By: Saidu Jalloh
In a major step toward modernizing Sierra Leone’s healthcare infrastructure, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the management of Connaught Hospital, has announced a six-week temporary closure of the hospital’s mortuary starting Monday, July 21, 2025. The closure will allow for comprehensive renovations and upgrades as part of a broader national initiative to enhance mortuary services across the country.
The announcement, made via an official press release on July 19, 2025, highlights the importance of the Connaught Mortuary as one of Sierra Leone’s oldest and most critical facilities for managing deceased individuals. It plays a key role not only in hospital operations but also in forensic investigations and public health management.
“The renovations aim to address longstanding challenges that have limited the mortuary’s ability to adequately serve families and healthcare professionals,” the statement noted.
Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, emphasized the importance of modern, well-equipped facilities in ensuring the dignified handling of deceased individuals, which he described as an essential component of quality healthcare delivery.
“We are entering a new era of healthcare where dignified handling of the deceased must be prioritized. These improvements will not only enhance service delivery but also support broader public health efforts,” Dr. Demby stated.
During the closure, the hospital management is urging families and the public to utilize alternative mortuary services, as the Connaught facility will not be operational during the renovation period.
“We understand the inconvenience this may cause, but we are committed to ensuring a renovation process that is smooth, transparent, and beneficial in the long term,” the hospital’s management assured.
Once completed, the upgraded facility is expected to significantly improve service delivery, offering a more sanitary, efficient, and respectful environment for grieving families and medical personnel alike.
The renovation of Connaught Mortuary is being viewed as a model project, reflecting the government’s broader commitment to aligning the country’s public health systems with international best practices and addressing the growing demands of urban healthcare delivery.