Sodiq Ojuroungbe
The Lagos State University Teaching Hospital has launched a Caregiver Academy aimed at improving the quality of healthcare delivery in the state.
The new academy, established with support from the state government, seeks to train and equip individuals with the necessary skills to provide high-quality care to patients.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Adetokunbo Fabamwo, said the Caregiver Academy is an initiative of the hospital leadership aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of healthcare providers within LASUTH and beyond.
He expressed enthusiasm about the academy’s establishment, emphasizing its pivotal role in elevating healthcare services.
The CMD revealed that the initiative arose from the recognition of a significant gap in the labour force for professional caregivers, both at home and abroad.
He noted that many individuals with elderly parents are unable to stay and care for them at home or the hospital because of their jobs.
Fabamwo said, “Historically, the nursing profession has been known to nurse and care for patients, but we are in an era of diminishing workforce, and so the need for a new cadre to interface and care for patients is necessary, hence the creation of this academy.
“LASUTH has a successful track record of providing top-quality healthcare training services with the established five different training schools, including the Caregiver Academy,” he stated.
The CMD, however, cautioned students of the academy against mistaking the caregiver training for nursing or medical school.
He revealed that the academy is affiliated with a UK institution that offers students the opportunity to complete additional modules virtually and receive certification.
Fabamwo assured the students of excellent facilitators and a comprehensive learning experience.
The Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, who was represented by the Director of Medical Laboratory Services, Mr Olanrewaju Jenrola, applauded the management of the hospital for contributing immensely to the healthcare sector with the different initiatives stemming from LASUTH.
He added, “Caregivers are the unsung heroes of our society. They provide comfort, support, and compassion to those in need, often sacrificing their own well-being in the process. The leadership of the hospital recognizes the invaluable role they play and seeks to empower them with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to thrive in their vital roles.”
The Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr Oluwatoni Adeyemi, noted that the initiative is a milestone made by the management of LASUTH and congratulated the pioneer students of the Caregiver Academy.
She said the students are quite fortunate to be a part of the maiden set to benefit from such an initiative at a time when trained caregivers are needed.
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