The Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) has marked another milestone in its mission to enhance patient experience and healthcare accessibility. Recently, it officially launched operations at the Patient Attendants’ Quarters.
The facility is designed to provide a comfortable resting space for patients’ relatives on admission, ensuring they remain close to their loved ones while receiving medical care.
In his address, Prof. Adetokunbo O. Fabamwo, Chief Medical Director (CMD) of LASUTH, emphasised that LASUTH is the first and only public hospital in Nigeria to establish such a facility. He explained that while the concept had been in development for a long time, an earlier attempt to implement it through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model did not materialise. However, the Rotary Club of Ikeja GRA later proposed and donated the building, making the initiative a reality.
The CMD said that although the Rotary Club had previously commissioned the building, additional time was required to finalize operational arrangements. The facility quietly commenced operations about 10 days before the official launch and has already recorded impressive patronage.
Prof. Fabamwo noted that the initiative was driven by LASUTH’s commitment to patient-centred care, ensuring that patient attendants no longer need to endure uncomfortable conditions such as sleeping in cars or being exposed to mosquitoes.
Providing an overview of the facility, Mrs. Ogochukwu Caroline Chukwurah, the Facility Manager, explained that the quarters is a 26-bed facility with two separate wings for male and female occupants, in which 13 are assigned for each gender. The environment is designed to be clean and conducive, ensuring that patient attendants have a suitable space to rest, refresh, and stay close to their loved ones without unnecessary strain.
She extended her gratitude to Prof. Adetokunbo O. Fabamwo, the Chief Medical Director of the Hospital, his team, and all stakeholders who contributed to making the project a reality. She described the quarters as a testament to LASUTH’s commitment to holistic patient care and improved hospital infrastructure, setting the pace for other institutions to follow.
Speaking on behalf of Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Mrs. Sarah Balogun, commended Prof. Fabamwo for his exceptional leadership and efficient resource management. She stressed the need for regular assessments to maintain and enhance the facility’s operations.
Similarly, Dr. Oluwatoni Adeyemi, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Health, applauded LASUTH’s rapid transformation. She noted that each time she visits the hospital, she notices new developments, which is a reflection of the management’s dedication. She described the Patient Attendants’ Quarters as an example of LASUTH’s forward-thinking approach to inclusive healthcare, ensuring that patient relatives receive adequate support.
Representing the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, the Director of Medical Administration, Training & Programmes at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Mazeedat Erinosho, congratulated the management of the hospital on this achievement and many more infrastructural developments springing up in LASUTH.
Mr. Babatunde Jelili Oyekan, Director of Hospital Administration & Human Resources; Mrs. Titilope Alaka, Director of Finance & Accounts; Mrs Adebola Aina, Director of Nursing Services; other members of LASUTH top management committee as well as heads of clinical and non-clinical departments and units were in attendance.
