Freetown: The Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, on Thursday officially commissioned the newly refurbished Connaught Hospital Mortuary in Freetown, describing the project as a new chapter of professionalism, dignity, and respect for the dead.
According to Sierra Leone News Agency, Dr. Demby stated that the facility, which underwent six weeks of intensive renovation, has been transformed from a state of neglect into a modern space that meets international standards. The upgrade focused on structural improvement, enhanced functionality, and the restoration of dignity in how the deceased are handled.
The mortuary now features expanded spaces, modern lighting systems, high-quality furnishings, and state-of-the-art post-mortem equipment. Three brand-new cold rooms have also been installed, each with individual compartments to ensure one body per chamber, preserving privacy and respect for the deceased. The upgrades include a reliable water system with both hot and cold supplies, CCTV cameras for security and
accountability, and a serene, well-ventilated environment befitting a national referral hospital.
Dr. Demby emphasized that the mortuary should be viewed as a place of honor, not neglect. “It’s a place where we should pay our last respects to loved ones who pass away,” he said, adding that how the dead are treated reflects the values of the community. The refurbished mortuary will also serve as a teaching and training center for medical and mortuary professionals, helping to nurture the next generation of pathologists. Staff have received specialized training in customer care, professionalism, and ethics, and now wear uniforms that reflect pride and compassion in their duties.
For more than two decades, the Connaught Hospital Mortuary had not seen major structural or equipment upgrades. The previous facility was dilapidated, with outdated cold rooms that often broke down. Poor ventilation and inadequate preservation led to unbearable conditions for staff and visitors alike. That situation, according to Dr.
Demby, is now a thing of the past. The refurbished mortuary represents the Ministry’s renewed commitment to modern healthcare delivery and human dignity.
The transformation was made possible through the leadership of Dr. Demby and the support of the Government of Sierra Leone, Ministry of Health staff, and development partners in the health sector.