The Ministry of Health has assessed the readiness of the Port Loko Field Hospital to provide essential healthcare services and respond to potential public health emergencies, including outbreaks of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
The assessment focused on the facility’s operational plan, infrastructure, medical equipment and service arrangements, with the aim of identifying outstanding requirements before the hospital begins operations.
The exercise was led by the Director of Hospital and Ambulance Services (DHAS), alongside representatives from the Directorate of Laboratory, Diagnostic and Blood Services, the Clinical Programme Manager, the Case Management Manager and the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) team of the National Public Health Agency (NPHA).
During the assessment, the team examined arrangements for patient management, the separation of suspected and confirmed EVD cases, specimen collection and medical waste disposal. The review also covered the safe movement of patients and healthcare workers within the facility to minimise the risk of infection.
The hospital is designed to accommodate 100 beds, with 50 expected to be operational during the initial phase. Of these, 20 beds are designated for the isolation and treatment of EVD patients when required.
The team also reviewed outstanding requirements involving electrical installations, lighting, air-conditioning, ventilation, fire safety, water supply and sanitation. The availability of essential medical equipment, furniture, supplies and laboratory and diagnostic services was also examined.
The Ministry stressed the need to address the identified gaps through clear timelines, assigned responsibilities and coordinated follow-up before the facility begins providing services.
The assessment forms part of the Ministry’s efforts to strengthen hospital preparedness and emergency response capacity. Working with the relevant technical departments and the NPHA, the Ministry aims to ensure that the Port Loko Field Hospital has the necessary facilities, equipment and operational arrangements to deliver essential healthcare services and respond effectively to potential public health emergencies.
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