Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH)

The Lagos State University Teaching Hospital Ikeja emerged from a modest cottage hospital which was established 25th of June, 1955 by the old Western Nigeria and later converted to a teaching hospital in July 2001. LASUTH is a state-owned teaching hospital in Lagos, Nigeria, attached to the Lagos State University serving as a major public health center funded by Lagos state and a referral center for the city of Lagos and surrounding neighborhoods.

When was the original hospital that became LASUTH established?

The Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, emerged from a modest cottage hospital established on the 25th of June, 1955 by the old Western Regional Government to provide healthcare services for the people of Ikeja and its environment.

What was the original status of the hospital?

The cottage hospital later became a full-fledged general hospital that served as a secondary-level healthcare facility.

Why was LASUTH established?

The need for a tertiary healthcare facility to train doctors and allied health professionals, while delivering high-quality clinical services, led to the transformation of the Ikeja General Hospital into a center of excellence.

When did the transformation to LASUTH occur?

The Lagos State Government formally upgraded the facility in July 2001, turning it into the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

How does LASUTH compare among teaching hospitals in West Africa?

Despite its relatively young age, LASUTH is considered one of the foremost teaching hospitals in West Africa in terms of high-quality services delivered by skilled professionals using state-of-the-art equipment.

Who is the current leadership of LASUTH and what are his qualifications?

Currently, Professor Adetokunbo O. Fabamwo is the Chief Medical Director of LASUTH. In addition to MBChB, he holds Fellowships in Obstetrics and Gynecology from the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria and the West African College of Surgeons. As DCST/CMAC, he was appointed 19 years ago, when Dr. Olugbile was the Chief Medical Director. At the Ifako Ijaiye General Hospital, he is Consultant for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology at the College of Medicine.

What are the major clinical departments at LASUTH?

LASUTH’s clinical departments include ANAESTHESIA, CHILD DENTAL HEALTH, DIETETICS, EAR, NOSE & THROAT, FAMILY MEDICINE, HAEMATOLOGY, MEDICAL SOCIAL SERVICES, and MEDICINE. Clinical Hematology, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Cardiology, Respiratory, and Nephrology are included in the Medical Department. Aside from the Nursing Services department, there is also a department for Ear, Nose, and Throat, a department for family medicine, a department for haematology, a department for pediatric dental health, a department for accident and emergency, a department for community health and primary care, a department for clinical pathology, a department for anesthesia, and a department for anatomical and molecular pathology.

What advanced medical facilities and infrastructure does LASUTH have?

Medical equipment and facilities at LASUTH are among the most advanced in Lagos State. With a 24-hour Accident and Emergency Unit and a triage system, there are over 20 operating rooms for various surgeries in the hospital. Modern intensive care units (ICUs) are equipped with state-of-the-art life support systems, and advanced diagnostic equipment such as CT scanners, MRI scanners, X-ray machines, and ultrasound machines are also available. Over 1,000 beds are available at the hospital, and specialized centers are also available.

What are LASUTH’s achievements in cardiac surgery and transplants?

It was at LASUTH that the first cardiac surgeries for congenital and acquired diseases were performed in December 2004. In the past decade, LASUTH has performed 24 open heart surgeries, and the first successful kidney transplant in the hospital was performed on 12 November 2015. In partnership with other institutions in the ‘LOT’ collaboration, the hospital has been fully accredited for its Cardiothoracic Surgery Training Fellowship Programme by the West African College of Surgeons.

What emergency and intensive care services does LASUTH provide?

LASUTH provides 24-hour emergency services with A 24-hour Accident and Emergency Unit equipped with a triage system to handle emergencies efficiently. The hospital has expanded its ICU capacity and commissioned New Intensive Care and has expanded its ICU capacity with the procurement of 5 Brand New Ventilators and 4 Brand New Cardiac Monitors. The hospital also has 4 Theatre Spaces equipped for enhanced surgical capacity.

What specialized training schools and programs does LASUTH offer?

A variety of specialized training programs have been established at LASUTH to help healthcare professionals gain critical skills. It operates several schools, including the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital School of Anaesthetic Technology, the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital School of Orthopedic Cast Technology, and the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital School of Echocardiography. It also houses Institute of Advanced Professional Diploma in Hospital Administration and Management, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Caregivers Academy, and Lagos State University Teaching Hospital School of Paramedics Technology (LASUTHPMB).

What dialysis and nephrology services are available at LASUTH?

There are 24 dialysis beds in LASUTH’s Special Services Centre, 20 recovery and general ward beds, as well as two high dependency wards with five beds each. As well as offering cutting-edge treatments and innovative research to kidney-related patients, the hospital also has The Nephrology Unit. The dialysis center is managed by Renal Dialysis Centre with a 24-hour emergency line +234(0)810 000 0178.

What community health and public health services does LASUTH provide?

During May 2013, LASUTH began offering services under the Community Health and Primary Health Care Department of the esteemed tertiary health institution, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital. Each subunit in the department plays a specialized role; for example, the Occupational Health And Staff Wellness Clinic operates daily with consultants available on various days, and the Immunization And Family Planning Unit holds clinics on Tuesdays and Thursdays. As part of the department’s operations, the Chest (DOTS) Clinic runs daily, and the Epidemiology & Global Health Unit is actively involved in disease control, adolescent health, and youth friendly clinics.

What trauma and burns care facilities does LASUTH have?

LASUTH runs specialized trauma and burns facilities under the supervision of Dr. Taiwo Omosebi, who leads the team of burn specialists and trauma traumatologists at the Burns & Trauma Centre (LASUTH Annex – Gbagada). Researchers from the Burn/Trauma Center, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) and Burns and Plastic Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Lagos State University (LASU), Ikeja-Lagos, Nigeria have published a study on practice of first aid in burn injuries in developing countries such as Nigeria.

What government support and recent achievements has LASUTH received?

With the help of Mr. Akeem Muri Okunola, current Head of Service, the hospital has received considerable government support. Akeem Muri Okunola was able to bring the issue of hiring more staff to the Executive Governor’s attention, and 120 Resident Doctors have been hired. Also, Mr. Governor approved the hospital’s plan to perform free open heart surgeries on 50 Lagos citizens.