The Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), in pursuit of excellence in healthcare training and service delivery, launched the Caregiver Academy on Wednesday at Ikeja.
Prof. Adetokunbo O. Fabamwo, Chief Medical Director of LASUTH, in his address at the launch, expressed his enthusiasm about the Academy’s establishment, emphasising its pivotal role in elevating healthcare services.
Fabamwo revealed that the initiative conceived by the management arose from the recognition of the huge gap in the labour force for professional caregivers both at home and abroad. He said a lot of individuals with aged parents are unable to stay and care for them at home or the hospital because of their jobs.
In his words, “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 establishment of five different training schools, including the Caregiver Academy”.
He confirmed that the Academy is affiliated with a UK institution that offers students the opportunity to complete additional modules virtually and receive certification. Prof. Fabamwo assured students of excellent facilitators and a comprehensive learning experience.
The Honourable Commissioner for Health, Prof. 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 said, “Caregivers are the unsung heroes of our society. They provide comfort, support and compassion to those in need, often sacrificing their well-being in the process. The leadership of the hospital recognises the invaluable role they play and seeks to empower them with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to thrive in their vital roles”.
Dr. Oluwatoni Adeyemi, the Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Health, noted that this milestone by the management of LASUTH is a noble one, just as she 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.
The inauguration ceremony, graced by esteemed medical professionals and dignitaries, highlighted LASUTH’s dedication to fostering a culture of excellence in caregiving. The Caregiver Academy is an initiative by the amiable leadership of the hospital, aiming at enhancing the skills and knowledge of healthcare providers within LASUTH and beyond.
