News & Events
UPCOMING EVEVT – Join Us for a Life-Changing Medical Mission and Celebrate Our Remarkable Achievements! October 2023.
International Medical Mission with German, Austrian, and Swiss Medical Missionaries
We are thrilled to announce our highly anticipated 2023 International Medical Mission, which will bring together esteemed medical missionaries and partners from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland., from 10th October to 18th October , 2023.
This week-long event promises to be a remarkable opportunity for the local community and medical professionals to come together and make a lasting impact on healthcare.
The focal point of this grand event will be the commissioning of our state-of-the-art CT Scan machine, enhancing our diagnostic capabilities to provide the highest quality care to our patients. This cutting-edge technology will revolutionize our ability to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions, reaffirming our commitment to delivering world-class healthcare services.
In addition to the CT Scan commissioning, we are also delighted to unveil our newly built Staff and Students Hostel, which has been generously donated by our sponsors. This modern facility will provide comfortable accommodation for our hardworking staff and nursing assistant students, fostering an environment of collaboration, learning, and innovation.
The International Medical Mission serves as a unique platform for medical professionals, volunteers, and the local community to collaborate, exchange knowledge, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need. The visiting medical missionaries and partners will join our dedicated team of doctors, nurses, and specialists to offer free medical consultations, and treatments to underserved communities.
Not only will this mission provide crucial healthcare services, but it will also facilitate cultural exchange and foster international friendships. This global collaboration will undoubtedly enrich our medical professionals’ expertise and leave a lasting impression on the local community.
We invite you to join us in this remarkable endeavor to improve healthcare and make a difference in the lives of those who need it the most. Whether you are a medical professional looking to contribute your skills, a volunteer eager to support the mission, or a member of the community seeking medical assistance, your involvement will be invaluable.
Save the date and be part of this momentous occasion. Together, we can create a healthier, happier future for all.
APPOINTMENT OF HEADS OF THE NURSING SERVICES DIVISION – September 2023
The management has approved the appointed of a substantive Matron , following the exit of the former Matron. The new Matron is Mrs Maryann Iloka { BNSC,RN,RM,FPP,NR,MCH} who has more than 15 years of healthcare management experience.With exceptional organizational skills, and track record of leadership skills , and the ability to inspire teams, she will enhance the quality of care and patient experience.
Also appointed are the positions of Assistant Matrons. They are Assistant Matron 1– Mrs Kelechi Ukarahu {BNSC,RN,RM,MHF, }, and Assistant Matron 2- Mrs Augusta Unamma {BNSC,RN,RM,FPP}. Both also possess vast experience and exceptional management skills. Their dedication and leadership abilities make them invaluable assets to our hospital.
According to our Medical Director, Dr Obi Onukogu , “Their experience, dedication, and passion for healthcare will propel our hospital to new heights. I urge them to work tirelessly, leading by example and inspiring our team.”
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to our new Matron and Assistant Matrons. Together, let us continue delivering exceptional healthcare services.
Mrs Maryann Iloka
Matron.
Mrs Kelechi Ukarahu
Asst Matron 1
Mrs Augusta Unamma
Asst Matron 2.
ARRIVAL OF CONTAINER SHIPMENT FROM AUSTRIA / GERMANY. AUGUST 2023
SENDFORTH CEREMONY FOR OUR MATRON JULY 2023.
TRAINING ON RESPIRATORY SUPPORT FOR THE NEWBORN JULY 2023.
HIGH RISK OBSTETRICS SEMINAR FOR NURSES IN OUR HOSPITAL JULY 2023.
SMCCH CELEBRATES WORLD BLOOD DONOR DAY JUNE 2023.
OPENING OF ENDOSCOPY SERVICES JUNE 2023
Our hospital has opened its ENDOSCOPY services, from 1st June 2023. Endoscopy procedures are investigations involving the passage of specialized viewing instruments/probes. For gastrointestinal endoscopy, the viewing instrument is passed through the mouth and down the intestines or through the anus and upwards to the intestines.
This procedure aims at viewing the interior aspect of the stomach, small intestine and large intestine to confirm diagnosis of conditions such as ulcers, erosions, bleedings and cancers. According to the SMCCH Endoscopy Surgeon , Dr Mba, “It is usually recommended for people with chronic or worsening gastrointestinal symptoms such as rectal bleeding, change in bowel habits, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and abdominal pain.”
At St Marys , endoscopy include;
• Upper Gastrointestinal Tract (G.I) Endoscopy – This type of endoscopy is aimed at viewing the stomach and part of the small intestine.Specific nomenclature such as gastroscopy are types of upper G.I endoscopy.
• Lower Gastrointestinal Tract (G.I) Endoscopy – Lower G.I Endoscopy views the large intestine and the remainder of the small intestine not seen in an upper G.I endoscopy.
• Lower Gastrointestinal Tract (G.I) Endoscopy – Lower G.I Endoscopy views the large intestine and the remainder of the small intestine not seen in an upper G.I endoscopy. Other nomenclature such as Colonoscopy, Sigmoidoscopy, Proctoscopy are all types of lower G.I endos copy.
AADIS Endoscopy procedures are done by booking and pre-procedure preparations are advised accordingly.
Reacting to this development , the Asst Director of Clinical Services of our hospital , Dr Obinna Emeto , said that “this will be the only functional endoscopy in the whole of the zone.” He enjoined all hospitals around to send their patients with the indications for endoscopy to SMCCH , and be assured of excellent services.
SMCCH COMMENCES PRE CT – SCAN INSTALLATION CONSTRUCTION / PREPARATIONS MAY 2023
As part of plans for the 2023 international medical missions slated for October 2023 in the hospital, St Marys shall be installing and commissioning a brand new Computed Tomography CT Scan at this event.
The hospital has started pre -CT scan installation preparations and constructions. This involves a structural reconstruction of the entire radiology block , and the construction of the CT scan suite , with radiation protection / lead lining , in line with regulatory standards and designs.
Speaking on this development , the project manager for this project , Engr James Orsugh explained that “ We will be working for the next 90 days , to fully reconstruct and install all the components required for the CT Scan. We are working day and night , to meet up with the timelines as we wait the arrival of the CT scan”
The head of department of radiology Mr Melvin Onyeka was elated and said “ This will be the single most important diagnostic project for SMCCH since inception. It will greatly help all hospitals within the zone , who always have to send critical patients to Owerri for a CT scan. We can’t wait for the arrival of the CT scan.
SMCCH CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL NURSES WEEK. MAY 2023
Each year, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) celebrates International Nurses Week from 6th to 12th of May, to mark the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth, and to bring global awareness and attention to the role of nurses in healthcare delivery.
At St Marys, our nurses are outstanding and the best. In the words of our president and founder , Rev Fr Dr Sergius Duru “ I always want our nurses to be proud of our hospital , because we shall insist on the best for our staff , our patients and our community “
The week was filled with celebrations , and also a three day seminar on emerging nursing care practices. This involved practical sessions and interactions with senior nursing administrators and lecturers from the Nursing Council.
Some of our nurses reacted to some inquiries on WHAT BEING A NURSE MEANS TO THEM.
Jane Otaka , Quality control head nurse said: “It’s about always putting patients at the centre of care.”
Mrs EBOSI , senior midwife sister, O&G ward , said: “Over the years I have come to appreciate being a nurse is not just having the qualifications of nursing but being in a state of constant readiness and service. It is a call to duty to serve with pride and purpose.”
Cynthia I , junior sister in CAC said: “”Being a nurse is taking care without knowing names, religions or beliefs. It’s caring with a full heart, clean tears and supporting with giving hands. “
Nkechi A , Senior Nephrology Nurse said: “I come to work to make a difference for my patients. Although the advent of new technologies has improved patient safety and efficiency in nursing, we serve our patients best when these are complemented by core nursing values such as compassion and understanding. A lot of my patients are given a chance to live just by the love we give them here ”
Jennifer I , a junior staff in OPD said: “ Nurses are like angels on Earth.”
Timothy A, advanced nurse health practitioner and senior matron for emergency care, said: “Being a nurse makes me proud! We care for patients and their loved ones in the most stressful and sensitive moments in their life, and I feel privileged to be that person.”
Lynda O., senior nursing officer and student practice educator, “ Being a nurse is about compassion, listening to patients and understanding what their needs are.”
Theresa Nwankwo, a trainee nursing Assistant said: “When you are a nurse, you know that everyday you will touch a life or a life will touch yours. Every day you will see a ray of hope, which you gave in the eyes of your patients.”
Vanessa I , staff nurse in OPD , said: “For me nursing means helping people heal, meeting their needs while they are in my care, listening to their concerns….”
To all our team of nurses, we say a big CONGRATULATIONS
SMCCH RECEIVES COMMENDATION ON PAEDIATRIC EAR NOSE THROAT {ENT} SURGERIES. APRIL 2023.
Our hospital has received commendations for the successes and expertise in the Ear Nose and Throat Surgeries it has been doing recently. A visiting Otolaryngologist from the USA, Dr Anyanwu, gave the commendation , when he came to visit the hospital. “ The healthcare delivery standards are very much in line with global best practices , and with available resources”
Reacting to this, the head of ENT department in our hospital , Dr Arinze explained that the department has treated and operated on lots of children with varied types of ENT pathologies. “ The most common surgery is adenoidectomy – surgery to remove your child’s adenoid glands. Your child may need this surgery if their adenoids have become swollen or enlarged because of an infection or allergies. An adenoidectomy can help if your child is experiencing breathing problems or frequent ear and sinus infections because of enlarged adenoids.”
The Ear Nose and Throat Clinic for both Paediatrics and Adults is on Fridays 10am to 4pm. All other emergencies are seen in the Emergency Room 24 hours 7 days a week.
PHYSIOTHERAPY – HOPE TO CEREBRAL PALSY PATIENTS. APRIL 2023
The role of our hospital physiotherapy department has been applauded , for its role in the treatment and management of children with Cerebral Palsy within the region. This was remarked by our international physiotherapy consultant , Karin Huenteler { Bonn Germany } during an international exchange , as part of our activities to create and manage patients with Cerebral Palsy within our zone. She had virtual treatment sessions with most patients , and live interaction with the therapist team in the hospital.
Cerebral palsy is a condition that affects movement and posture and is caused by damage to the brain before, during, or soon after birth. This causes difficult in crawling , sitting, feeding , walking , vision , hearing , posture and reasoning.
March is celebrated as Cerebral Palsy Awareness month , and our hospital used the month to reach out to over 100 cerebral patients it has treated. This high number may not be unconnected to the poor obstetric care in rural communities.
According to the head of department of physiotherapy, PT Uche Ojobo , “ St Marys has a wide range of treatment modalities for all varieties of children with CP. We have a lot of successes of children who are getting recovery and rehabilitated “
