News & Events
2024 Austria-SMCCH International Medical Missions: A Resounding Triumph in Healthcare Excellence. NOVEMBER 2024.
The just-concluded Austria-SMCCH International Medical Missions, held at St. Mary’s Children and Community Hospital, Umuowa, Orlu, from November 9th to 16th, 2024, has left an indelible mark on the healthcare landscape of the region. This monumental collaboration brought seasoned medical professionals from Austria to join forces with the hospital’s hardworking team, yielding remarkable results that showcased the hospital’s growing reputation as a Centre of Excellence.
The members of the Austrian team were :
| DR GERHILD HARALTER |
| SYLVIA HACKL |
| DR CHRISTOPH GÖTTLICHER |
| DDR CHRISTOPH ARNEITZ |
| DR SIMON OLIVER SENICA |
| DR MAXIMILLAN LANNER |
| DR JULIA LANNER |
| DR NINA KRIBITZ |
| DR TERESA ANNA ANGERER |
The week-long program recorded over 100 life-saving interventions across pediatric surgery, gynecology surgery, dialysis, and cardiovascular surgery. These procedures not only restored health to patients but also rekindled hope for families who had long grappled with medical challenges. The missions also achieved a historic milestone with the reactivation of nine dialysis machines, making St. Mary’s the undisputed leader in dialysis care in the region. With this development, the hospital now boasts the highest number of functional dialysis machines in the area, positioning it as the go-to facility for kidney-related care.
Patients, young and old, who once faced bleak prospects, left the hospital with smiling faces and hearts full of gratitude. Stories of transformation abounded—children who underwent successful surgeries bounded out with renewed vigor, while women received much-needed gynecological care that had eluded them for years. Dialysis patients, previously limited by inadequate facilities, now enjoy world-class treatment close to home.
This mission also reinforced clinical development at St. Mary’s. The visiting Austrian team didn’t just treat patients; they shared expertise, conducted hands-on training for local staff, and introduced innovative medical techniques that will continue to elevate the standard of care.
The entire program was a celebration of partnership, progress, and purpose. Community members and stakeholders hailed the initiative as a testament to St. Mary’s unwavering commitment to raising the bar in healthcare delivery.
In the words of one patient’s relative:
“What we have seen here this week is nothing short of a miracle. St. Mary’s has brought hope to families that had nowhere else to turn.”
With these resounding successes, St. Mary’s Children and Community Hospital, Umuowa, Orlu, has cemented its place as a beacon of healthcare excellence in Nigeria. The 2024 Austria-SMCCH International Medical Missions have set a gold standard, proving that when expertise, passion, and collaboration meet, the possibilities are endless.
St. Mary’s: Restoring health, uplifting lives, and leading the charge for a healthier tomorrow.
Announcement: 2024 Medical Missions at St. Mary’s Children and Community Hospital, Umuowa Orlu – NOVEMBER 2024
We are thrilled to announce that St. Mary’s Children and Community Hospital will host the 2024 Medical Missions from November 9th to 16th, 2024.
This year, we are honored to collaborate with esteemed medical professionals from Austria, who will join us in providing specialized pediatric surgery, gynecology, and dialysis services to our community.
We invite everyone to join us for this transformative mission, as we continue to advance healthcare access and provide essential services to our community.
St. Mary’s Children and Community Hospital Concludes Successful Six-Month Fundraising Campaign – OCTOBER 2024
We are thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of a six-month fundraising campaign in the USA, a dedicated effort that has brought hope and transformative support to our hospital. This campaign was launched to address urgent needs in improving our infrastructure, acquiring essential equipment, and enhancing our operations, and we are deeply moved by the incredible response it has received.
The initiative was led by a grateful family and supporter, Chinwe Egonu, whose vision and commitment have been truly inspiring. Co-chaired by Nneoma Ofuonye and Adaeze Uzoka, this team poured their hearts into rallying support for our mission, and their unrelenting dedication has made a lasting impact.
On behalf of everyone at St. Mary’s Children and Community Hospital, we extend our most profound gratitude to each donor who contributed to this campaign. Your generosity is more than a financial gift; it is a statement of faith in our mission to provide the highest level of care to our community. Because of you, we can continue to bring life-saving services, compassionate care, and improved facilities to those who need it most.
To Chinwe, Nneoma, Adaeze, and every individual who supported this initiative, we offer our sincerest thanks. Your support is changing lives, strengthening our hospital, and bringing healing and hope to countless patients and families.
Together, we are building a brighter, healthier future for our community. Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and belief in our mission.
DONORS LIST
- ST MARY’S FUND RAISING CAMPAIGN – 2024 NDI ORLU INITIATIVE
EQUIPMENT
To purchase medical equipment.
- Anonymous-Lead Donor (1 defibrillator; 2 patient monitors; 1 oxygen concentrator; 1 handheld doppler for fetal monitoring)
- The Children of HRH EZE Okorie (1 Electrocardiogram Machine)
- ANON-Friend of Umuowa (1 suction machine & 1 blood pressure monitoring device)
- ANON-Friend of Umuowa (1 oxygen concentrator & 1 Trolley)
- Claris O. (1 oxygen concentrator & tribute gift)
- Anonymous-Highly Favored (1 sonicaid handheld doppler for fetal monitoring)
- Chidiebere A. (Trolley)
- Anonymous-Babe (1 Nebulizer)
- Chief G.O. (pulse oximeter)
LIFETIME or ANNUAL CHARITABLE CARE FUND
To support operational & charitable needs.
- The Ugoeze O Fund – Lifetime
- The V.O. & T. A. N Fund – Annual
- The B&C E. Family Fund – Lifetime
- Anonymous-Benefactor – for 5 years
- ANON-Friend of Umuowa – for 4 years
ONE-TIME TRIBUTE CHARITABLE CARE DONATION
To support operational & charitable needs.
- Akudinanwa 1
- Osa G.
- George & Miriam E.
- Chika & Fred G.
- ANON – Community Builder
- Donald W.
- Armando E-R
- Ejirika Family
- Colman O.
- Obinna O.
- Onyinye A.
- Adaugo O-L
- Ezinne I.
- Shanice C.
- Anon-Diamonds are forever
- Adanze N-M
- Dame Charity E.
- Anonymous – Designer Babe
- Emeka E. & Family
- Njideka O.
WHEREVER THE NEED IS GREATEST
General donations without a designation.
- Eze B.
- K. A.
- Uzo N.
- T&M A.
- C&K E.
- Anonymous – General
- ANON: Okwama -Amucha-Njaba
- Christy D.
- Anonymous – Peace
- Philo O.
- Ifeoma N.
- Lily U.
- Anonymous – SouthCal
- Anonymous-Blessed
- CZ
- Anonymous – Model
- Anonymous
- D. Conte
- Vivian N.
- Anonymous – As Needed
- Chijioke E.
- ANON-Precious Gold
- Jude A.
- Odikpo O.
Happy World Physiotherapy Day 2024! SEPTEMBER 2024
Theme: “Physiotherapy: Supporting People to Stay Active and Independent”
Significance: This year’s theme highlights the vital role physiotherapy plays in enabling individuals to maintain their physical function, mobility, and independence throughout their live.
At our hospital , ST MARYS HOSPITAL UMUOWA ORLU NIGERIA, our physiotherapy department is dedicated to supporting people of all ages to stay active and independent. We’re proud to say that our department is one of the most equipped in the region, with state-of-the-art facilities and a team of expert physiotherapists who can treat a wide range of condition. Here are some ways we’re making a difference:- Customized exercise programs to improve mobility and strength
- Fall prevention strategies to reduce injury risk
- Chronic disease management through physical activity
- Pediatric physiotherapy to support developmental milestones
- Geriatric physiotherapy to enhance healthy aging
- Advanced rehabilitation techniques for sports injuries, neurological conditions, and more!
St. Mary’s Hospital Receives Donation of Computer Tablets from Oberstufe Mittelrheintal School, AUGUST 2024
Our hospital is thrilled to announce a generous donation of more than thirty computer tablets from Ruth Gschwend and the Oberstufe Mittelrheintal School Switzerland to our nursing department.
These tablets will enable our nurses to access digital resources, take online classes, and have the opportunity to explore interactive learning tools, enhancing their understanding of nursing and medical concepts. This will also help bridge the technology gap and provide our nurses with the skills they need to succeed in today’s digital healthcare environment.
St. Mary’s Hospital extends its heartfelt thanks to the Oberstufe Mittelrheintal {OMH} School for their support and commitment to improving educational services in our community.
St. Mary’s Hospital Umuowa Receives Much-Needed Medical Supplies from Bonn Germany. AUGUST 2024
St. Mary’s Hospital Umuowa is pleased to announce the arrival of a container shipment of medical supplies from Bonn, Germany. The shipment, which arrived on 9th August , is a significant boost to the hospital’s efforts to provide quality healthcare to the community.
The container holds a wide range of medical equipment and supplies, including surgical instruments, hospital beds, diagnostic machines, physiotherapy devices and supplies,etc. These supplies will greatly enhance the hospital’s capacity to provide effective medical care to its patients.
“We are thrilled to receive this shipment of medical supplies from Bonn,” said Dr Onukogu, Medical Director of St. Mary’s Hospital Umuowa. “These supplies will have a direct impact on our ability to provide quality healthcare to our patients. We are grateful for the support and generosity of our partners in University of Bonn and look forward to continuing our collaboration to improve healthcare outcomes in our community.” He further expressed the thanks on behalf of the community to the team facilitator and sponsor , Karin Huenteler, for the success of this project.
The hospital extends its gratitude to all individuals and organizations involved in making this shipment possible.
SMCCH Hosts Successful 2024 Annual Radiology Training Workshop to Enhance Radiological Health Quality JULY 2024
In an effort to enhance standards of radiological health quality, our hospital St Marys Children and Community Hospital Umuowa, organized the highly anticipated 2024 Annual Radiology Training Workshop on July 5th, 2024.
Medical professionals and radiology professionals , and other experts in the field gathered to collaborate, learn, and share the latest practices and technologies in radiology.
The workshop featured a series of interactive sessions, lectures, and hands-on training, focusing on cutting-edge techniques, advancements in radiological imaging, and best practices in patient care. Participants learnt how to strengthen their skills to provide better healthcare services to patients.
The Medical Director Dr. Onukogu in his opening remarks , expressed his enthusiasm for the workshop, stating, “Our hospital is committed to continuous improvement in radiological health quality, and the annual workshop is a key initiative in achieving this goal”
The chief training Consultant Dr. Sylvester highlighted the importance of ongoing education in radiology, stating, “Continuous learning and professional development are essential in the field of radiology to keep up with the rapid advancements in technology and practices. The workshop serves as a platform for professionals to enhance their knowledge, skills, and ultimately deliver better patient care.”
The 2024 Annual Radiology Training Workshop was met with great success, with attendees leaving empowered, inspired, and equipped with the latest tools and knowledge to elevate the standards of radiological health quality and safety. The hospital’s commitment to excellence in radiology continues to drive innovation and improvements in patient care. It is noted that our hospital is the only hospital within the entire zone and beyond that provides comprehensive CT scan services , with our brand new CT machine which was commissioned in October 2023.
Overall, the workshop proved to be a valuable opportunity for medical professionals to collaborate, learn, and advance the field of radiology, ultimately benefiting the healthcare industry and the patients it serves.
ONE DAY PEDIATRIC TRAINING WORKSHOP ON – HELPING BABIES BREATH ! JUNE 2024
In our unrelenting commitment to reducing neonatal mortality rates in our region, St. Mary’s Hospital Umuowa , in collaboration with Saint Augustine Children’s Hospital Bonn hosted a groundbreaking one-day training workshop on – HELPING BABIES BREATHE.
The HBB seminar underscored the crucial medical significance of early neonatal care, equipping healthcare practitioners from primary and secondary health facilities within the zone with essential skills to ensure newborns can breathe effectively and thrive.
We were honored to welcome representatives from over 50 hospitals and maternities to this enriching training event, where they actively participated in hands-on practical sessions to enhance their expertise in neonatal resuscitation.
Certificates of participation were proudly awarded to all attendees, recognizing their dedication to advancing neonatal care and safeguarding the lives of our littlest community members.
Following the training, participants were treated to an engaging tour of our cutting-edge hospital facilities, giving them a firsthand look at the technology and compassionate care that define St. Mary’s Hospital.
According to Dr. Stella Adikuru, Head of Pediatrics Department: “Our goal is to empower healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills needed to intervene early and save the lives of newborns in critical moments.”
Dr. V. Emeto, the Assistant Director of Clinical Services and Chairman of the Training Session , also noted that , “As we continue to collaborate and learn together, we are shaping a brighter future for neonatal care in our region. Every baby’s first breath matters.”
A heartfelt thank you to all who participated and contributed to this transformative event. Together, we are making a lasting impact on the health and well-being of our community’s tiniest patients.
CONTAINER SHIPMENT DEPARTS BONN TO UMUOWA. JUNE 2024
Basic Life Support Training For Staff of Our Hospital. MAY 2024
From May 29th to 31st, 2024, our hospital conducted a comprehensive Basic Life Support Training program for all staff and members of the hospital community, focusing on essential skills such as Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the operation of Automated External Defibrillator (AED) devices. This training initiative aimed to provide participants with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively respond to medical emergencies within and outside the hospital premises, emphasizing the critical role of preparedness and quick action in saving lives.
The significance of Basic Life Support Training in a hospital setting cannot be overstated. In high-pressure situations, the ability to deliver immediate and accurate aid can significantly impact patient outcomes. By ensuring that all staff and members are proficient in CPR techniques and adept at using AED devices, St Marys Hospital is proactively enhancing its capacity to deliver timely and effective care, ultimately fostering a safer and more secure environment for patients and caregivers alike.
In his remarks , Dr. Obi Onukogu, the Medical Director underscored the importance of the Basic Life Support Training program, stating, “Our objective with this training is to empower our hospital community with life-saving skills that are indispensable during emergencies. By equipping our staff and members with the knowledge and confidence to administer CPR and utilize AEDs, we are not only elevating the standard of patient care but also cultivating a culture of preparedness and resilience within our hospital and beyond the hospital environment “
Through this educational initiative, our hospital stands to gain a more proficient and responsive workforce capable of swiftly and competently addressing medical emergencies. It also further solidifies our commitment to providing exceptional healthcare services and ensuring the well-being of all individuals under our care.
Celebrating World Menstrual Hygiene Day at Technical Secondary School, Umuowa. MAY 2024
APPOINTMENT OF A NEW MATRON – MAY 2024.
