News & Events

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St. Mary’s Hospital Appoints Two Assistant Matrons Amidst a Glorious 2025 Nurses’ Week Celebration. MAY 2025

In a landmark development aimed at bolstering clinical leadership and enhancing the quality of patient care, the Management of St. Mary’s Children and Community Hospital, Umuowa Orlu, has announced the appointment of two accomplished nursing professionals as Assistant Matrons. The appointees—Mrs. Dorathy Nwaenyi (RN, RM, B.NSc, DPH) and Ms. Valerie Ikerionwu (RN, RM, B.NSc, CCN)—bring with them a wealth of experience, professional depth, and demonstrated excellence across diverse specialties in nursing practice.

The announcement coincided with the hospital’s vibrant commemoration of the 2025 Nurses’ Week, a celebration characterized by a cascade of compassion, professional pride, and reaffirmed commitment to holistic patient care. Throughout the week, nurses at St. Mary’s extended acts of kindness and medical outreach not only to patients within the wards but also to members of the surrounding community—further cementing the hospital’s reputation as a beacon of empathy-driven healthcare.

Delivering his remarks during the event, the Director of Clinical Services, Dr. Clement Kaduru, congratulated the new Assistant Matrons and seized the opportunity to urge all nurses to remain dedicated to patient-centred, evidence-informed care. He emphasized the imperative of clinical vigilance, interprofessional collaboration, and empathetic communication, which he described as the cornerstones of transformative nursing. Dr. Kaduru admonished the new appointees to serve with integrity, resilience, and strong commitment to the hospital’s mission.

The hospital’s Medical Director, Dr. Obi Onukogu, lauded the nursing team for their consistent display of professionalism and excellence, noting that the hospital has witnessed an unprecedented surge in patient satisfaction indices and commendatory testimonials. He attributed this to the relentless dedication of the nurses, describing them as “the unsung architects of recovery and wellness.”

In a heartfelt goodwill message, the Founder and President of the Hospital, Rev. Dr. Sergius Duru, extended his profound appreciation to all nurses, acknowledging their indispensable role in sustaining the hospital’s legacy of compassionate, high-impact care. “Our nurses exemplify the spirit of sacrificial service. They are not merely caregivers; they are healers, advocates, and the soul of this institution,” he said.

As the hospital continues to scale new heights in service delivery, the appointments of Mrs. Dorathy Nwaenyi and Ms. Valerie Ikerionwu as Assistant Matrons signal a renewed era of visionary nursing leadership. Their varied clinical backgrounds, academic achievements, and commitment to excellence are expected to significantly augment the hospital’s ongoing efforts toward quality improvement and institutional advancement.

St. Mary’s Children and Community Hospital congratulates the new Assistant Matrons and looks forward to their impactful contributions.

2025 World Kidney Day at St. Mary’s Children and Community Hospital, Umuowa Orlu: Celebrating One Year of Life-Saving, Subsidized Dialysis Services. APRIL 2025.

Last month , on  Thursday, March 13, 2025, St. Mary’s Children and Community Hospital, Umuowa Orlu, joined the global community to commemorate World Kidney Day 2025—a day dedicated to raising awareness of kidney health and advancing care for people with kidney diseases.

This year’s celebration was especially significant for our hospital. We marked one full year of offering 24/7 subsidized dialysis services—a milestone that has brought hope and healing to hundreds of families across the region.

In just 12 months, our dialysis unit—the most comprehensive and functional in the entire region—has recorded an astounding 300% increase in the number of dialysis sessions rendered, reflecting the growing trust the community places in our services.

From only a few weekly sessions in previous years to now operating round-the-clock, 7 days a week, the impact has been transformational. For many patients who would have otherwise had to travel long distances—or worse, go without life-sustaining care—St. Mary’s has become a lifeline.

In his keynote speech at the event, the President of the hospital, Rev. Dr. Sergius Duru, expressed gratitude for the progress made, while calling for continued support from well-meaning individuals and organizations:

“Exactly one year ago, with the generous support of our Austrian partners, we launched our subsidized dialysis program. Since then, lives have been saved, families restored, and hope rekindled in countless homes. But we cannot stop here. The burden of kidney disease is growing, and we need more hands on deck. I call on philanthropists, local businesses, government agencies, and the global Nigerian community to come forward and support this life-saving service. Help us keep dialysis accessible, help us keep hope alive.”

Dr. Obi Onukogu, the Medical Director of the hospital, highlighted the vital role the facility has played in addressing the rising incidence of kidney disease in the region:

“St. Mary’s Children and Community Hospital has become the foremost center for kidney care in this part of Nigeria. Our 24-hour dialysis unit is the only one of its kind in Imo State—fully equipped, staffed, and reliable. Beyond dialysis, we’ve intensified our focus on early detection, education, and lifestyle modification to help people prevent kidney failure. What we are witnessing is not just an increase in numbers, but a transformation in healthcare delivery—powered by vision, sacrifice, and community trust.”

This year’s World Kidney Day theme, “Kidney Health for All”, resonates deeply with our mission. At St. Mary’s, we believe no one should be denied treatment because of cost. That is why we have made dialysis more affordable, more available, and more human.

Our hospital stands as a beacon of hope in the Southeast, reminding the world that with commitment and compassion, healthcare can be accessible and life-saving—even in underserved regions.

As we celebrate one year of success, we look forward with determination. But we need your help. Every ₦1,000 you give brings a patient closer to life. Every donation fuels our machines, pays our staff, and buys critical consumables.

Together, we can give more people a second chance at life

📞For inquiries and donations, please call: +234 -8130978854

ST. MARY’S CHILDREN AND COMMUNITY HOSPITAL, UMUOWA ORLU, APPROVED AS A CEmOC CENTRE MARCH 2025

We are proud to announce that St. Mary’s Children and Community Hospital, Umuowa Orlu, has been officially approved as a Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric Care (CEmOC) Centre by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in partnership with an accredited Health Maintenance Organization (HMO).

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for this designation was signed on Thursday, 27th February 2025,marking a significant milestone in our commitment to reducing maternal mortality and providing life-saving emergency obstetric care to vulnerable and indigent women.

With this approval, St. Mary’s joins 159 other hospitals nationwide in delivering critical maternal and newborn emergency services at no cost to eligible patients.

What This Means for Our Community: As an approved CEmOC Centre, St. Mary’s Children and Community Hospital will now provide:

  • Emergency cesarean sections
  • Safe blood transfusions
  • Essential medications for maternal emergencies (e.g., antibiotics, oxytocics, anticonvulsants)
  • Management of postpartum hemorrhage and severe infections
  • Manual removal of retained placenta
  • Assisted vaginal deliveries (forceps/vacuum extraction)
  • Newborn resuscitation for birth asphyxia

Who Can Benefit?

This initiative strictly serves poor and indigent pregnant women who face life-threatening complications but cannot afford emergency obstetric care.

How to Access This Service

  • Referral from partner hospitals using designated CEmOC referral forms (to be distributed soon).
  • Strictly for emergency obstetric cases (routine maternity cases are not covered).

A Call to Action for Partner Hospitals

We urge all partner hospitals and institutions to collaborate with us in identifying and referring only those truly in need. Together, we can prevent unnecessary maternal deaths.

Inaugural Board of Management Meeting Sets Strategic Direction for St. Mary’s Hospital FEBRUARY 2025

The inaugural meeting of the St. Mary’s Children and Community Hospital Board of Management was held on February 7, 2025, at the hospital’s conference hall. The meeting, chaired by Pharm. Ben Ononiwu, brought together key stakeholders to review the hospital’s performance, discuss strategic plans, and address pressing challenges. In his opening remarks, the Board Chairman emphasized the need for decisive action in tackling drug shortages, high staff turnover, and financial sustainability. He noted that addressing these challenges would be crucial to maintaining the hospital’s reputation as a leading healthcare provider in the region. Key discussions centered on improving staff retention, financial management, and enhancing community engagement. The board also reviewed the 2025 budget, established specialized committees, and explored ways to optimize the hospital’s resources. Moving forward, the hospital remains committed to advancing healthcare excellence while ensuring affordability and accessibility for the Umuowa community.

INAUGURATION OF THE 6TH BOARD OF MANAGEMENT ST MARY’S CHILDREN AND COMMUNITY HOSPITAL UMUOWA ORLU. JANUARY 2025.

The 6th board of management of our hospital has been inaugurated by the Umuowa Community. The President General of Umuowa, Deacon Freeman Ezike inaugurated 25 new board members with Pharm. Chief Ben Nnamdi Ononiwu as the Chairman of the board of management.

The full list of members inaugurated are:

  • Pharm. Ben Ononiwu -Chairman
  • Dr C.C. Amajioyi -Member
  • Prof Barnabas Madu -Member
  • Pharm Andrew Mgbam -Member
  • Arc. Kelechi Ezike -Member
  • Ichie Fide Chimezie -Member
  • Ichie Mburuom Casmir -Member
  • Deac Freeman Ezike -Member
  • Nnaoma Sabinus -Member
  • Representative of HRH Eze Duruigbo -Member
  • Dr Mrs Thecia Nwanebo -Member
  • Rev. Fr Emeka Ukwandu -Member
  • Rev Monsignor Ibebuike -Member
  • Rev Fr Cyril Duru -Member
  • Dr Mrs Livina Dim -Member
  • Rev Fr. Theadeus Ugwe -Member
  • Hon Ichie Mbanaso -Member
  • Rev. Fr Chris Ihenaeto -Member
  • Ichie Iyke Duru -Member
  • Engr. Ted Duru -Member
  • Mrs. Juliana C. Duru -Member
  • Mrs Victoria Anugwom -Member
  • Medical Director -Ex Officio Member
  • Administrator -Ex Officio Member
  • Matron -Ex Officio Member

Their appointments are based on their professional inclinations which are in line with global best standards. Barr. Fintan Ilika administered the oath to the new board members present. The PG, had earlier dissolved the old board members headed by Pharm. George Nwagha and thereafter congratulated the newly inaugurated 6th board members , and charged them to be committed to addressing the challenges of the hospital and strive to ensure innovation, growth and development of the hospital and to lead above odds.

The newly inaugurated board Chairman, Pharm. Ben Ononiwu in his speech, pledged to work with the board and management to ensure transparency and growth of the hospital in areas such as building strategic partnerships, investing in our people, ensuring our hospital remains a responsible steward of resources. The Medical Director, Dr Obi Onukogu , expressed hope and renewed commitment to the hospital’s vision, he noted that for any effective hospital , an effective board of management is needed, he urged the board to explore opportunities and drive innovations. The tenure of the newly inaugurated board of management takes effect from 1st January , 2025.

Collaboration for Growth: Christmas Campaign in Bonn- DECEMBER 2024 December 6 , 2024

St. Mary’s Children and Community Hospital, Umuowa Orlu, continues to strengthen its collaboration with international partners and benefactors, ensuring sustainable growth and expanded healthcare services for our community. On December 6, 2024, a successful fundraising campaign took place at the Bonn-Beuel Integrated Comprehensive School in Germany. Organized to support St. Mary’s Hospital, the event highlighted the commitment and compassion of the students and teachers involved. The campaign featured two main activities:
  1. Christmas Card Sales: Students creatively promoted and sold Christmas cards, with proceeds directed to support the hospital’s initiatives.
  2. Clothing Exchange and Second-Hand Shop: The school launched a clothing exchange program, which saw enthusiastic participation. Plans are underway to establish a permanent second-hand shop at the school, where donated clothing will be sold to raise funds for St. Mary’s Hospital.
This collaboration demonstrates the immense potential of shared efforts in creating meaningful impact. We are inspired by the willingness of the Bonn-Beuel school community to engage in these charitable endeavors, reflecting their commitment to global solidarity. St. Mary’s Hospital expresses heartfelt gratitude to our benefactors and partners who continuously support our mission to deliver quality healthcare. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for the children and families we serve. Thank you! For inquiries on supporting St. Mary’s Children and Community Hospital, please contact us via – doctor@stmaryshospitalumuowa.com

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!
“Physiotherapy is not just about treating injuries, it’s about empowering individuals to take control of their health and wellbeing.” – our team leader from Bonn Germany , Karin Huenteler “Our team is passionate about delivering personalized care that makes a real difference in people’s lives. We’re proud to be part of the global physiotherapy community and to have the resources to make a meaningful impact in our region!” – Dr Uche Ojobo , the HOD physiotherapy. Join us in celebrating the impact of physiotherapy on healthcare and communities worldwide! Let’s work together to support people in staying active and independent.

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.

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