Rashid S. Conteh Memorial Hospital - Project Expansion

Preparing for Third-Story Concrete Floor

As the concrete for the second story set, conversations between construction managers, architects, engineers, and Dr. Sesay turned toward the future. From the start, the vision had been to establish a fully operational hospital on the site of the Evans Medical Centre. Now, with a solid foundation and two stories in place, a new possibility emerged: expanding upward to add a third and fourth floor—reshaping the long-term construction plan.

This option brings practical and economic advantages. Many of the materials already in use can be repurposed for the upper floors. In the face of high inflation in Sierra Leone, continuing construction now is not only efficient but also cost-effective.

The third-story concrete floor was completed on May 29, 2025. The immediate goal is to finish the fourth floor and install the roof by the end of July 2025. Once complete, the third floor will provide additional private and semi-private patient rooms, while the fourth floor will serve as living quarters for an on-site surgeon and other medical staff.

Providing onsite accommodations for medical professionals—particularly in rural areas—has become increasingly common in Sierra Leone. Planning for these facilities now is essential to ensure the hospital is fully staffed when it opens. Onsite housing helps address several key challenges:

1. Recruitment and Retention – A lack of suitable housing often deters healthcare workers from taking rural postings. Hospitals that have invested in staff accommodations have seen improvements in retention and service quality.

2. Safety and Accessibility – Transportation in rural areas can be unreliable or dangerous, especially at night. Having staff live near the hospital ensures they can respond quickly and safely during emergencies.

3. Improved Working Conditions – Onsite housing reduces commuting stress and fosters a sense of community among staff. It also helps ensure 24/7 patient care.

4. Support from Government and NGOs – Recognizing these needs, the Sierra Leonean government and several NGOs have launched initiatives to build staff quarters across the country.

By the end of July, we expect the roof to be in place, allowing interior work—plumbing, electrical, tiling, and window and door installation—to proceed steadily. While we don’t yet have a target completion date, we are optimistic that the hospital will open sometime 2026.

The Rashid S. Conteh Memorial Hospital will provide vital healthcare services to the Lungi community. More than just an emergency surgical center, it will offer inpatient care that has long been needed in the region. We are thrilled about the expansion and the progress toward making the vision a reality.