March 2009: Renovated clinic opens its doors

Doors open

A year after we launched our appeal for Kroo Bay the renovated clinic opens it's doors.

The bigger clinic means more mothers, fathers and their babies can be treated. The new delivery room means mothers can give birth in comfort and safely. This means both expectant mothers and their babies will have a much better chance of survival.

What the District Medical Officer for Health said

'As we all know, Kroo Bay is a deprived community and this particular facility being provided jointly by Save the Children and Concern Worldwide will surely go a long way in addressing some of the health issues, specifically infant, child and maternal mortality in this part of Western area', said Dr. Smith.

'I believe, from what I've seen, that the situation will surely improve and this will tremendously contribute towards the reduction of child and maternal mortality, which is high in the Ministry of Health's agenda', he said.

What the local residents say

Esther Bockarie, 30, and pregnant with her fifth child, previously gave birth in the old clinic. She believes that the changes to the clinic will greatly improve the health of the residents of Kroo Bay.

'It's better. They're providing something for the pregnant women. I feel happy. The community is really excited. Now they see a big difference. Now we're more able to deliver safely with no problems', she said.

What the nurses say

According to Adama, one of the nurses at the clinic, there is still work to be done to improve the health of the community, but the changes made to the clinic have addressed many of their immediate needs.

'The clinic was not good before the renovation. It's good now because the delivery room now is better, the floor is tiled well and it's ventilated. We appreciate most of the work done, because there is space now for the under 5's, and a place we can use to admit our patients, observe minor illness and carry out treatment. We have wards where we can treat the under 5's. That's good for us', she said.

100's turn up for opening

Approximately one hundred people attended the celebration, including Dr. Samuel Smith, the District Medical Officer of Health for the Western Area of Sierra Leone. He sees the renovated clinic as proof that steps are being taken to address the high levels of infant, child and maternal mortality in Kroo Bay.