ROYAL CROSS METHODIST HOSPITAL,
UGWUEKE
@ 10
(2002 – 2012)
PROVIDING EFFECTIVE MEDI-CARE
TO THE RURAL POPULACE
by
PAUL OKOJI OKORIE.
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreword
Acknowledgements
Chapter 1:
Introduction
Chapter 2:
The Beginning of the Journey
Chapter 3:
A Dream Come True
Chapter 4:
Development and Expansion
Chapter 5:
Economic and Social Impact
Chapter 6:
Future Aspirations
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FOREWORD
In 1995 the Synod of Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Uzuakoli
under the leadership of Rt. Rev. N. O. Eke observed with dismay the
level of poverty, ignorance and low level of health education in Bende
Local Government Area and the inability of Government to provide all
the necessary facilities for the healthy living of the rural populace.
As a caring mission, the Diocese decided to build a medical institution
of International standard as its own contribution to the welfare of the
citizenry. In deciding the location, it was recalled that Ugwueke
community had in 1976 donated a large expanse of land to the
church on which the Ugwueke Methodists started the construction of
a procathedral building for General worship.
A proposal was put together and forwarded to the Wesley Guild UK
(Nigeria Health Care project) requesting for funding for the hospital.
Responding after several fact-finding visits, the Wesley Guild donated
an initial sum of ₤5,000 with which construction work started. Rt.
Rev. C. N. Ede had taken over as the Bishop of Uzuakoli Diocese
and on arrival started serious construction work demarcating the
uncompleted procathedral building into rooms and wards. The
Ugwueke Methodists had earlier donated to the church an
uncompleted building valued at N5 million naira. The foundation
stone laying ceremony was performed in 1999 by the wife of the
former Governor of Abia State Dr. (Mrs.) Ifeoma Uzor Kalu on
September 11, 1999.
On August 13, 2002 a 25-bedded hospital was commissioned by then
Abia State Governor Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu represented by the
commissioner for Health. The main aims of the Medical project were:
i.
ii.
iii.
To provide effective and affordable medicare to the rural
populace.
To organize health care education programmes on
environmental and personal hygiene in order to prevent the out
break of diseases.
To reduce the incidence of water borne diseases such as
cholera by mounting public enlightenment programmes and
securing treated water to the hospital.
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iv.
To economically empower the rural population by creating jobs
and eradicating ignorance and poverty.
Within 10 years of its existence (2002 – 2012), the hospital under the
leadership of Dr. Hans Van Den Corput – a Dutch Missionary doctor
has grown from 25 beds to 120 beds. It has also expanded by
establishing another 40 bedded hospital – Beautiful Gate Methodist
Hospital, an annex at Ozuitem. Furthermore, plans have reached
advanced stage for the establishment of a School of Nursing at
Ugwueke to provide the necessary manpower needs of the hospital.
The objective of this book is to trace the history of this humble
beginning to its maturity at 10 and project the future of the hospital as
one of the best mission hospitals east of the Niger. To God be the
glory.
4
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This history of Royal Cross Methodist Hospital, Ugwueke which has
made tremendous impact in the life of the Diocese of Uzuakoli cannot
be complete without showing appreciation to the key-actors who
made the realization of the project possible. These are the Wesley
Guild UK, Rt. Rev. N. O. Eke, Rt. Rev. Barr. C. N. Ede, Lady
Rosalind Nkechi Colwill, Rt. Rev. C. R. Opoko, Sir Paul Okorie,
Methodist World Church Office, London, British High Commission,
Irish Embassy, Australian Embassy, Uzuakoli Support Group UK,
Bob Jarrett and his friends and of course the immediate past Prelate
Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Sunday Mbang for his fatherly love and
support. Also to be acknowledged are members of the Board of
Governors of the hospital who brainstormed, nurtured the idea and
saw the project through to fruition. The support of the MCN Diocese
of Uzuakoli cannot be overemphasized. The efforts of the Medical
Director Dr. Hans Van Den Corput who worked so relentlessly to
build up the hospital from scratch to an institution of International
standard is highly appreciated.
This book is dedicated to Almighty God for his miraculous healing,
care and protection and to all lovers of Humanity.
5
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION - THE COMMUNITY
There lay a community in Bende North Constituency of Abia State,
Nigeria bordering Akaeze and Ishiagu in Ebonyi State in the North,
Alayi in the South, Item in the East and Isuikwuato in the West. The
population according to 1993 population census was close to 20,000
and has now grown to about 45,000. it has vast rich unexplored and
unexploited arable land. The inhabitants are basically farmers who
produce large quantities of yam, cassava, vegetables, maize, rice
and cocoyam but without access road to evacuate and market their
farm produce. This community in addition to being denied access
road has until recently no electricity and portable water. The only
source of drinking water is the Eze River which transcends across all
the villages that make up the community. By its look, the eze water
can be described as unfit for human consumption, but it is the water
that has sustained the population since creation, producing academic
and business gurus and industrialists. The community is UGWUEKE
in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria.
History has it that the road linking Akaeze in Ebonyi State with Alayi
in Abia State was constructed by the colonial masters through selfhelp efforts of the people. All the able-bodied men were mobilized in
the 1930s to construct the road which is only 23 kilometres from Alayi
junction to Akaeze joining the Okigwe-Afikpo high way. It is indeed
the shortest road from Abia State to Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State
capital. Previous administrations have ignored this agriculturally rich
community. Noticing the apparent neglect by the Government, the
people have through communal efforts constructed bridges and
culverts, the latest being the construction of two giant bridges, Eze
and Ogbukwu by the Ugwueke Development Women Association –
an arm of Ugwueke Development Union at a cost of over N10m. The
Development Union also built the only Secondary School in the
community.
Methodist Missionaries entered Ugwueke in Ovim Circuit, in the then
Diocese of Umuahia in the 20s and built in 1937 the Ugwueke Central
School which has produced eminent men and women.
Ugwueke and its immediate neighbours Ezeukwu, Alayi, Item and
Akaeze had in the past witnessed epidemic outbreak which claimed
6
many lives especially children and women. The main source of water
supply is the Eze River as no successful and sustainable borehole
has been sunk in the community. The decision of Methodist Church
Nigeria, Diocese of Uzuakoli to site a medical institution of repute in
Ugwueke was informed by this ugly development in order to reduce
infant mortality and the loss of pregnant and nursing mothers by the
constant outbreak of cholera, measles and other infectious and
communicable diseases.
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CHAPTER TWO
THE BEGINNING OF THE JOURNEY
In 1976, the late Rt. Rev. James U. E. Iheaka, the Methodist Bishop
of Umuahia Diocese undertook an Episcopal tour of Ugwueke in the
then Item Circuit. During the visit, the Ugwueke Community joyfully
donated a large expanse of land to Methodist Church Nigeria for a
development project. In receiving the donation, the Bishop promised
to attract a project that would enhance the name of Methodism as a
caring and development-oriented mission. Between 1976 and early
80s nothing happened on the land. Worried about the apparent
inactivity, Ugwueke Methodist Brethren got together and proposed
the building of a 3000-capacity Procathedral to be used during
combined services held during Christmas, Easter and other festive
occasions when all Methodists home and abroad shared fellowship.
The proposal was approved as a unifying factor for Ugwueke
Methodists. Launching and fund raising events were organized and
the foundation laying ceremony was officiated by late Bishop Iheaka.
Construction work progressed well up to lintel level when available
funds were exhausted. After that, work grounded to a halt and the
project was abandoned mainly due to lack of funds. A think bush
developed on the site covering the structure for many years. In 1995,
after the creation of Uzuakoli / Item Diocese the first Annual Synod of
the Diocese revisited the issue of development of the land and
formed a committee to come up with recommendations. Members of
the committee were Chief Paul Okorie – Chairman, Lady Nkechi
Colwill – Secretary, Rt. Rev. C. R. Opoko, Mrs. S. D. Uko, Mrs. P. O.
Udensi and Elder Dick Chukwu.
By 1996, the committee’s report was debated and approved and the
committee was mandated to prepare proposals for funding of a
Medical Centre. This proposal was written and vetted by the Bishop
Rt. Rev. Nelson O. Eke, Lady Rosalind Nkechi Colwill and Rt. Rev. C.
R. Opoko; and forwarded to Wesley Guild United Kingdom. Two
inspection visits were carried out by the Wesley Guild United
Kingdom in 1996 and 1998. The Prelate Emeritus His Eminence Dr.
Sunday Mbang also visited the proposed site. During the 1998 visit,
something remarkable happened.
On arrival to Ugwueke,
presentations were made to the Wesley Guild team stressing the
need for a Medical facility for Ugwueke because the nearest hospital
8
to the community is Umunnato General Hospital located about 20
kilometres away. Many lives were lost during outbreaks of cholera
and other diseases as sufferers died before they could reach the
Hospital. The Wesley Guild after listening to the presentations
observed that there was a health centre opposite the proposed site.
The Health Centre is owned by the Catholic Church and sponsored
by a German Organization. The chair of Wesley Guild, Peter Grubb
remarked that the Guild was not in competition with the Catholic
church but complement each other’s efforts to ensure that the people
especially the rural populace are provided with qualitative medical
facilities. On entering the Catholic Health Centre, the Wesley Guild
team inquired from the Sister how often a medical doctor visited the
Clinic, the Sister replied ‘once every six months’, Peter Grubb asked
again when last the Doctor visited the Centre and the Sister replied
‘nine months ago’. The Chair of Wesley Guild United Kingdom, Peter
Grubb exclaimed “if no Medical Doctor had visited the Clinic in
Ugwueke community in the past nine months, then we shall build the
Hospital”. That statement marked the commencement in faith of
Royal Cross Methodist Hospital. By the end of 1998, Rt. Rev. Nelson
O. Eke the pioneer Bishop of Uzuakoli / Item Diocese was translated
to the Diocese of Nneochi, while Rt. Rev. Barr. Christopher N. Ede
was elected by Conference as the Bishop of Uzuakoli. Meanwhile,
the first Grant of five thousand Pounds (N775,720.00) was received
in July 1999 from Wesley Guild United Kingdom for the construction
work. Bishop Ede quickly mobilized building materials and set up a
committee headed by Chief Paul Okorie to plan the foundation laying
ceremony. The ceremony which was performed by Her Excellency
Dr. Mrs. Ifeoma Uzor Kalu, wife of the then Executive Governor of
Abia State, represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs,
Abia State Mrs. Leticia Nzurum on 11th September, 1999 attracted
the presence of many dignitaries locally and internationally.
The Medical Committee commenced the partitioning of the existing
Cathedral external walls into two main blocks right and left wings with
an open courtyard.
The wings were further partitioned into
Consulting rooms, labouratory, theatre, wards, maternity ward,
Nurses’ office and two residential apartments for Senior Nurses. The
second Grant of Five thousand Pounds (N765,000.00) from the
Wesley Guild arrived in August, 2001. Mobilizing all the funds from
Wesley Guild, the Grant from Uzuakoli Diocese, the Synod donation
from Ugwueke and the donation from Gregagh Methodist Church,
9
Belfast Ireland, and the left wing of the Hospital was completed in
2002. During the bi-annual visit of the Wesley Guild in January 2002,
it was agreed that the Hospital could start with the facilities in the left
wing and expand thereafter. The visiting team was however
impressed by the work so far done and promised to make more funds
available.
Meanwhile, Bishop Ede in 2001 had traveled to the United Kingdom
on official visit and used the opportunity to appeal to Methodist World
Church Office in London for assistance. The World Church Office in
response recruited Dr. Hans Van Den Corput while Christians abroad
sent a British volunteer Bob Jarrett as the pioneer Administrator of
the Hospital. In April 2002, Bob arrived with his wife Marilyn who
opted to teach at St. Christopher Methodist Seminary. The couple
lived at the colony and rendered selfless service to humanity. Bob, a
very enterprising man, a retired staff of the European Union made
many connections with the Embassies in Nigeria. Through his effort,
the British High Commission developed interest in Royal Cross
Methodist Hospital set up to serve the down trodden rural populace.
The Embassy gave a Grant for the completion of the right wing of the
main block. The British Embassy also sponsored the construction of
the Male and Female Medical wards and part-sponsored the
construction of the water project.
Dr. Hans Van Den Corput arrived in Nigeria with his wife Mary and
two children in July 2002. Earlier on, interviews for the recruitment of
the Medical and Administrative staff had been conducted. While
anxiously awaiting the arrival of the expatriate Medical Doctor (Dr.
Hans Van Den Corput) and the pioneer expatriate Hospital
Administrator (Bob Jarett), the Medical Board started tidying up all
construction work and making available the facilities needed for the
commissioning and dedication of the 25-bedded Hospital.
The commissioning ceremonies were performed by His Eminence Dr.
Sunday Mbang, the Prelate Emeritus Methodist Church Nigeria,
represented by Bishop Stephen, the then Secretary of Conference
with fanfare and pageantry on August 13, 2002. Important dignitaries
from within and outside Nigeria graced the occasion. The project
started ten years ago with 25-beds has today blossomed to a 120bedded hospital.
10
In November 2007, a new hospital was dedicated at Ogboko Ozuitem
as an extension of the Medical work in the Diocese of Uzuakoli under
the supervision of Dr. Corput. The European Union built a Modern
Health Centre for the people of Eluogo Ogboko Ozuitem who
subsequently donated it to Methodist Church Nigeria Uzuakoli
Diocese. Today, the Hospital has 10 beds and Modern Health
facilities. Dr. Corput and other doctors from Royal Cross Methodist
Hospital visit Ozuitem on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Plans are on hand to recruit a resident doctor. Dr. Corput supervises
the two projects. Meanwhile, a 40 bedded ward project with theatre
and other facilities is nearing completion.
Thus the history of Royal Cross Methodist Hospital is like the biblical
mustard seed which was very tiny at the time of planting but grew to
become a giant tree. At present, there is a proposal to open a School
of Nursing at the Hospital with the collaboration of the Wesley Guild
United Kingdom and the University of Nottingham, England.
Dr. Hans Van Den Corput is a man who has made the Hospital what
it is today. He works out his life to save the soul of those the devil
had afflicted with one ailment or the other. Many sicknesses that had
defied treatment elsewhere were brought to him and by the special
grace of God, such people regained their health. He is a Surgeon per
excellence, a great Physician and at the inception of the Hospital
doubled as Optometrist. Infact, he has made the Hospital a referral
centre. People come from the east, west, north, south and beyond,
and he treated and he restored their health. One thing the Hospital
does not joke with is the daily prayer sessions. Every morning a
minimum of thirty minutes is devoted to the worship of God – singing
praises unto the Lord and pouring out heartfelt supplications. And
God responds to every prayer request. Testimonies abound as
people come from far and near testifying their miraculous healing
after a visit to Royal Cross Methodist Hospital. To them Royal Cross
Methodist Hospital was the last bus stop.
Today, Royal Cross Methodist Hospital has seven Medical Doctors,
one Optometrist, One Matron, six Staff Nurse/Mdiwives, Thirty-four
Auxillary Nurses, 2 Lab Technicians, Eleven Ward maids and
fourteen Administrative staff. Patients come in their hundreds on
daily basis from Abia, Imo, Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra Statea and
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beyond without being deterred by the rural nature of the location and
the bad roads that lead to the Hospital.
God works in a mysterious way. Often times men continue to wander
around in search of what is not to be. The people of Israel wandered
in the wilderness for forty years in search of the Promised Land.
Little did Ugwueke Methodist Brethren know that the land which they
laid the foundation of a Cathedral were laying would turn out to be the
Bethsaida of our time housing a hundred and twenty bedded hospital
that has treated and restored to life, thousands of souls that would
have been lost. A visit to Royal Cross Methodist Hospital Ugwueke
will convince you that Jesus is real. The sick come from far and near
and are healed of all manner of diseases. An old man visited the
Hospital in 2005 shivering with towel tied around his head
accompanied by his children. Shortly on arrival, he was led into the
consulting room of Dr. Hans Van Den Corput, the indefatigable Dutch
Medical Director of the Hospital. Dr. Corput examined him thoroughly
and prescribed some drugs. The old man came out jubilating that the
“White Doctor” had touched him and his ill-health was gone. He
nearly refused taking home the prescribed drugs. The man later
returned to the Hospital to give testimony about what the Lord had
done for him.
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CHAPTER THREE
A DREAM COME TRUE
While finishing touches were being given to the left wing of the
Hospital main block, Bob Jarrett the pioneer Hospital Administrator
arrived Nigeria with his wife and two children in April 2002. Bob, a
retired European Union Management Staff settled down quickly and
applied his wealth of experience in project management and started
tidying up the basic requirements for a take-off. Bob and his wife
Marilyn lived in the Leprosy Centre Uzuakoli, close to St.
Christopher’s Methodist Seminary where Marilyn taught English and
French.
One remarkable thing about this couple is that they both volunteered
to come to Nigeria to use their resources and wealth of experience to
serve humanity. Both inherited new projects and were committed to
develop them. Marilyn developed a syllabus for teaching English and
French in St. Christopher’s Methodist Seminary, while Bob worked
round the clock to develop a Mission Hospital of International repute.
Both were indeed committed, hardworking, selfless and cared more
for the welfare of others than themselves.
Before arriving Nigeria, Bob Jarrett had organized fund raising
activities in his community, the local churches and among his friends
and relations in Europe. The first organization that responded
positively to his appeal was the Grehagh Methodist Church, Belfast in
Ireland, followed by Bob’s friends abroad, his local church St. James
Anglican Church, Shere and the Association Femmes d’Europe,
Brussels.
All donated generously for the development of
infrastructural amenities in the Hospital.
In Nigeria, Bob linked the Hospital with International organizations for
support. He traveled to Abuja and established contacts with various
Embassies appealing for development fund. The British High
Commission through the assistance of its project officer – Colin Wells
responded positively. The first Grant of N1.1m was received from the
Commission for the completion of the right wing of the main block.
Thereafter, Bob settled to plan the commissioning and dedication of
the Hospital.
Staff vacancies were advertised and with the
assistance of Sister Rosalind Nkechi Colwill and the Bishop Rt. Rev.
13
C. N. Ede, candidates were interviewed and successful applicants
appointed. Among the pioneer staff were a Matron, Staff Nurse /
Widwife, four Auxiliary Nurses, Six Ward maids, two labourers and
one Night watchman. The commissioning ceremony was deferred
until after the arrival of the expatriate Medical Doctor – Hans Van Den
Corput.
Meanwhile, the Methodist World Church Office in London, having
agreed with Bishop C. N. Ede to assist the Hospital technically had
advertised, interviewed and recruited an expatriate Medical Doctor for
the proposed hospital. Dr. Hans Van Den Corput had an edge over
other candidates that attended the interview having worked as a
Medical Superintendent at the Presbyterian Hospital Uburu, Ebonyi
State in the 90s.
Dr. Corput arrived Nigeria with his family in July 2002. He is married
to Mary, a virtuous and kind woman committed to the service of
humanity especially the less privileged. She is currently the Matron of
the Motherless Babies Home, Colony. Their marriage is blessed with
two boys (Maurice and Marcel). Since her assumption of duty as
Matron, the lives of the Motherless Babies had changed for better.
They now have the motherly tender love and care that give the
children a sense of belonging.
Before Dr. Corput’s arrival to Nigeria, the Abia State Government had
consented to a request to handover the Uzuakoli General Hospital to
Methodist Church Nigeria. Following a protest by the land donor
communities, the handover plans were frustrated. On arrival, Dr.
Corput felt disappointed over the unwillingness of Government to
fulfill its promises. However, he never allowed this disappointment to
dampen his spirit of ingenuity and professionalism in his chosen
career – Medicine. He believes in the old adage of holding what you
have and valuing a bird in hand more than a thousand in the bush.
He set to work driving from the Leprosy Centre everyday to Ugwueke
and back. Today, a project that was planned to be a Medical Centre
has grown to a 120-bedded hospital of International standard. To
many patients Royal Cross Methodist Hospital is the last ‘bus-stop’.
God has a purpose for Royal Cross Methodist Hospital indeed.
The official commissioning ceremony on August 13, 2002 was
planned big for three major reasons:
14
i.
ii.
iii.
To sensitize the immediate communities on the need for
effective Medicare.
To attract the attention of Government on the need to provide
health facilities to the rural populace and;
To use the forum to raise funds for the provision of
infrastructure in the Hospital.
Invitation letters were sent to the then Abia State Governor Dr. Orji
Uzor Kalu, the Prelate Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Sunday Mbang,
the Methodist World Church Office in London, Bishops and Arch
Bishops, Church dignitaries in Nigeria and the local communities.
August 13, 2002 will ever remain memorable in the history of
Ugwueke. It was a day Ugwueke community was flooded with guests
from across the globe and it was a day the heavens opened up
pouring unrestricted rain from early hours of the morning till 12 noon.
The small stream near the Hospital, Iyiuzu reacted by flooding with
the result that many of the invited guests abandoned their vehicles
and waded through the water. The Prelate who was represented by
the Secretary of Conference Rt. Rev. Mike Stephen arrived with Peter
and Sussan Howdle, President of Methodist Conference in Britain,
Gabrielle Grace, Head of Personnel, Methodist World Church Office,
London, Arch Bishops, Bishops of Methodist Church Nigeria and
ordained Ministers of God, while the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji
Uzor Kalu represented by the commissioner of Health arrived with his
entourage of Commissioners, Special Advisers and Assistants. The
Executive Chairman Bende, Local Government Area, Arch. Felix
Okite and his Councilors were also there.
The Traditional Rulers and the people of Ugwueke turned out in large
numbers to witness the epoch-making event. Politicians and other
important personalities graced the occasion. August 13, 2002
therefore marked the actualization of a dream of providing an
effective and affordable Medicare to the generality of the rural
populace.
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THE STRUCTURE OF MANAGEMENT
A.
THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS
At the helm of affairs of this great institution is a carefully
chosen Board whose membership reflects all interest groups
and professions – such as the Church, Community, Medical
and Administration.
The Board provides broad policy
guidelines for the administration of the hospital. It meets
quarterly to review the implementation of its policies and
directives for good coordination. The members of the Board
who have worked relentlessly to move the hospital forward are:
1.
Elder (Chief) Igwe Ucho – Chairman :
A seasoned
Administrator and retired Local Government Head of Service.
2.
Rt. Rev. Foster O. Ekeleme JP – Member : Bishop of the
Diocese of Uzuakoli who oversees all Methodist Projects in the
Diocese.
3.
Rosalind Nkechi Colwill KJW – Member : Founder, Amaudo
Itumbauzo Mentally ill Destitutes and the Welfare Officer /
Spiritual Director of Ozuzuoke Centre for Spiritual Direction,
Umuhu Ezechi.
4.
Dr. Akobundu C. Origa – Medical Practitioner and Permanent
Secretary, Ministry of Science & Technology, Abia State.
5.
Eze-elect Mark Mbonu – Member : The traditional Ruler elect,
Eluogo Ozuitem Autonomous Community and retired staff of
NTA.
6.
Very Rev. B. U. Okorie – Member : Synod Secretary of the
Diocese of Uzuakoli and Presbyter, Umuimenyi Circuit.
7.
Dr. Hans Van Den Corput – Member : The Medical Director of
the hospital.
8.
Elder Sylvester U. Ufomba – Member : the out gone Diocese
Lay President.
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9.
Sir (Chief) Paul Okorie – Member / Secretary : The
Administrator of the Hospital.
10. Very Rev. S. O. Egbo – Member: The Presbyter, Ugwueke
Circuit
11.
Ezinne Dorothy Uche – Member: Educationist.
12.
Sir (Chief) N. C. Okoronkwo: (Late) Former Arch. Diocesan
Lay President and member Diocesan Council Uzuakoli.
B. THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
A Nine-man Management Committee was inaugurated to meet
regularly and assist the management of the hospital in achieving
results. The committee comprises of men and women of proven
integrity in Management and Administration.
The members are:
1.
Elder Emeka Nwokoro – Chairman: Educationist and lecturer,
Abia State University, Uturu.
2.
Elder O. O. Elekwa – Member: Retired Educationist.
3.
Mrs. Sarah Uko – Member : Retired Chief Nursing Officer.
4.
Dr. Hans Van Den Corput : Medical Director
5.
Elder N. O. Idika – Member : Accountant RCMH
6.
Rev. Chima Chukwu – Member: Chaplain, RCMH
7.
Sir (Chief) Paul Okorie – Member: Hospital Administrator.
THE MEDICAL TEAM
i.
Dr. Hans Van Den Corput – Physician per excellence
Dr. Hans Van Den Corput is a Dutch, born in Deurne Holland,
Netherlands on 27th September, 1958. He was trained in the
Faculty of Medicine of the famous Catholic University of
17
Nijmegen and graduated with flying colours in 1985. He served
with the Medical Branch of the Armed Forces of Netherlands
between 1985 – 1986. After working in different prominent
hospitals in Netherlands, he picked a job as Medical
Superintendent in the Presbyterian Hospital Uburu, Ebonyi
State Nigeria between 1993 and 1997. He returned to
Netherlands in 1997 and practiced Medicine until 2002 when
the Methodist World Church Office, London advertised for a
Missionary Medical Practitioner for Uzuakoli Diocese, Nigeria.
Dr. Corput’s experience in tropical medicine while in Uburu,
Ebonyi State, Nigeria placed him far above his counterparts
during the interview. He was offered the job by World Church
Office and seconded to Nigeria.
Watching Dr. Corput’s
commitment to duty, his love for his profession and his empathy
for the sick, one begins to wonder if he ever sleeps for more
than two hours at night. Working with some professionally
qualified nurses and auxillary nurses he had trained, Dr. Corput
jumped from the Consulting room to the theatre, treating an
everage of 80 (eighty) patients daily and carrying out an
average of 6 (six) surgeries daily (Tuesday through Friday).
The enviable medical records he set at Uburu had earned him
great reputation. Patients traveled in large numbers from
Ebonyi State on motor bike, from Enugu, Imo, Anambra States
and from all corners of Abia in search of effective Medicare.
His mission is to save life and restore the dignity of man before
talking of money. His medical bills are low just enough to break
even and his patients’ care is of international standard.
Between 2002 and 2004 he was the only doctor in the Hospital
working round the clock to cope with the surge in patients’
attendance. How could anybody explain the fact that Dr.
Corput at that time working alone was a Physician per
excellence, a Surgeon, and also doubled as an Optometrist.
He treated all manner of diseases and restored the health of
the sufferers. Testimonies abound of an expatriate doctor in
Ugwueke who has treated successfully sicknesses that defied
cure in many hospitals. Royal Cross Methodist Hospital was
seen by many patients as the last bus stop in Medicare.
The ways of men are not the ways of God. God has a purpose
for everything that exists. So the parcel of land donated to
Methodist Church Nigeria in 1976 earlier proposed for
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agricultural development and later planned for a place of
worship is now hosting one of the best mission hospitals east of
the Niger. Jesus is real here and that is why the management
of the Hospital does not toy with praise worships and morning
devotions each day before the commencement of medical
activities.
ii.
Dr. Aloysius Odili Okoye
Dr. Odili who hails from Ekwulobia, Anambra State Nigeria was
born on 22nd December, 1975. He attended Nwanebo Primary
School, Ekwulobia, Aguata High School, Aguata and the
University of Benin, Nigeria where he bagged the MBBS.
Between 2004 and 2007, Dr. Odili has worked in reputable
hospitals such as Holy Rosary Specialist Hospital and
Maternity, Onitsha, Nnamdi Azikwe University Teaching
Hospital, Nnewi, Tagbo Children Specialist Hospital, Onitsha,
and Madona University Teaching Hospital, Elele. He joined
Royal Cross Methodist Hospital, Ugwueke in May 2007. Dr.
Odili is an energetic, intelligent and devoted medical
practitioner. In the words of Professor J. C. Ogbonnaya, the
then Head of Department of Surgery in Madona University
Teaching Hospital, “Dr. A. O. Okoye displays an excellent
degree of knowledge of basic surgical and general medical
principle and practice”. Like his master (Dr. Hans), Dr. Odili is
extremely hardworking, diligent, and honest and will go places
in the field of medicine. He has won many Awards including a
Certificate of Merit by the College of Medical Sciences,
University of Benin. He has presented several professional
papers at National and International Conferences among them,
“Blount’s Disease”, A paper presented at the First International
Convention of Medical Professionals in 2006.
In September and October 2008, Dr. Odili bagged additional
feathers by being successful at the Primary Fellowship
Examinations in Surgery of both the National Postgraduate
Medical College of Nigeria and the Faculty of Surgery of the
West African College of Surgeons. He is currently at Nnamdi
Azikwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi pursing his postgraduate work in Surgery.
19
iii.
Dr. Uche K. Ebube
Dr. Uche Ebube was born in Ahaba Imenyi, Isuikwuato Local
Government Area on 30th November, 1978. He obtained his
Primary School and Secondary education in Aba and graduated
in Optometry from Abia State University, Uturu in 2004.
Between 2004 and now, Dr. Ebube has held many positions as
Optometrist in Nduaka Foundation (2005 – 2006), General
Hospital, Mary Slessor, Calabar and Obayi Ovim Health Clinic,
Isuikwuato Local Government Area. He joined the services of
Royal Cross Methodist Hospital in September 2007. He
conducts Eye Clinics in Ugwueke on Tuesdays and Thursdays
and at Beautiful Gate Methodist Hospital, Ozuitem on
Wednesdays. Since his assumption of office there have been
testimonies of miraculous healing and the restoration of sights
made possible by God the Pillar of the Hospital.
In 2010, an appeal was made to the Governor of Abia State, Chief T.
A. Orji by His Eminence Dr. Sunday Ola Makinde, Prelate Methodist
Church Nigeria for Doctors to assist the Medical team at Ugwueke.
In April, 2010 the government seconded three Doctors – Dr.
Ahamefula, Dr. Nwaegerue and Dr. Erondu.
In November 2010, Dr. Eke Okereke Kalu joined the Medical team to
progress the work of God. In April 2011 two other doctors Dr. Chima
O. Daniel and Dr. Emmanuel O. Ekekwe joined the team and are all
working very hard to maintain the high medical standard set up in the
hospital.
Together, the eight man medical team led by Dr. Corput work
relentlessly to maintain the high ethical standard set up ten years
ago.
20
CHAPTER FOUR
DEVELOPMENT AND EXPANSION
The history of Royal Cross Methodist Hospital, Ugwueke cannot be
complete without mentioning the contributions of some international
organizations committed to the development and sustenance of the
Hospital. These organizations include the Wesley Guild UK,
Methodist World Church Office London, British High Commission,
Abuja, Uzuakoli Support Group UK, Irish Embassy Abuja, Australian
Embassy Abuja, and Methodist Missionary Society (Ireland).
The Wesley Guild UK
The Wesley Guild UK (Nigeria Health Care Project) is made up of
some committed Christians in the UK who raise funds to support
Health Projects in developing countries. In Nigeria, the Wesley Guild
UK has been instrumental to the funding of Health and Social Welfare
Institutions managed by Methodist Church Nigeria. The Chair of
Wesley Guild is Peter Grubb, a philanthropist whose commitment in
providing for the less privileged cannot be matched by anybody. The
Wesley Guild organizes a bi-annual assessment tour of the projects
they are supporting in Nigeria. The projects they support in the
Diocese of Uzuakoli include the Centre for Mentally ill Destitutes,
Amaudo Itumbauzo, the Leprosy Centre, Colony and Royal Cross
Methodist Hospital, Ugwueke.
Royal Cross Methodist Hospital is the baby of Wesley Guild UK.
Construction work at the site started only on receipt of the first grant
of five thousand Pounds (N775,720) in July 1999 from Wesley Guild
UK. From that date till now, Wesley Guild has made regular Annual
Grants to the Hospital for the provision of infrastructural amenities.
Some of the projects completed with Wesley Guild Grant include the
main block of' the Hospital, Dr. Corput's residence, the second staff
quarters for the Nurses, a block of 2 three bedroom flats for a medical
doctor and Matron and the water project jointly financed by Wesley
Guild, the British High Commission, Uzuakoli Support Group and the
Hospital.
The British High Commission
The British High Commission is one of the major funders of the
Hospital. The interest of the Commission was kindled by Bob Jarrett.
Since then the Commission has been generous to the Hospital.
21
Through Colin Wells the then Project Officer of the Commission,
grants were made available to the Hospital for:





the completion of the right wing of the Hospital main block
the new theatre;
the water project,
the Medical Ward; and
the 60KVA Perkins generator.
On February 18, 2004 the British High Commissioner in Nigeria, Sir
Philip Thomas visited Royal Cross Methodist Hospital Ugwueke
accompanied by the Executive Governor of Abia State Dr. Orji Uzor
Kalu represented by the Speaker of the House of Assembly,
Commissioners, members of Abia State House of Assembly,
Chairmen of Local Governments and other important dignitaries.
While hosting the Commissioner, Management thanked the British
High Commission and pleaded for more assistance in the
development of infrastructure in the Hospital. By August 2004 the
same year, a Grant ofN3.5 million was received for the construction
of a 60-bed (Male/Female) medical ward. In 2005 another Grant was
received for the completion of the water project. In May 2006 the
British High Commission through the Department for International
Development (DFID) donated a 60KVA Perkins Engine Generator to
the Hospital to boost its power supply.
The Uzuakoli Support Group
On return to the UK, Bob Jarrett the pioneer Hospital Administrator,
his wife Marilyn-and a few of their friends who worked in the Diocese
of Uzuakoli, registered a charity in the UK with the sole aim of raising
funds for the welfare projects in the Diocese - the Leprosy Centre, the
Motherless Babies Home, the Seminary and Royal Cross Methodist
Hospital. From 2003 the Uzuakoli Support Group team has been
visiting the projects annually. It has part funded the completion of the
water project, provided hospital beds, mattresses, beddings and
mosquito nets. Bob Jarrett is the Secretary of USG while Marilyn is
the Chair.
The Irish Embassy
In 2006, the Hospital wards were congested as a result of the influx of
patients from far and near. There was a dire need to build more
wards and to create a children's department. At the same time, the
22
number of patients suffering from tuberculosis had increased and
there was the need to build an Isolation ward for closer observation.
An application for funding was sent to the Irish Embassy, Abuja. The
application received a favourable consideration and the sum of N2.1
million was received for the construction of a befitting children's ward
separated from Adult patients and an Isolation ward. Following the
receipt of the Grant, a clean, spacious and well located Isolation ward
for Tuberculosis patients was built in addition to the' Children's ward.
The two projects were completed and dedicated in November 2006 at
a cost of N3,858,200.00.
The Australian Embassy
In 2006 an application for funding the construction of an Incinerator
was made to the Australian Embassy to assist the Hospital in waste
disposal and environmental management. The Embassy approved
the sum of N400,000.00 for the project which was completed at a
cost ofN433,870.
Methodist Missionary Society Ireland
One of the contacts established by Rt. Rev. Barr. C.N. Ede during his
official visit to the UK was the Irish Missionary Society which in 2005
shipped a container load of medical supplies, equipment and books
containing 157 boxes as a donation to support the work of Methodist
Church Nigeria especially in Uzuakoli Diocese. Apart from Royal
Cross Methodist Hospital, other beneficiaries included educational
institutions in Uzuakoli, Umunnochi, Umuahia, Bori Ogoni, Abak,
Igumale Benue State, Ekpoma and Abraka in Delta State. Royal
Cross Methodist Hospital sponsored the clearing and distribution of
the boxes in the container. The Hospital and indeed the Diocese of
Uzuakoli was very grateful to John Parkins and William Carson who
made this possible and thanked Bob Jarrett for assisting in the
clearing of the container.
The Methodist World Church Office, London
The World Church Office, London has made immense contributions
to the development of the Hospital. During Bishop Ede's visit to the
United Kingdom in 2001, discussions were held with the World
Church Office towards assisting the Hospital financially and
technically. The World Church Office accepted to employ a doctor. for
the proposed hospital. No time was wasted in recruiting Dr. Hans Van
Den Corput, a Dutch who arrived Nigeria in July, 2002. The World
23
Church Office has been responsible for the payment of Dr. Corput's
salaries and allowances since his arrival. One thing worthy of mention
about Dr. Corput is that he does not touch any money generated by
the Hospital but diligently deploys all funds towards the infrastructural
development of the Hospital. In addition to the payment of Dr.
Corput's emoluments, the World Church Office provided a brand new
Peugeot 504 Station Wagon service vehicle for his use. Funds were
also provided for the renovation and furnishing of Dr. Corput's house
in the colony. The World Church Office also employed Mrs. Mary
Corput as a Mission Partner deployed as the Matron of the
Motherless Babies Home at the colony.
DEVELOPMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE
After commissioning, the Hospital Board and Management adopted a
strategy of aggressive development of physical infrastructure, service
delivery and manpower development. To achieve this an application
for funding was filed with the British High Commission who graciously
approved the sum of N1,009,200 for the completion of the right wing
of the main block.
i.
The right wing of the main block
Before commissioning, the block work of the main
building was completed and could not be roofed due to
lack of funds. With the release of the British High
Commission Grant, work commenced in earnest. The
block now houses the Female surgical wards I & II, Men's
surgical wards I & II a modern operating theatre, the card
room, Accountant's and Administrator's offices and
Doctor's Consulting Room II.
ii.
The medical wards
In August, 2004 a cheque of N3.5 million was received
from the British High Commission through Colin Wells the
Project Officer of the Commission for the construction of a
block of Medical Wards (Male Wards I & II and Female
Wards I & II). By the middle of 2005, the Ward project
was dedicated by the Prelate Emeritus Dr. Sunday
Mbang. This block houses sixty patients when fully
booked.
24
iii.
Dr. Corput's house
In 2003, an appeal was made to the Wesley Guild UK for
fund to build residential quarters for Dr. Corput who was
travelling from the colony to and from Ugwueke on daily
basis sometimes in the night. The Trustees of the Wesley
Guild quickly responded by approving the sum of N1.09
million for the construction of Dr. Corput's apartment
thereby enabling him to stay at Ugwueke from Monday to
Friday before returning to the colony on weekends to Join
his family.
On receipt of the money, work progressed rapidly and in
six months time a three-bedroom bungalow with modern
facilities was ready for occupation. Thereafter Dr. Corput
arrived Ugwueke on Monday morning and stayed till
Friday evening. The project however, was completed at a
cost of N1.9 million, the difference coming from internally
generated revenue.
iv.
The first staff house for Nurses
The first staff block was designed as a-two-three bedroom
flats with modern facilities to accommodate six nurses.
Construction work started in 2004 with a Grant of N1.8
million from the Wesley Guild and was completed in 2005
at a cost of N2.5 million. It is currently housing two senior
Doctors and the Matron.
v.
The second Staff House
The increase in the number of patients had mounted
undue pressure on living accommodation as the number
of staff had doubled in 2005. With the release of the
Wesley Guild 2005 Grant of N544,800, construction work
started on the second staff house. A ten-room block with
modern facilities was designed to provide accommodation
for a minimum of ten nurses. The project was however
realized at a cost of N3.7 million and it is currently
housing sixteen Nurses. The difference between the
Wesley Guild Grant and the actual cost of the project was
financed from internally generated revenue.
25
vi.
The water project
Since its inception, water supply had been a problem. A
geophysical survey earlier conducted showed that
sustainable water could not be obtained except the borehole is drilled up to 1000 feet. Considering the high cost
of drilling and the uncertainty of drilling without success,
representatives of UNICEF advised the Hospital to lay
pressure pipes from the nearby stream to the Hospital,
build a treatment plant, an underground tank, and an
overhead tank with a 20KVA generator at the river side
and a surface pump to move water up the hill. The project
took off with Grants from the British High Commission,
Abuja, the Wesley Guild UK and Uzuakoli Support Group
UK and was realized in 2007 at a cost of N7.02 million.
Before then the Hospital was spending an average of
N20,000 a week on water supply. The commissioning of
the water project thereby released the tension
experienced in procuring water for the Hospital allseason.
vii.
The Children and Isolation wards
The need to separate children from adult patients became
apparent in 2006 as the number of patients increased
astronomically. An application for funding was filed with
the Irish Embassy for the construction of a 20-bed
children's ward and a block of Isolation wards (Male and
Female) for patients suffering from Tuberculosis and
other infectious diseases. The application was approved
and the sum of N2.1 million released. Both projects were
executed at a cost of N3.8 million and dedicated in 2006.
viii. Incinerator
Waste disposal and management became a problem in
the Hospital as the number of patients increased. An
application for funding to build a functional incinerator was
made to the Australian Embassy in 2006. Granting the
application, the sum of N400,000 was released and the
project was completed at a cost of N433,870.
26
ix.
60 KVA Perkins generator
Ugwueke Community Rural Electrification Project ran into
a hitch with the vandalisation of electric cables in
Isuikwuato and Umuahia axis. The smaller generators
installed by the Hospital could no longer supply adequate
power to the expanded hospital infrastructure.
In 2006 an official of DFID, a department of British High
Commission Abuja - Kevin Gaga visited the Hospital and
was informed of the inadequate power supply to the
Hospital. He promised to assist the Hospital. By February,
2007 the department donated a 60 KVA Perkins engine
generator to the Hospital. This kind gesture was highly
applauded by the Board and Management. The generator
was immediately collected from Ado-Ekiti and installed in
the Hospital. Since then, electric power supply has
improved significantly.
x.
The third Staff House
With the increase in the number of staff to cope with the
expansion of work, management decided to construct a
third staff house to accommodate new doctors and staff
nurses. A block of two-three-bedroom flats was designed
and approved by the Board.
In October, 2007 construction work commenced with
internally generated revenue and was completed in
February 2008. The building provided accommodation for
Pat Griffiths, a British volunteer who came on sabbatical
for 7 weeks in 2008. At present, the block is housing two
medical doctors and six staff nurse/midwifes.
xi.
Beautiful Gate Methodist Hospital, Ozuitem
The European Union built a modem Health Centre for the
people of Eluogo Ozuitem community. In 2005, the
community donated the Health Centre to Methodist
Church Nigeria, Diocese of Uzuakoli. The Hospital was
dedicated on 1st November, 2007 by the Bishop Rt. Rev.
Barr. C.N. Ede. The Hospital had a male ward (4 beds)
and a female ward (10 beds). Dr. Corput visits the
Hospital on Mondays and Fridays while the Optometrist
27
and other doctors visit on Wednesdays. A new block
designed to accommodate male and female wards (40
beds), a modem theatre, nurses' station and
conveniences is under construction and has reached an
advanced level of completion. Efforts are also being made
to position a resident medical doctor at the Hospital. To
this end, Wesley Guild UK made two Grants of N660,000
and N795,000 towards the execution of this project. The
Staff of the Hospital are drawn from Royal Cross
Methodist Hospital and they include the visiting doctors, 1
staff nurse/midwife, 3 auxiliary nurses, 2 ward maids and
2 security men.
xii.
The Perimeter fencing
The perimeter fencing project which took off in May, 2009
became necessary following:
 Cases of trespass on the Hospital land.
 Incident of robbery that occurred in the Hospital in
January
2009.
 Incidents of wild fire spreading from nearby bush into
hospital premises.
 Patients' abscondment after treatment and
 Perceived general insecurity.
The fencing project is on-going starting with the frontal
view and moving towards the back until the project is
completed. Meanwhile, the following organizations have
given financial support towards the execution of the
project - Uzuakoli Support Group £4000 exchanged for
N1,005,000 and Wigmore Abbey Parish of Anglican
Church through Pat Griffiths £600 (N156,000). Total
support received so far towards the execution of the
fencing project amounts to N1,161,000. The Hospital has
so far spent over N3 million on the project.
xiii.
Proposed School of Nursing
During their bi-annual visit in January 2008, the Wesley
Guild UK team discussed the proposal to establish a
school of Nursing in Royal Cross Methodist Hospital in
28
collaboration with the University of Nottingham. A
committee headed by Chief Paul Okorie was set up to
gather the necessary information and liaise with the Abia
State Ministry of Health and the Nursing Council of
Nigeria. The Committee has since submitted the
application to the Ministry, and further discussions are in
progress.
xiv. Manpower Development
The Hospital which started in 2002 with 20 members of
staff Dr. Corput as the only Medical Doctor, 1
Administrator, 1 Matron, 2 staff Nurse/Midwives, 8
Auxiliary Nurses, 1 Clerk, 1 Labourer / Messenger, 1
Security man, I Driver and 2 Cleaners, now has in its
employ 72 members including 7 Medical doctors, 1
Optometrist, 1 Matron, 6 Staff Nurse/Widwives, 34
Auxillary Nurses, 1 Lab. Technician, 11 Ward maids and
14 Administrative and Security Staff.
Constant manpower development programmes including
practicals are organized to update the knowledge of staff
especially those in the Medical Departments.
We have a team of committed and dedicated Christians
who are out to serve humanity and save the lives of those
the devil had taken a toll on. Honesty and transparency
are our watch words.
The proposed School of Nursing is a step towards
ensuring constant training and retraining of our staff.
When operational, there will be exchange of staff and
students between the Hospital and the University of
Nottingham, England.
xv:
New Maternity ward
An illustrious son of Ugwueke and philanthropist Johnson
E. Chukwu has undertaken to build and equip a modern
Maternity ward as his own contribution to improved health
care delivery in the community. Planned to cost over N20
million, the main block is being roofed at the time of
writing and work is progressing steadily.
29
xvi. Hostel for the School of Nursing Students:
Another illustrious son of Ugwueke Dr. Jones Obike
Ogwo, whose foundation UMEHA FOUNDATION has
committed enormous resources in the payment of hospital
bills for indigent patients has offered to build a modern
one storey block for the proposed School of Nursing to
house 50 student Nurses. One thing of note about this
philanthropist is that his free medical treatment cuts
across nativity, tribe or religion. The annual free medical
bills run into millions of naira. Work will soon commence
on the hostel project.
It will be recalled that the Minister of Health Professor
Onyebuchi Chukwu laid the foundation stone of the two
projects XV and XVI on 22nd August, 2010.
30
CHAPTER FIVE
ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL IMPACT OF THE HOSPITAL
The Hospital has made tremendous economic and social impacts on
the host community. Firstly, it has placed the name of the community
on the world map. Visitors from Europe and other continents come
regularly to the Hospital. Some medical students from England chose
to do their elective courses and acquire experience on tropical
medicine in the Hospital. Doctors, Nurses and other medical
personnel from England elect to come to the Hospital for their
sabbatical. Secondly, the Hospital premises has become a beehive of
economic activities thereby providing employment for men and
women trading on food items, provisions, recharge cards, fruits and
vegetables. A number of eating houses have sprung up in the
Hospital providing food for the patients who cannot prepare their own
food.
Thirdly, Okada riders are making brisk business. The road from Alayi
through Ugwueke to Akaeze is in a deplorable condition. The
administration of Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu awarded the contract, constructed
only three kilometres and abandoned it. Only very few determined
drivers can put their vehicles on this road especially in the rainy
season. Vehicle maintenance constitutes a drain on the resources of
the Hospital. The only alternative means of transportation to the
Hospital especially for patients coming from Ebonyi and Enugu states
is the commercial motorcycle (Okada). Young men in Ugwueke and
the environs have abandoned their farming activities and other trades
for Okada riding. Patients from Ebonyi and Enugu states hire
commercial motorcycles for the journey to and fro. Some sensible
riders have made money enough to buy more motorcycles and give
out to other riders on hire purchase. Some have even invested in
other economic ventures.
Fourthly, the Hospital has provided a forum for social interaction and
cultural exchange. Some patients or their carers have found their visit
to the Hospital as an opportunity to select suitors and get married.
Friendship and intimate relationships have developed between the
host community and the communities of the patients thereby bridging
their cultural differences.
Indeed many people who would never have known or heard about
Ugwueke in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State are now
31
conversant with the environment. The host community has been
friendly and supportive as there have been no incidents of
misunderstanding between the Hospital and its host community.
The community has benefited immensely from the Hospital. Before
the establishment of the Hospital, sick people in Ugwueke were taken
to Umunnato the nearest hospital - a distance of over 20 kilometres
and some died before receiving Medicare. Incidents of cholera and
dysentery always reported in the past are now under check as the
Hospital is brought to the door-step of the people. Economic activities
have been enhanced with the increase in the number of visitors to the
community. Food items and farm produce are now easily marketed
and the rural farmers' incomes have received a boost. With prompt
and adequate Medicare, life expectancy is gradually increasing in the
community. Well-to-do individuals in the community are fast acquiring
land near the Hospital for the construction of hotels, eating houses,
shops and other commercial activities.
Finally, since the Hospital is playing a major role in the provision of
primary health care services in the rural area, the attention of
Government at all levels will be drawn towards the provision of
favourable environment and basic amenities for the host community.
Furthermore, as a part of the Hospital social responsibilities,
management from time to time helps out with the maintenance of
failed portions of the road and hosting of security patrol teams.
32
CHAPTER SIX
FUTURE ASPIRATIONS
During his official visit to the Hospital in 2005, the Prelate Emeritus
Dr. Sunday Mbang made a prophetic utterance when he was
dedicating the male/female wards block executed with the Grant from
the British High Commission, Abuja. He said thus:
This hospital is going to be one of the greatest
hospitals in Nigeria, a centre for training and
education of top medical personnel and a referral
centre.
The journey started and steadily the little mustard seed planted ten
years ago has become a gigantic tree providing shade and bearing
fruits for numerous people coming from all parts of Nigeria and
beyond. The Hospital within ten years has grown from 25 to 120
beds. This astronomical growth is the result of team work, the coming
together of people with like spirit, mind and vision dedicated to the
service of God and humanity.
INFRASTRUCTURALDEVELOPMENT
i.
Fencing: The fencing project planned to secure the Hospital
property, ward off encroachment, and beautify the environment
started in May 2009 with some Grants from Uzuakoli Support
Group UK and Wigmore Abbey Anglican Church UK (through
Pat Griffiths) and will continue steadily when funds are available
until the project is completed.
ii.
Equipments: Plans are on hand to procure modern medical
equipment for the Hospital. Meanwhile, patients requiring
scanning and x-ray services are taken to Federal Medical
Centre and other hospitals in Umuahia or Aba. The laboratory
will be fully equipped with sophisticated modem machines that
will make the diagnosis of ailments/sicknesses easy. This will
include x-ray and scanning machines.
iii.
Modern theatre for Ozuitem: The Ozuitem Hospital was
intended to reduce the stress and difficulty of patients within
Uzuakoli, Bende and environs in getting to Ugwueke. A new
block which will provide accommodation for 40 male/female
patients and a modem theatre has reached advanced level of
33
completion. Presently, patients requiring operations are taken
to Ugwueke for surgery. On completion, surgical cases will be
handled at Ozuitem and patients will not need to be transferred
to Ugwueke. A resident doctor will be employed and the
facilities in the Hospital will be expanded.
IV.
Other infrastructure:
(a) Buildings: Staff accommodation project is being pursued
rigorously with internally generated revenue. It is the
policy of the Hospital to house members of staff
especially medical team for more intensive care of
patients. In this respect, more blocks of residential
accommodation will be built.
(b)
Administrative block: A modem office accommodation
will be built to separate the medical block from the
administrative area. Modem office equipment will be
installed. Already internet services have been provided
and a website is being contemplated for the Hospital.
(c)
Lecture Rooms: A block of lecture rooms will be built for
regular training programmes and seminars using internal
and external human resources. Meanwhile, a room
attached to the wards in the main block is being used for
this purpose.
(d)
Amenity Block: It is planned to build an amenity block for
the staff residing within the Hospital. Musical, television
and relaxation equipments and indoor games will be
provided for the comfort of staff, patients, carers and their
visitors.
(e)
Private Rooms: The development plan includes the
building of a block of private rooms with inbuilt toilets and
baths for patients who can afford it.
(f)
Chaplaincy: The expansion of the gospel is paramount in
every activity of the Hospital. Daily routine work
commences with morning devotion where prayers and
supplications are offered to God who has been doing
wonderful works of healing and rehabilitation of
34
individuals afflicted by the devil. Meanwhile, the open outpatient-clinic area is used for morning devotions and
Sunday worships. Appeal for funds to build a befitting
Chapel, offices and changing room for the Ministers of the
Gospel is being organized. Churches abroad have
through Dr. Corput donated ₤3000.00 (N78,000.00) to the
Chapel project. Construction work has begun.
SCHOOL OF NURSING
The Wesley Guild UK had been holding talks with the authorities of
Nottingham University England on the possibility of establishing a
School of Nursing in Royal Cross Methodist Hospital Ugwueke. In
January, 2008 the representatives of Wesley Guild UK and
Nottingham University visited the Hospital and discussions on the
project were held. The University agreed to provide technical support
to the project exchanging staff and students for on-the-job training
and re-training. Wesley Guild UK on their part promised to support
the project and a committee was set up to liaise with relevant
agencies and authorities in Nigeria. Under the scheme, doctors,
nurses and other medical staff and students from the Hospital would
be exchanged for training in specialized areas while the medical staff
and students of the University would come to the Hospital for
enriched knowledge on tropical Medicine. Meanwhile, the Hospital
has acquired adequate land for the School of Nursing project. While
Umeha Foundation a Charity Organisation has offered to build one
storey block to accommodate 50 Student Nurses. The Diocese
Board and Management of the hospital have jointly expressed their
appreciation to Dr. James O. Ogwo the Chairman / CEO of UMEHA
FOUNDATION for their philanthropic gestures.
35