be completely closed during construction. DHAS and Connaught Hospital Management are also working to establish temporary surgical arrangements to maintain essential services during the renovation, which is expected to take approximately four months, with a maximum target of five months.
The meeting concluded with agreement to strengthen coordination between the two projects, finalize outstanding designs and technical documentation, clarify funding and procurement responsibilities, and determine the feasibility of implementing both projects during a single theatre closure period. A joint project activity tracker will also be developed to define activities, responsible teams, deliverables and timelines. The coordinated investment in the CSSD and Operating Theatre Complex is expected to strengthen infection prevention, surgical safety and the overall efficiency of surgical services at Connaught Hospital, contributing to the Ministry’s broader efforts to build safer and more resilient hospitals.