Lascanod General Hospital.

Date of Visit: august 08, 2024

Group: Somali Canadian Federation and Development.

Purpose of Visit: Assessing the functionality and operations of Lascanod General Hospital.

The Somali Canadian Federation and Development group visited at Lascanod General Hospital at 9:00 AM. they proceeded to the reception area. One of the hospital’s staff warmly welcomed them and provided an overview of the hospital’s operations and the challenges it faces

Lascanod General Hospital was founded in 1953. It has since been a key healthcare provider in Las Anod, offering essential medical services to the local community and surrounding areas in the Sool region of Somalia.

Lascanod General Hospital, located in Las Anod, the capital of the Sool region in Somalia, serves as a vital healthcare provider in the area. While specific detailed historical records about the hospital are limited, it plays a crucial role in providing medical services to the local community. Typically, hospitals like Lascanod General Hospital serve a wide range of medical needs, from emergencies to routine healthcare services, contributing significantly to public health in the region. For more precise historical details, regional health authorities might provide additional insights.

Hospital departments

Lascanod General Hospital typically includes various departments to cater to different medical needs. These departments commonly found in general hospitals may include:

1*Emergency Department*:

The emergency room was busy and faced challenges with overcrowding and resource limitations.
The staff worked diligently to manage emergencies efficiently, but they need for more space and equipment was evident.

2.*Internal Medicine Department*:

Manages adult patients with various medical conditions.

3.*Pediatrics Department*:

Specializes in healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents.
Staff shortages in this ward were noted, impacting the level of personalized care available to young patients.

4.*Surgery Department*:

Conducts surgical procedures ranging from minor to major surgeries.

5.*Maternity ward*:

The maternity ward provides comprehensive prenatal and postnatal care but faced challenges with limited space and resources.
The staff highlighted the need for more support in managing high-risk pregnancies and neonatal care.
*Radiology Department*:
- The department lacks advanced imaging technologies such as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and CT (Computed Tomography) scanners.
- Patients often need to be referred to other facilities for advanced imaging, leading to delays in diagnosis and additional costs for patients.
*Laboratory Services*:
- The laboratory was equipped with essential diagnostic tools but faced issues with outdated equipment.
- Despite resource constraints, the lab staff demonstrated dedication and expertise in handling various tests and analyses.

*Pharmacy*:
- The pharmacy was well-organized but faced challenges in maintaining a consistent supply of essential medications.
- The pharmacist explained the efforts made to ensure patients received the correct medications despite supply chain issues.
*Outpatient Clinics*:
- The outpatient department handled a large volume of patients with limited staff and resources.
- The registration and consultation process was efficient, but the waiting areas were often crowded.
*Administration*: Manages hospital operations, including finances, staffing, and logistics.
*Surgical ward*:
- the surgical ward was clean and well-maintained, but there was a need for more advanced surgical equipment.
- Post-operative care was a priority, and the nursing staff provided attentive care to patients recovering from surgery.
*E.N.T*:
- refers to the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) department at Lascanod General Hospital. This department specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of conditions related to the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck.
- These departments collectively ensure healthcare delivery to the community served by Lascanod General Hospital.
- ENT specialist has a weekly schedule and is available at the hospital only on Thursdays.

The hospital staff member highlighted several key challenges:

Lascanod General Hospital, like many healthcare facilities in similar settings, faces several challenges that can impact its ability to provide effective healthcare services.

Some of these challenges may include:

Financial Constraints: Insufficient funding for operational expenses, medical supplies, equipment maintenance, and staff salaries can limit the hospital’s capacity to deliver quality care.

Infrastructure Deficiencies: Aging infrastructure, inadequate facilities, and limited access to essential medical equipment and technology can hinder the hospital’s ability to meet patient needs effectively.

Human Resources: Shortages of qualified healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and specialists, can strain the hospital’s capacity to provide timely and comprehensive medical care.

Healthcare Access: Geographic remoteness or lack of transportation infrastructure may make it difficult for patients to access the hospital, particularly in emergency situations.

Medical Supplies and Pharmaceuticals: Inconsistent availability of essential medicines, vaccines, and medical supplies due to logistical challenges or supply chain disruptions can impact patient care.

Emergency Preparedness: Limited resources and training for responding to emergencies and disasters can affect the hospital’s ability to handle crises effectively.

Quality of Care: Ensuring consistent standards of care and infection control practices amidst resource constraints and staff shortages can be challenging.

Community Health Issues: Addressing prevalent health issues such as communicable diseases, malnutrition, maternal and child health, and chronic conditions within the community requires coordinated efforts and resources.

Public Health Education: Limited awareness and health literacy among the population regarding preventive care, hygiene practices, and treatment options may contribute to increased healthcare challenges.

Political and Security Environment: Instability or conflict in the region can disrupt healthcare operations, affect staff safety, and impact access to healthcare services for the community.

Addressing these challenges requires strategic planning, resource mobilization, collaboration with stakeholders, and ongoing support from governmental and nongovernmental organizations to strengthen Lascanod General Hospital’s capacity and resilience in providing essential healthcare services to the community.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).

After Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) withdrew from providing medical services at Lascanod General Hospital, the lack of financial support it caused significant challenges: MSF often provides substantial financial and logistical support to the hospitals they operate in. Without MSF’s financial assistance, Lascanod General Hospital may struggle to maintain operations, procure essential medical supplies, and pay staff salaries. The sudden withdrawal of MSF leaded to a reduction in healthcare services offered at the hospital. This affected the hospital’s ability to treat patients effectively, particularly in emergency situations or for specialized medical conditions.

MSF withdrew international medical staff who provide specialized care or training to local healthcare workers. This leaded to a loss of expertise and capacity within the hospital staff, impacting overall patient care.

Key findings.

Patient Care Quality: Evaluations might reveal the effectiveness of care practices, patient outcomes, and areas needing improvement in clinical services.

Staffing Issues: Recruitment and retention of qualified healthcare professionals, including nurses, doctors, and specialists, could pose significant challenges. This is especially true in competitive healthcare markets or remote areas where attracting talent can be difficult.

Equipment and Technology: Assessments of the lab’s technological capabilities needs for upgrades.

Supply and Demand Balance: Balancing the supply of blood with the demand from patients can be challenging, especially in region with variable donation rates and medical emergencies.

Community Health Issues: Local health challenges such as high rates of infectious diseases, malnutrition, and maternal and child health issues add to the hospital’s workload and resource needs.

Challenges and Opportunities: Issues faced by the hospital, such as financial constraints, infrastructure limitations, or specific healthcare challenges in the community, as well as opportunities for improvement and expansion of services.

Recommendations:

Recommendations for Lascanod General Hospital will focus on several areas to enhance healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes:

*Infrastructure and Facilities*: Invest in upgrading and maintaining hospital facilities, including patient wards, operating rooms, and diagnostic equipment, to ensure they meet current medical standards.
*Staff Training and Development*: Provide continuous education and training programs for healthcare staff to keep them updated with the latest medical practices and technologies.
*Patient Care and Experience*: Implement patient-centered care approaches to enhance the overall patient experience, focusing on communication, empathy, and timely access to healthcare services.
*Community Engagement*: Strengthen community outreach programs to promote health education, disease prevention and public awareness to early detection.
*Quality Assurance and Patient Safety*: Establish robust quality assurance measures and patient safety protocols to minimize medical errors, improve infection control practices, and ensure safe patient care.
*Collaboration and Partnerships*: Foster collaborations with other healthcare providers, NGOs, and governmental agencies to leverage resources, share best practices, and expand access to specialized healthcare services.
*Financial Sustainability*: Develop sustainable funding strategies to support ongoing operations, infrastructure development, and procurement of essential medical supplies and equipment.
*Research and Innovation*: Encourage research initiatives and innovation within the hospital to contribute to medical advancements and evidence-based practices in healthcare delivery.
*Emergency Preparedness*: Enhance readiness for emergency situations through regular drills, adequate staffing, and stockpiling of essential supplies to respond effectively to crises and disasters.
The *Radiology Department*: Lascanod General Hospital faces several challenges that affect its ability to provide efficient and effective diagnostic services. Addressing these challenges will require a combination of increased funding, investment in new technology, staff training, and improved infrastructure.

The Somali Canadian Federation and Development noted these issues during their visit and committed to exploring potential solutions and support to help the department overcome these obstacles.

By focusing on these recommendations, Lascanod General Hospital can strengthen its role as a cornerstone of healthcare provision in the region, ensuring high-quality, accessible, and patient-centered care for the community it serves.

Conclusion

The visit by the Somali Canadian Federation and Development to Lascanod General Hospital provided valuable insights into the hospital’s operations and the challenges it faces. The group was impressed by the dedication and professionalism of the hospital staff, despite the resource limitations.

Meternity ward