By Joke Kujenya
IMPROVED COMFORT for cancer patients and caregivers has been unveiled at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, following the handover of a new open waiting area by Lifeline Advocacy and Development Initiative (LADI).
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the non-governmental organisation, penultimate week, replaced the old open waiting area with a new facility fitted with interlocking stones and branded tarpaulin.
The space is attached to the Oncology Department at LASUTH, according to the NGO.
Founder, LADI, Mrs Bimbo Oloyede explained that the organisation donated the waiting area for several reasons.
She stated that utmost of the reasons was that the space would be useful on patient treatment days as it would provide extra seating for patients waiting for test results or to see doctors and nurses.
She added that it would also provide seating for caregivers accompanying their loved ones who may not be able to sit in the designated reception area.
Mrs Oloyede said the growing number of patients and caregivers informed the intervention, noting that the waiting area would help create more space within the Oncology Department so that hospital staff could maintain order and streamline activities on patient days.
She said further that the donation forms part of LADI mandate to make patients and caregivers using public hospitals more comfortable.
The waiting area, she also noted, provides seating shelter and ventilation and reduces stress and discomfort.
Also a former ace broadcast journalist, Mrs. Oloyede stated that the new Oncology open waiting area would ensure safety privacy including efficient and professional service delivery that would also enable relatives or caregivers to stay close to patients offering emotional support while preserving the dignity of patients.
Recalling her personal experience, she said, “In 2014 my husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. Between that time and 2017, my family and I spent a lot of time waiting for him, and with him in various hospitals.
“My daughter, Ms. Bukky Oloyede, who is here today, often waited with me during those challenging times. However, because we had assistance, we were privileged most times to sit comfortably and peacefully while he went through tests or received treatment.
“Part of that time was just across the road from here because on three occasions, he was admitted in this ward when fluid gathered in his lungs and he needed the attention of thoracic surgeons.
“I sometimes stood at the window and observed happenings in this building. Certainly we passed the oncology unit each time we drove into these premises.”
She continued, “I spoke to a member of staff here who was very helpful to us at that time. I discussed ways of contributing to the hospital work. We have kept in touch since those days.
“His name is Linus Mattias and I asked him to come today because this waiting area is partly as a result of our discussions several years ago.
“It is also a demonstration of part of the mandate of the LADI, which was launched in 2024, to assist patients and caregivers in public hospitals on treatment days.
“When we donated wheel chairs, reception chairs, inspirational wall frames, drip stands and bedside stools about three months ago, LADI Programme Officer and senior health correspondent, Mrs Oyeyemi Gbenga Mustapha, noticed this space and pointed it out to me.
“We discovered that it was a waiting area attached to the Oncology Department. As I said at the beginning, I have spent many hours just waiting and I shared with my team that we must make this area more comfortable for patients and carers.
“To the glory of God and with the help of my family and team, and the support of the hospital management, I am happy to hand over this waiting area to the management and pray that its purpose to provide some comfort to patients and caregivers, will be fulfilled.
“I also thank our donors and supporters for giving me the opportunity to make this contribution to cancer care. I pray that this is just the beginning.”
JKNewsMedia.com also reports that the Director, Clinical Services and Training LASUTH Prof Adebowale O Adekoya received the facility on behalf of the hospital.
Others also present at the handover were Coordinator Burns and Trauma Centre LASUTH Annex Gbagada Dr Taiwo Omosebi, Deputy Chairman Medical Advisory Committee Clinical Services Dr Bamidele Ayodele, Senior Special Assistant to the CMD Kingsley Dabur, Radiation and Clinical Oncologist Dr Oladunni Yusuf Oduyoye, Dr O Adebiyi Resident Doctor, Dr K Nwosu Resident Doctor, Dr Y Olowolagba Resident Doctor, ADNS Oyebanji Oncology nurse, CNO J Oshoja Oncology nurse, and Admin Officers Mr Abiodun Omotosho, Mrs Olaitan and Mary.
