LASUTH establishes training institution for advance neonatal studies

The Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) has announced the establishment of its new Centre for Advanced Neonatal Studies, an initiative by the Department of Paediatrics.

The centre aims to become a leading hub for neonatal training and care in Nigeria and the Sub-Saharan region, solidifying LASUTH’s reputation as a key institution in healthcare manpower development.

In a statement made available to The Guardian yesterday, the Chief Medical Director of LASUTH, Prof. Adetokunbo Fabamwo, highlighted the launch of the institution on October 7, 2024, as another milestone in LASUTH’s journey towards achieving quaternary-level medical care.

During the launch, Messrs Draeger, a global leader in medical and safety equipment technology, pledged significant support by donating critical neonatal care equipment to enhance training and development in LASUTH’s new programme.

Fabamwo also emphasised that the centre is further evidence of the Lagos State Government’s commitment to improving healthcare services, while acknowledging Governor Babajide Sanwoolu’s continuous support in advancing LASUTH into a centre of healthcare excellence.

He commended the Department of Paediatrics for its qualitative and excellent approach to neonatal care.

A Consultant Neonatologist at LASUTH, Dr. Ayodeji Akinola, explained that the centre will include three specialised training institutions, which include the Neonatal Ventilation Academy, focused on advanced respiratory care for neonates, and the Lagos Neonatal POCUS School, offering training on Point of Care Ultrasonography in Neonatology.

The third is the Neonatal Invasive Procedure Training (NIPROT), which will focus on specialised neonatal procedures such as central line placements, peripherally inserted central catheters, and ventricular taps, among others.

During the equipment handover, the Sales and Applications Manager for West Africa, Medical Division, Draeger Ghana Ltd, Dr. Abdulahi Buhari, expressed the company’s commitment to improving neonatal care in Nigeria.

He stated that Draeger is proud to partner with LASUTH on its journey to enhance patient outcomes through cutting-edge technology and specialised training.

This collaboration, Buhari noted, will have a lasting impact on neonatal care at LASUTH and across the region.