Matron Betsy Deen Elevating Surgical Care in Sierra Leone
Leading Healthcare Transformation at Connaught Hospital
Running a hospital requires skilled leadership and a keen ability to manage complex operations. At Connaught Hospital’s surgical department in Freetown, Matron Betsy Deen has been at the forefront, ensuring smooth surgical procedures and raising healthcare standards across Sierra Leone through training and collaboration.
Bridging the Gap with Mercy Ships
During the 2023-24 field service of international charity Mercy Ships in Freetown, healthcare professionals participated in specialized training programs under the Education, Training, and Advocacy (ETA) initiative. Matron Deen played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration between Mercy Ships and Sierra Leone’s medical community. Her presence aboard the Global Mercy™ facilitated knowledge exchange, benefiting both her team and the broader healthcare network.
Breaking Barriers in Surgical Care
With over three decades of experience in the surgical field, Matron Deen has been instrumental in training and mentoring the next generation of surgical nurses. Her participation in the ETA program provided valuable insights into surgical services, hospital administration, and patient care.
“Through the ETA program, I was able to broaden my horizon of knowledge on areas such as team building, patient safety, patient satisfaction, administration in the operating theatre, and sterile processing,”
Deen shared.
Women Leading Change in Global Healthcare
Women in healthcare are at the forefront of transformation across Africa, and Matron Deen’s leadership exemplifies this impact. Beyond managing surgical procedures, she fosters continuous learning and development in the sector. Through Mercy Ships’ training, she has gained new perspectives and is applying them to enhance surgical care in Sierra Leone.
“The training that nurses receive from Mercy Ships is vital because it exposes them to international standards. I was able to take training back from an international hospital and share my learnings with those who didn’t have the opportunity to attend,”
she explained.
Strengthening Sierra Leone’s Healthcare System
By integrating new surgical management techniques into her department, Matron Deen is ensuring a long-lasting impact. She has encouraged her team to participate in training aboard the Global Mercy, reinforcing the hospital’s capacity for quality surgical care.
“The most impactful experience for me was the opportunity to be part of the team briefing on the Global Mercy. This structure helped me refine our own surgical schedules, anticipate cancellations, and address special patient needs,”
she said.
A Sustainable Future for Healthcare
Matron Deen recognizes the crucial role of partnerships in advancing medical services. The collaboration between Mercy Ships and the Ministry of Health not only provides free surgeries for those in need but also equips healthcare professionals with enhanced skills and knowledge.
“This partnership is essential as it provides critical surgical care while simultaneously investing in the training of healthcare personnel. Training like this indirectly saves thousands of lives,”
she emphasized.
With Mercy Ships continuing its work in Sierra Leone and Madagascar in 2025, the mission to empower healthcare professionals like Matron Deen remains strong. As more women take leadership roles in healthcare, communities across the region stand to benefit, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future for all.