Freetown — Manager of the Connaught hospital in central Freetown has said that the unit succeeded in reducing infant mortality rate by 1% in 2008.

Ibrahim Turay told journalists at the ministry of health conference room, Youyi building that the hospital had 32% more patients and 35% more surgical procedures in 2008 than the previous years. He said the recovery rate had also improved.

Turay said the general attendance of patients in 2008 was 15,080, of which 533 died for a mortality rate of 3.5%. In 2007, there were 10,079 patients and 459 deaths - a mortality rate of 4.5%.

He said the emergency cases they received were 3,855 with a corresponding death of 184, which is equivalent to 4.7% mortality rate.

"I must say that there had been a wide coverage in the accident and emergency department as any given point in time you will always find doctors and nurses in the department," Turay said.

The improvements are in part due to improvements in diagnostic facilities, including the installation of a CT scanner and other medical equipment for emergencies. In 2009, the hospital plans to upgrade other facilities, including the forensic lab, diagnostic units and the water supply.

The ministry is also planning to address issues related to the conditions of service for staff.

Minister of health and sanitation, Dr. Soccoh Kabia said the way the hospital is working shows that the staff are professionals.

"The APC government is determined to push the country ahead in terms of improving the lives of people in the country," Dr. Kabia said. "The government is very determined to see a change in maternal and infant mortality rate in the country," he added.